TVD Live: Newport Folk Festival, 7/27

NEWPORT, RI | Situated at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, Fort Adams once stood as the last line of defense for the US Army. Last weekend it stood to defend the unique and passionate spirit of the 65th annual Newport Folk Festival. Hosting musicians, artists, vendors, and attendees, this special event has a way to bring everyone together in the sense that they are each contributing to a common goal of honoring and cherishing this festival’s rich history.

For many, this festival serves as a mid-summer vacation, breaking familiar cycles of daily routines and screen usage—an opportunity to slow down, take in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy special moments. The festival grounds are decorated with signs adorned with stylized lettering reminiscent of the sixties—reminding guests to uphold the virtues: “Be Present, Be Open, Be Kind, and Be Together.”

The Newport Folk Festival offers artists the chance to display their music in a new way—typically stripped back acoustic versions of their touring shows. Some artists take this opportunity to perform rare and unique versions of their songs, while others decide to crank up the proverbial volume to eleven and stand out. This adds a level of excitement and anticipation to each performance as attendees spread rumors about what to expect.

Hearing a song for the very first time as it is performed live by an artist can serve as a profound and unforgettable experience for the concertgoer. A special memory is formed in that moment of hearing the true version of a song unaltered by autotune and precise level mixing, and having no idea of what to expect as the song unfolds. This festival gives attendees the opportunity to experience this dozens of times over, exposing them to what can be their song of the summer or new favorite artist. Michael from New Jersey affirmed this idea and added, “Live music is just so much more powerful.”

This year’s lineup is well balanced, containing a mix of seasoned veteran artists and up-and-coming stars; giving attendees the chance to cross some off their bucket list and to find new favorites of their own. There are five stages that host an array of musicians—from the new and rising artists displayed on the Bike Stage, to the most well-known acts on the Fort Stage overlooking the ocean and Newport Bridge—there is an eager crowd anticipating each performance. Both the Quad and Harbor Stages offer fans the chance to line up early and catch well-known and established performers put on a show.

Day two began in the Wellness Tent for some morning breathwork with celebrated yoga instructor Tommy Rosen to prepare for the long and exciting day ahead. Indie folk trio Oliver Hazard opened up the music with cheery and upbeat rhythms accentuated with inspired harmonies.

The main Fort Stage began with an easy and lighthearted start from indie band Number One Babe who drew a large youthful and excited crowd. Led by singer Alex Cholewa’s delicate vocals and backed by a full band, their songs came to life in a punchier and more exciting way than the record presents.

Latin American and African influenced guitarist Reyna Tropical woke up the festival with inspired hip-swaying rhythms and grooves on the Harbor Stage. Backed by Ableton, curated beats featuring drum patterns and environmental samples, Reyna’s smooth vocals and guitar riffs shone brightly. English folk and punk singer Billy Bragg lifted up the spirits on the Fort stage with his blend of hopeful protest and alternative songs.

Texas based musicians Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford teamed up as Chaparelle to give possibly the most captivating performance of the day. A full band including a pedal steel guitar teleported the audience to Texas with charm and grace. Bringing a white-hot intensity to her vocals, Zella Day captivated the audience with songs of love and strength. Each song was personified through a playful connection between Jesse and Zella that had the audience hooked from the start and unable to leave until the end of their set. Nick from New Bedford shared, “They’re my new favorite band! The harmonies were incredible.”

Instrumentalist duo Hermanos Gutiérrez returned to Newport Folk on the biggest stage and brought their entrancing blend of Latin and western inspired music built only by the brothers on lap steel, electric, and acoustic guitars. Delay pedals and percussion added elements to each song fooling fans into thinking an entire band was performing. Songs displayed their technical ability to weave intricate guitar melodies with rhythms and ranged emotionally from haunting to dreamy.

Singer Katie Gavin of the rising indie pop band Muna performed a special acoustic show on the Bike Stage promoting her upcoming debut solo release, What a Relief. Circled on the daily calendar for many younger concertgoers, this performance was heavily attended and received a warm welcome. Gavin smiled brightly as she showcased her new material full of heartfelt storytelling in this exclusive and intimate environment.

Newport Folk practically erupted when Bertha: Grateful Drag was introduced to the Harbor stage, and by the end of their set they caused a traffic jam of attendees with many posted up from the furthest vantage point just to take in the show. This drag queen tribute band put an energetic and uplifting spin on classic Grateful Dead tunes while donned in elaborate makeup, wigs and outfits. Contagious smiles were shared between fans and the band, and at one point a dozen roses were thrown back into the crowd that were gifted to them.

Best Folk Album Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens graced the Fort stage in the afternoon bringing her eclectic folk and blues musical styles to an engaged crowd. Technical difficulties caused some confusion at the start of the show, but Rhiannon took the opportunity to give a solo vocal performance and to gather all the musicians around one microphone—taking us back to the roots of her musical genres. After that was resolved, they were off and running and could not be slowed down. The emotional peak came during a goosebump-giving rendition of “I Shall Not Be Moved” as Giddens was accompanied by Joan Baez and Taj Mahal.

In a break from music, celebrated singer and activist Joan Baez performed poetry from one of her books to a delighted crowd on the intimate Bike Stage. Canadian indie folk duo Ocie Elliott graced the Harbor Stage and quickly became the favorite of many in the crowd as they charmed the audience with beautiful harmonies.

The best dressed award for the day undoubtedly went to Orville Peck—a ’70s country inspired musician who brought an array of talented musicians along to deliver one of the strongest performances of the day. Donned in a powder blue suit, cowboy hat, and domino mask, Peck curated a setlist of rousing country western tunes and somber introspective cowboy songs. Fans unfamiliar with his stage persona and work were left in awe by an artist continuing to develop his sound and stage performance. Slated to be at the festival last year, Peck had dropped out due to mental health concerns but returned this year in the self-proclaimed best shape of his life mentally and physically. He apologized to all who had looked forward to him last year and thanked the crowd stating, “Y’all saved my life by giving me the time to take care of myself.”

Popular Newport Folk veterans John Craigie and Langhorne Slim closed down the Harbor Stage as the duo Craigie & Slim. Providing a mixture of amusing stories, a new debut track, and classics from their respective catalogs, the duo gave audience members a unique and personal experience. Rapper Killer Mike was the final performer on the Quad Stage on this sweltering afternoon and brought some heat of his own. Referring to himself as only Michael and bringing a gospel flair to his performance, this lyricist brought the audience to their feet and curated a joyful environment.

Closing down the main stage were veteran singer songwriters Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Playing with just two acoustic guitars, this minimalist music brought the audience back to the essence of folk music. As the sun set, this duo captivated the audience, leaving them entranced, and helping them wind down from an exciting full day of music.

The second day of the Newport Folk Festival catered to all the wishes of concertgoers and provided many with surprises of their own. Each musician provided their own distinct style and abilities that, when combined, added up to something larger than each individual part. On this hot and humid day, artists and attendees contributed to the spirit of Newport Folk to make lasting impressions. The only thing left was to gear up for the final day.

BILLY BRAGG