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That’s a wrap! Another great Folk weekend in the books. I know I can get critical along the way, and I justify it because 1) I know Jay and team listen, and 2) because Folk is my happy place and I enjoy talking about it (positive and negative) as much as possible. But Jay and team delivered another fantastic weekend, from top to bottom.
Highlights:
1) Hozier’s headlining set. My favorite headlining set of the weekend, and one of the best in recent memory. It had a little bit of everything.
2) Orville Peck. He was made for Newport, and should be invited back every year. I really enjoyed the Elle King to Orville Peck run on the Quad.
3) Chairless Quad. I don’t need every set to be no chairs. The casual set up is one thing that I love about Newport. (It’s really not hard to get close enough to see well for any set at Newport.) But I’d love Sunday night Quad w/o Chairs to become an annual Newport tradition.
4) Politics courtesy of Billy Bragg, Killer Mike, Dropkick Murphys and others. I feel like a lot of the activism has gone missing at Newport as of late. And I get it: it’s hard to know if you’re alienating your target market when that target market is wealthy and white. But it felt refreshing, and hopeful, hearing some of the artists sharing a call to action with us.
5) Palmyra getting a record deal. What an incredible moment for a band that’s paid its dues, been open and raw with the audience, and built a lovely following at least at the festival.
6) Discovering new favs. While I loved Palmyra, it was hard to miss La Lom. But I managed to see enough of both, and La Lom is now a new fav for me. Sir Woman crushed it live a lot more than comes through on record. Samm Henshaw was great. Bertha crushed it.
7) Speaking of no chairs, Dropkick was so much fun. That felt so natural and I’m so happy Newport and Dropkick were able to come together to deliver an epic set. (“We asked Jay if we should go acoustic and Jay told us to bring everything we have!”)
8) Petey and Muna giving me reason to seek both out in the future to see live again.
9) Conan was a lovely way to end the weekend. I wish we got a little more Jack White, but still a fun finale.
10) Guests. Lots of fun guests popping up throughout the weekend.
That’s a wrap! Another great Folk weekend in the books. I know I can get critical along the way, and I justify it because 1) I know Jay and team listen, and 2) because Folk is my happy place and I enjoy talking about it (positive and negative) as much as possible. But Jay and team delivered another fantastic weekend, from top to bottom.
Highlights:
1) Hozier’s headlining set. My favorite headlining set of the weekend, and one of the best in recent memory. It had a little bit of everything.
2) Orville Peck. He was made for Newport, and should be invited back every year. I really enjoyed the Elle King to Orville Peck run on the Quad.
3) Chairless Quad. I don’t need every set to be no chairs. The casual set up is one thing that I love about Newport. (It’s really not hard to get close enough to see well for any set at Newport.) But I’d love Sunday night Quad w/o Chairs to become an annual Newport tradition.
4) Politics courtesy of Billy Bragg, Killer Mike, Dropkick Murphys and others. I feel like a lot of the activism has gone missing at Newport as of late. And I get it: it’s hard to know if you’re alienating your target market when that target market is wealthy and white. But it felt refreshing, and hopeful, hearing some of the artists sharing a call to action with us.
5) Palmyra getting a record deal. What an incredible moment for a band that’s paid its dues, been open and raw with the audience, and built a lovely following at least at the festival.
6) Discovering new favs. While I loved Palmyra, it was hard to miss La Lom. But I managed to see enough of both, and La Lom is now a new fav for me. Sir Woman crushed it live a lot more than comes through on record. Samm Henshaw was great. Bertha crushed it.
7) Speaking of no chairs, Dropkick was so much fun. That felt so natural and I’m so happy Newport and Dropkick were able to come together to deliver an epic set. (“We asked Jay if we should go acoustic and Jay told us to bring everything we have!”)
8) Petey and Muna giving me reason to seek both out in the future to see live again.
9) Conan was a lovely way to end the weekend. I wish we got a little more Jack White, but still a fun finale.
10) Guests. Lots of fun guests popping up throughout the weekend.
Great recap! I’m still digesting it all but very grateful for how it all unfolded this year!
Post by Larry Farnsworth on Jul 28, 2024 21:59:38 GMT -5
also i wore a Taylor Swift/Grateful Dead mashup tie-dye on Saturday and i dont think ive ever gotten as many random crowd interactions at any show in my entire life. obviously next year they just need to book Taylor and DeadCo.
also i wore a Taylor Swift/Grateful Dead mashup tie-dye on Saturday and i dont think ive ever gotten as many random crowd interactions at any show in my entire life. obviously next year they just need to book Taylor and DeadCo.
