NEWPORT, RI | As soon as you enter the gates of the Newport Folk Festival, you realize you are a part of something larger than live music. Signs adorned with stylized lettering reminiscent of the sixties remind guests to uphold the virtues “Be Present, Be Open, Be Kind, and Be Together.”
The 64th annual event kicked off with packed crowds along the coast of picturesque Rhode Island amidst a feels-like temp of 100 degrees in the last weekend of July. Attendees happily embraced these conditions during this three day concert with the help of the fest offering sunshades, Del’s Lemonade, sunscreen, water refill stations, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Beth D. from North Kingston, RI shared “this feels historic, a once in a lifetime type of day.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the weekend. It is a music marathon. Experiencing these three days packed with nine hours of live music overlapping on four stages commands you to settle in, clear out the distractions, and to get lost in the performance.
Newport Folk features four stages, with the main stage facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Newport Bridge as a gorgeous backdrop. This year’s lineup consisted of multiple major acts, some of which have never graced these stages before, and others who previously attended and have since risen in stardom to the larger stage. The Newport Folk Festival celebrates a rich history and carries its unique spirit into the experience of today’s attendees.
Day one was highlighted with a surprise performance by none other than James Taylor. Arriving by boat with guitar in hand to a roar of fans in boats and on shore, Taylor was called in at the last minute to replace an ailing artist. As he stepped foot onto the Quad Stage, the audience was overjoyed for this unplanned and intimate performance by the legendary folk artist. He calmly sat down and said, “Well … Surprise!” and flowed right into a moving rendition of “Something In the Way She Moves.” He was joined on stage by his wife and son to sing “Carolina on My Mind” and his Carole King cover “You’ve Got a Friend.” Mixing in personal stories from trying out songs for The Beatles to raising a pig, this set felt surreal and special.
The lovely Maggie Rogers was met with a warm and strong welcome by an eager crowd at the main Fort Stage. Clearly grateful and excited for the opportunity, Rogers seized the moment captivating the crowd with a sweet rendition of “Alaska.” “If you’ve been here before you know that Newport Folk is not like every other festival, it’s something special,” exclaimed Rogers before she introduced special guests SistaStrings.
The magical force that is My Morning Jacket was amplified by the ocean breeze and setting sun as they closed out the main stage. MMJ’s set started with “Steam Engine,” a slower start that builds anticipation until the full band kicks in and locks you in a groove. Country singer Margo Price was a special guest performing a riveting version of another Carole King cover “I Feel the Earth Move.” Also surprising the audience, Maggie Rogers returned to the stage alongside MMJ to perform a joyful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Say You Love Me.”
Del Water Gap was a highlight of the day bringing an infectious high energy set that engaged a crowd of current and future fans. Nickel Creek graced the Quad Stage after a nine year hiatus, and were possibly more excited to perform than the audience was to sing along—which was hard to top. American folk band CAAMP rocked the main stage to a crowd of loving fans who were more than ready to give their energy right back to the band. The Heavy Heavy brought a focused and groovy vocal harmony while Bella White sang sweetly and emotionally on the Harbor Stage.
Newport Folk Fest is an experience unto itself—an escape from the routine of daily life. Running between stages to catch a special and unique performance is thrilling. The anticipation of seeing multiple bucketlist bands and not knowing which surprise guest they may bring along is incomparable. Dancing in a continually sweat-soaked body, Newport Folk wrings you out like a wet towel, giving you a fresh start to head back into your life feeling rejuvenated.
As day one came to a close attendees were left with the feelings of awe, musical bliss, and pure exhaustion. The only thing left to do was to rest and get ready to do it all over again on Saturday and Sunday.
