The Newport Folk Festival, a cornerstone of American music festivals with its rich 65-year history, proved once again this past weekend at Fort Adams why it remains a premier event. With a lineup brimming with musical legends, exciting new artists, and unexpected surprises, the festival delivered an experience that was both exhilarating and memorable.
Legendary Performances
The Fort Stage, renowned for showcasing the festival’s headline acts, was the site of several standout performances. Hozier, a major draw for the weekend, impressed attendees with his vocal prowess. The Irish singer hit the high notes of “Eat Your Young” and the stirring “Amens” from “Take Me to Church” with remarkable skill. His set reached new heights when he was joined by Allison Russell for a memorable rendition of “Work Song” and later shared the stage with Folk Festival icons Joan Baez and Mavis Staples to conclude his performance.
Sunday’s schedule featured a diverse array of talent. Brittany Howard captivated the audience with her blues rock infused with garage and soul influences. Howard, who has praised Newport Folk as her “favorite festival in the world,” delivered a performance that resonated deeply with festival-goers. Meanwhile, Cory Wong and Friends electrified the Quad Stage with their high-energy set, and blues legend Taj Mahal reflected on his long association with the festival, which began in 1964. Mahal’s stripped-down performance on the Harbor Stage was a poignant return to blues fundamentals.
Fresh Faces and New Discoveries
The festival also provided a platform for emerging artists. Alisa Amador, making her Newport Folk debut, drew a significant crowd with her angelic voice. Amador, known for her appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show and winning the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk contest, delivered a captivating performance on the Bike Stage. Another highlight was De La Soul’s high-energy hip hop set, which became one of Sunday’s most popular performances. The Dropkick Murphys also brought their Celtic punk style to the stage, making a bold departure from the festival’s traditional folk roots. The Saharan band Tinariwen added a global dimension to the festival with their hypnotic desert blues.
Tailored and Unique Sets
While some artists maintained their signature styles, others embraced the festival’s folk ethos with tailored performances. Pop trio MUNA, known for their energetic shows, adapted their set to fit the festival’s vibe with acoustic renditions of their songs. The band’s softer side was evident in their acoustic performances of tracks like “Winterbreak” and “Stayaway,” although they concluded their set with the upbeat “Silk Chiffon.” MUNA also previewed a track from lead singer Katie Gavin’s solo album, showcasing the band’s supportive spirit.
Significant Moments and Messages
The festival was also marked by poignant and powerful moments. Multiple artists used their platforms to address political issues, with calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East from MUNA and Hozier. On Saturday, the drag Grateful Dead tribute band Bertha and the powerful statement “drag is not a crime” added a layer of joy and irreverence. Molly Tuttle’s performance, where she shared her personal journey with alopecia, was a moving reminder of the festival’s celebration of individuality.
Local Connections and Surprises
The festival maintained its connection to local roots with notable performances from Rhode Island artists. David Rawlings, originally from North Smithfield, returned to his home state with a headlining set. The Medicine Singers, an Algonquin drum group, opened the Fort Stage with music celebrating Indigenous culture. Allison Russell’s performance with the Choir School of Newport County further enriched the festival experience with a beautiful call-and-response segment.
The festival’s surprise guest slot on Friday generated considerable anticipation. The announcement of Beck as the mystery artist delighted the crowd. Beck’s set included a mix of his hits and covers of folk classics. The appearance of hundreds of dragonflies during his performance added an unexpected and magical touch.
Conan O’Brien’s Spectacular Finale
The festival’s grand finale featured Conan O’Brien, who delivered a memorable set with an array of special guests, including Jack White, Mavis Staples, and Brittany Howard. O’Brien’s variety-show format, backed by Dawes and house bandleader Jimmy Vivino, included folk covers and humorous anecdotes, with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog making a brief appearance.
Festival Fashion and Sustainability
Newport Folk Festival is also known for its distinctive festival fashion. Attendees sported everything from bohemian outfits to vintage tour T-shirts. Local vendors, including Folk Vintage Co. and The Nest, offered unique fashion finds. This year, festival-goers were encouraged to travel by bike, with Bike Newport facilitating bike lanes and parking. The festival’s commitment to sustainability was evident through its partnership with 11th Hour Racing and initiatives like water refilling stations and composting.
In summary, the Newport Folk Festival once again exceeded expectations with a lineup that honored tradition while embracing new talent and diverse genres. The festival’s blend of classic performances, fresh discoveries, and unexpected moments ensured its place as a beloved fixture in the world of music festivals.
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