NEWPORT, RI | With the dips of the Newport Bridge in the distance, Danielle Ponder sang out across the sea from the biggest stage of the renowned folk fest: an acapella version of Radiohead’s “Creep.” This moving moment with Ponder sending her song out across the waters is a prime example of the Newport Folk phenomenon of living with goosebumps all weekend, the body’s response to the event’s musical magic.
The foot traffic at the Newport Folk Festival increased on Saturday, with more folks continuously navigating to and from the 4 stages situated in Fort Adams, along the Atlantic Ocean. The mid-weekend shows brought out a variety of talents in genres ranging from the indie-rock shredding of The Backseat Lovers to the speedy honky-tonk foot stompin’ of Turnpike Troubadours—who welcomed special guest Tyler Childers for a few songs.
Newport seems to bring out the best in almost everyone, from the attendees to the artists themselves. But, nobody had a bigger smile on their face than Pete Anspach of Goose, whose magnetic grin could be seen from the Fort to the Foundation stage. Goose is a band with buzz and an unmatched chemistry apparent throughout their performance.
John Oates took to the Harbor stage in an acoustic set, using his first Newport Folk performance to pay homage to the festival’s roots, picking Doc Watson’s “Deep River Blues” with Guthrie Trapp accompanying. The passionate lyrics of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” rang out at the fort, opening a much anticipated and powerful set with his 400 Unit rocking out alongside him.
To say the closing performer is adored at the Fort is an understatement. Jon Batiste has been a frequent and welcome guest over the years, but his Saturday star power was shown in his electric performance and magnetic stage presence. He exuded gratitude and charm in a compelling set, surrounding himself with the stirring sounds of indigenous chant, and special guest Lauren Daigle whose angelic voice only elevated the duet with Batiste. Making a connection with the audience with his versatile musical talents—a bit on the Steinway, a bit on the sax—Batiste left the crowd wanting more. And that’s what they got: one more day in Newport.