Ha. I think I saw you but didn’t read the shirt in detail. Was the shirt with a 1989TV album cover?
That’s a wrap! Another great Folk weekend in the books. I know I can get critical along the way, and I justify it because 1) I know Jay and team listen, and 2) because Folk is my happy place and I enjoy talking about it (positive and negative) as much as possible. But Jay and team delivered another fantastic weekend, from top to bottom.
Highlights:
1) Hozier’s headlining set. My favorite headlining set of the weekend, and one of the best in recent memory. It had a little bit of everything.
2) Orville Peck. He was made for Newport, and should be invited back every year. I really enjoyed the Elle King to Orville Peck run on the Quad.
3) Chairless Quad. I don’t need every set to be no chairs. The casual set up is one thing that I love about Newport. (It’s really not hard to get close enough to see well for any set at Newport.) But I’d love Sunday night Quad w/o Chairs to become an annual Newport tradition.
4) Politics courtesy of Billy Bragg, Killer Mike, Dropkick Murphys and others. I feel like a lot of the activism has gone missing at Newport as of late. And I get it: it’s hard to know if you’re alienating your target market when that target market is wealthy and white. But it felt refreshing, and hopeful, hearing some of the artists sharing a call to action with us.
5) Palmyra getting a record deal. What an incredible moment for a band that’s paid its dues, been open and raw with the audience, and built a lovely following at least at the festival.
6) Discovering new favs. While I loved Palmyra, it was hard to miss La Lom. But I managed to see enough of both, and La Lom is now a new fav for me. Sir Woman crushed it live a lot more than comes through on record. Samm Henshaw was great. Bertha crushed it.
7) Speaking of no chairs, Dropkick was so much fun. That felt so natural and I’m so happy Newport and Dropkick were able to come together to deliver an epic set. (“We asked Jay if we should go acoustic and Jay told us to bring everything we have!”)
8) Petey and Muna giving me reason to seek both out in the future to see live again.
9) Conan was a lovely way to end the weekend. I wish we got a little more Jack White, but still a fun finale.
10) Guests. Lots of fun guests popping up throughout the weekend.
Great wrap up, but to your point 3…I take it you’re not short? My problem with the fort is that it’s very flat, so standing room is hard when taller guys start standing at the front of the standing room area and blocking views. I realize this is a problem with standing room events in general though.
Post by livefromthere on Jul 29, 2024 6:17:25 GMT -5
This was my second year of going single day. Last year I went Friday, and this year Sunday. Differences from last year to this year (many of these you already discussed)…
Sunday was sooooo much better for lines. Granted we did get there at 9:40 instead of closer to 11 last year, but it was not even a 5 minute wait instead of what must have been an hour plus. I’ve heard the line situation gets better generally through the weekend, but any chance they might make more permanent changes to improve it?
Speaking of getting there early, did they add more music to that 10 o’clock time this year? I’m definitely going to make an effort to get there early from now on, since it was such a relaxed part of the day.
The extra shade options were nice. I didn’t notice any changes to the Family tent this year. It would be cool if they expanded it a bit more.
We spent more time at the Quad, and it seems like a better place to be than the Fort. If you hang out closer to the tunnel, you could more easily catch part of a Harbor set or Bike set, which is cool. A a short person, if I can grab a seat, I like them, but it did seem like standing room only led to a lot more people getting a chance to see. Which was good, since De La Soul was PACKED.
On to the music…
LA LOM. So good, and I love how they can jam a bit to their already great music. My only “complaint” is, wouldn’t it have been cool if they had gotten a female singer from the fest to guest on the song they wrote with Gabby Moreno? Although it was cool fully instrumental too. They’re probably my favorite fest discovery from this year.
I caught a little snippet of New Dangerfield and wish Newport hadn’t stacked 11 am! Please come back. 🤞
The Oh Hellos. They were lively, and I like how they reprised In the Valley (or whatever it’s called)…I don’t think they did any covers?
Bird/Cunningham: Only listened to the first half, but their new album is going to be cool.
Cory Wong and Friends: The highlight of the day for me. The amount of joy the musicians have playing with each other was incredible to see, and everything was tight. Plus, since we’re not going to Jazz this year, it was nice to get a taste of it.
