Black Excellence: Nate Smith
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Smith_(drummer)
Ira Nathaniel Smith (born December 14, 1974), generally referred to as Nate Smith, is an American drummer, songwriter, producer, and two-time Grammy Award winner.[1]
Nate Smith Announced as New Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival
NEWPORT, RI (February 12, 2026) — Fresh off of his two GRAMMY wins earlier this month, polymath musician, virtuosic drummer, producer, and bandleader Nate Smith has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival. He will work hand in hand with the Newport creative team to aid with booking, artistic direction, community building and the foundation’s year-round work in jazz education. He will serve in the role for three years beginning with this year’s festival taking place July 31st – August 2nd in Newport, Rhode Island at Fort Adams State Park. Smith takes over the role from Christian McBride, who served in the position for a decade, and festival founder George Wein before him. Smith ushers in this new era following three years of consecutive festival sell outs.