Company Press Release

Natixis Global Asset Management to be Presenting Sponsor of 2011 Newport Jazz Festival

Jazz festival is debut event in NGAM Musical Initiative to enrich lives and benefit communities

NEWPORT, R.I., May 12, 2011 -- Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. announced that Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM), one of the world's leading asset managers, will be the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Newport Jazz Festival, scheduled for August 5-7.

Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Global Asset Management provides investment solutions to both institutional and individual clients.

"As a firm that seeks to achieve excellence in all our efforts, partnering with the legendary George Wein and the world-renowned Newport Jazz Festival is the initial step in a broad NGAM global initiative to 'take and make music around the world'," said John Hailer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Global Asset Management - U.S. & Asia. "We hope this program, which is designed to share musical and cultural benefits with audiences ranging from non-profit organizations to schools to a wide range of communities, will illustrate how business objectives today can be closely aligned with educational, social service and regional needs."

"Joining forces with Natixis Global Asset Management will enhance the outreach of this unique and culturally significant annual celebration," said George Wein, Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. and producer of the Newport Jazz Festival. "We are pleased that this global organization was touched by the magic of the Newport Jazz Festival, and we look forward to working with our new presenting sponsor to bring jazz into the lives of current and new fans alike."

Natixis Global Asset Management
(www.globalam.natixis.com) ranks among the world's 15 largest asset managers.(1) As a multi-boutique company, NGAM brings together the diverse views of 21 specialized investment managers under one umbrella with the belief that this combined expertise offers unique market perspective. The firm spreads this same ideal in the global community by sponsoring programs and events that help enrich the lives of individuals and enhance and preserve the cultural experience for future generations through music.

Performers at the 2011 Newport Jazz Festival Presented by Natixis Global Asset Management include Michael Feinstein "Come Fly with Me" with Special Guest Joe Negri; Wynton Marsalis; Esperanza Spalding; Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band; Al Di Meola World Sinfonia; Hiromi; James Farm with Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman and Eric Harland; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Angelique Kidjo; Regina Carter's Reverse Thread; Charles Lloyd with Special Guest Zakir Hussain; Randy Weston's African Rhythms Trio; Steve Coleman and Five Elements; Mingus Big Band, Apex: Rudresh Mahanthappa & Bunky Green; Grace Kelly with Special Guest Phil Woodsand many more. See the complete daily line-up at www.newportjazzfest.net.

Tickets are on sale worldwide through TicketMaster and www.newportjazzfest.net.

The 2011 Newport Jazz Festival is a production of Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc., a pending 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, under license from Festival Productions, Inc. and George Wein; all rights reserved.