De La Soul: We were sitting back for it, and it seemed like the kind of thing you really had to be part of the crowd for. De La Soul with the Caucasian comment 😆
We only caught a little bit of Mighty Poplar, sadly. Our son got bored on a slower song.
We were originally planning to skip Dropkick Murphys in favor of Mighty Poplar and Conan, but they were a great set. They had Billy Bragg and Sarah from the Oh Hellos guest, and they played a couple of their Woody Guthrie songs. For playing their first time, they were in the spirit of Newport, and I hope they come back again someday.
Next year we hope to do 2 days; one with our son and one without; he’s a handful, but he does have fun with it.
Great wrap up, but to your point 3…I take it you’re not short? My problem with the fort is that it’s very flat, so standing room is hard when taller guys start standing at the front of the standing room area and blocking views. I realize this is a problem with standing room events in general though.
I’m short enough to know the pain. Which is why I like the idea of a hybrid Quad (chairs for most sets, but a few on Sunday night without them). If they plan the sets without the chairs right, you’ll be wanting to stomp your feet more than see the band. I could see Sylvan Esso in there. Diplo folk set. Flogging Molly or Gogol Bordello. Old Crow. And many others could be conducive to that set up.
- Cory Wong: Have seen him play with Vulfpeck and it was the same quality and enthusiasm without the gimmicks and cultish fans (of which I am becoming one.) Across the board every musician up there was fantastic. Really a great set. Makes me want to come back to Jazz just to see him again. Could have watched a couple more hours of that. - Billy Bragg: It has been an insane 40 days in politics and his set was as much a political rally as it was a festival music set. The Guthrie and Seeger covers didn't feel gimmicky in his set. And... harkening back to my earlier argument about Jay's pay, he said that we should ask ourselves "What would Woody do?" Loved it. Also had a moment later that day where he talked with my wife and I. She was wearing her union t-shirt and he leaned in and told her that she was doing more to change the world than he was. Meanwhile, I am thinking back to the comments he made about "What Woody would do" is steal your girlfriend. - Craigie/Slim: Exactly what you would have expected from them and it was great. They represent what is great about the concept of "Newport Family". Was also fun for everyone in the crowd to realize that they have permanently stored in their brains every lyric to "No Rain". - Hozier: A Sunday closer on a Friday! Was very happy for my friends who only come on Friday's that they got to experience the Mavis/Joan Baez/"The Weight" love that is typically reserved for the Sunday closer. Also pleasantly surprised at how strong his music was. - Bertha: Already said here. A cover band, but what fun! - Beck: Would have been my top choice for a surprise guest and in spite of the start being sloppy, it was a good mix of 'special for Newport' and playing some of his own songs that I love. - Welch & Rawlings: Perfect. Their joy at being there and their amazing catalog of songs including their new stuff was fantastic. Eager to be able to listen to their song about "When do we become ourselves" which I think is on their new album. - Friko: I really think they are going to be great. Hard to compete at the fest when you only have one album's worth of songs to draw on, but "Where we've Been" is a great song. Maybe the best new song I have heard this year. They were a little too one-note loud in the beginning of their set, but once they started to mix it up with some of their quieter music the audience got pulled in.
It was really a great fest. I almost think Jay deserves a raise.
- Cory Wong: Have seen him play with Vulfpeck and it was the same quality and enthusiasm without the gimmicks and cultish fans (of which I am becoming one.) Across the board every musician up there was fantastic. Really a great set. Makes me want to come back to Jazz just to see him again. Could have watched a couple more hours of that. - Billy Bragg: It has been an insane 40 days in politics and his set was as much a political rally as it was a festival music set. The Guthrie and Seeger covers didn't feel gimmicky in his set. And... harkening back to my earlier argument about Jay's pay, he said that we should ask ourselves "What would Woody do?" Loved it. Also had a moment later that day where he talked with my wife and I. She was wearing her union t-shirt and he leaned in and told her that she was doing more to change the world than he was. Meanwhile, I am thinking back to the comments he made about "What Woody would do" is steal your girlfriend. - Craigie/Slim: Exactly what you would have expected from them and it was great. They represent what is great about the concept of "Newport Family". Was also fun for everyone in the crowd to realize that they have permanently stored in their brains every lyric to "No Rain". - Hozier: A Sunday closer on a Friday! Was very happy for my friends who only come on Friday's that they got to experience the Mavis/Joan Baez/"The Weight" love that is typically reserved for the Sunday closer. Also pleasantly surprised at how strong his music was. - Bertha: Already said here. A cover band, but what fun! - Beck: Would have been my top choice for a surprise guest and in spite of the start being sloppy, it was a good mix of 'special for Newport' and playing some of his own songs that I love. - Welch & Rawlings: Perfect. Their joy at being there and their amazing catalog of songs including their new stuff was fantastic. Eager to be able to listen to their song about "When do we become ourselves" which I think is on their new album. - Friko: I really think they are going to be great. Hard to compete at the fest when you only have one album's worth of songs to draw on, but "Where we've Been" is a great song. Maybe the best new song I have heard this year. They were a little too one-note loud in the beginning of their set, but once they started to mix it up with some of their quieter music the audience got pulled in.
