PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Music fans unable to attend the Newport folk and jazz festivals will be able to listen to some of the concerts online.

NPR Music, dividend of National Public Radio, plans to stream select performances from both festivals. The webcasts also will be archived and available on-demand.

This is the first time NPR Music is webcasting the Newport, Rhode Island, festivals. The folk anniversary runs Friday through Sunday, and the jazz festival is next weekend.

Bob Boilen, host of the NPR Music show “All Songs Considered,” says the initiative is a way to reach more fans than can actually attend the concerts.

He also says it’s a reflection of the excitement generated by the eclectic lineup of this year’s folk festival, which includes Jimmy Buffett, Trey Anastasio and the Black Crowes.