It was really a great fest. I almost think Jay deserves a raise.
Don’t worry - I’ll let you know the data when it’s available, re: Jay Big Bux
Post by matthewgroehl on Jul 29, 2024 8:30:24 GMT -5
Everything I saw (Friday & Sunday):
Wednesday - Was pretty pissed off from the jump due to waiting an hour and 45 minutes in line and missing Buck Meek. Wednesday was my number one most anticipated set so it was exciting to see them first. I've been surprised to read somewhat negative comments about their performance. I thought they were excellent. I loved the political message at the end before Bull Believer. Seemed like not a lot of the crowd appreciated it though.
Beck - Stayed for 3 songs because it was too crowded in the quad. Maggie's Farm was cool.
Petey - I was 50/50 between Petey and MUNA but went with Petey (had it been a full electric set the choice would have been a lot easier in favor of Petey). The music was great but it was his banter that kept me thoroughly entertained for the entire set.
Black Pumas - Finally met up with our friends and watched from the blankets which took me out of it. The blanket thing is just not for me. Black Pumas sounded very good. I had never seen them and everybody on here bashing them when they were announced led me to believe they must suck live. Nope. OCT 33 is so damn good.
Hozier - Fourth time seeing him? Nothing surprising here. He's good. He "gets" Newport. Always has. He put together a perfect set. As good as it was, I hope he doesn't come back until at least 2029.
Friko - My number 2 most anticipated set. Arrived real late and thought we were going to miss the whole set but luckily there was absolutely no line getting in and we only missed a couple songs. The band sounded excellent. I was worried the crowd must not have been digging them because there were a lot of open chairs and we managed to walk right up and sit which never happens. I was surprised to hear so many audience members gushing with praise for the band while leaving considering all the open seats. I'm guessing a lot of people were just tired.
Cunningham/Bird - Watched from the beer pier (my first time ever going there and I won't be back). I could barely hear the music but was happy to hear Bird play Sisyphus. I'm not familiar with the Nicks/Buckingham album.
Bebe Stockwell - Friends wanted to see her before Sierra Ferrell. I had never heard of her but she had a unique voice. She was definitely nervous though. Forgot the lyrics to a song, tried to restart it, and then gave up and moved on to the next song with a guest.
Sierra Ferrell - Easily the best set of the weekend for me. She's really figured out the Newport formula. Had a lot of great guests and artists watching from beside the stage including Jack White.
De La Soul - How was this a last minute replacement set? This was definitely the highest energy set I saw. Their setlist was really good and they brought out Pharoahe Monch who happens to be one of my top ten favorite rappers. I never thought I'd hear "Simon Says" at Newport. Wild.
Dropkick Murphy's - The plan was to go to Brittany Howard but after standing for back to back high energy sets and knowing we'd be standing for Conan after we decided to stay for the Dropkicks. We only watched a few songs but they were pretty good.
Conan - Nick Lowe was a cool surprise but basically everything else could be predicted. This was fun but average.
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
Post by jongilbert on Jul 29, 2024 10:43:41 GMT -5
I’ve been a Bonnaroo die hard since 09. Multiple fests a summer are tough for me, so it was usually Bonnaroo and nothing else. After 15 years of seeing the headlines post Newport and kicking myself for not buying tickets, I finally committed, and even more, I was lucky enough to score tickets. I ditched Bonnaroo and committed to Newport..
The planets were aligned, I was ready, and I had an absolutely incredible weekend. The magic I felt like this weekend is in line with my Bonnaroo 09-14 years. My jaw was on the floor many times this weekend and I feel an overwhelming sense of catharsis. The political atmosphere was one I kind of forgot existed at this festival and to be honest, I needed it. I felt hope for the first time in a while.
Excellent time as always. On balance it didn't feel as crowded as last year. I saw a lot at the quad and always had an easy time getting a good spot. There were a couple logjams by the harbor but I think that will continue to be an issue unless they turn it back around.
My "exceeded expectations" sets were Medicine Singers (the recs here were dead on), Samm Henshaw, Friko, and Theo Katzman's chunk of the Cory Wong set. On paper I should love Wednesday but I just can't get past a certain point with them. Gonna start to get weird as MJ's solo stuff eclipses them. Triumph in my Top 10 of all-time surprise Newport artists.
Loved the expanded GA at the Fort and removing chairs in the quad. Would love to see that happen again. Food was outstanding, coffee was criminally expensive. Merch lines Sat and Sun were consistently light. Not sure what changed from previous years but it was super easy to get everything I wanted. And for the love of christ I beg them to iron out entry for all 3 days next year.
- Cory Wong: Have seen him play with Vulfpeck and it was the same quality and enthusiasm without the gimmicks and cultish fans (of which I am becoming one.) Across the board every musician up there was fantastic. Really a great set. Makes me want to come back to Jazz just to see him again. Could have watched a couple more hours of that. - Billy Bragg: It has been an insane 40 days in politics and his set was as much a political rally as it was a festival music set. The Guthrie and Seeger covers didn't feel gimmicky in his set. And... harkening back to my earlier argument about Jay's pay, he said that we should ask ourselves "What would Woody do?" Loved it. Also had a moment later that day where he talked with my wife and I. She was wearing her union t-shirt and he leaned in and told her that she was doing more to change the world than he was. Meanwhile, I am thinking back to the comments he made about "What Woody would do" is steal your girlfriend. - Craigie/Slim: Exactly what you would have expected from them and it was great. They represent what is great about the concept of "Newport Family". Was also fun for everyone in the crowd to realize that they have permanently stored in their brains every lyric to "No Rain". - Hozier: A Sunday closer on a Friday! Was very happy for my friends who only come on Friday's that they got to experience the Mavis/Joan Baez/"The Weight" love that is typically reserved for the Sunday closer. Also pleasantly surprised at how strong his music was. - Bertha: Already said here. A cover band, but what fun! - Beck: Would have been my top choice for a surprise guest and in spite of the start being sloppy, it was a good mix of 'special for Newport' and playing some of his own songs that I love. - Welch & Rawlings: Perfect. Their joy at being there and their amazing catalog of songs including their new stuff was fantastic. Eager to be able to listen to their song about "When do we become ourselves" which I think is on their new album. - Friko: I really think they are going to be great. Hard to compete at the fest when you only have one album's worth of songs to draw on, but "Where we've Been" is a great song. Maybe the best new song I have heard this year. They were a little too one-note loud in the beginning of their set, but once they started to mix it up with some of their quieter music the audience got pulled in.
It was really a great fest. I almost think Jay deserves a raise.
Don’t worry - I’ll let you know the data when it’s available, re: Jay Big Bux
When he eventually moves on to an even more prominent gig, the spreadsheet analyzers can enjoy the big savings on his backfill along with Poor Man's Levitate lineups
Don’t worry - I’ll let you know the data when it’s available, re: Jay Big Bux
When he eventually moves on to an even more prominent gig, the spreadsheet analyzers can enjoy the big savings on his backfill along with Poor Man's Levitate lineups
lol - dude isn’t going anywhere. He has said it on numerous occasions.
When he eventually moves on to an even more prominent gig, the spreadsheet analyzers can enjoy the big savings on his backfill along with Poor Man's Levitate lineups
lol - dude isn’t going anywhere. He has said it on numerous occasions.
I hope you're right! But no one in his position is going to say "oh of course I keep my options open." It always comes out of the blue along with "I never thought I'd leave but this one unique opportunity presented itself..."
Wednesday - Was pretty pissed off from the jump due to waiting an hour and 45 minutes in line and missing Buck Meek. Wednesday was my number one most anticipated set so it was exciting to see them first. I've been surprised to read somewhat negative comments about their performance. I thought they were excellent. I loved the political message at the end before Bull Believer. Seemed like not a lot of the crowd appreciated it though.
Beck - Stayed for 3 songs because it was too crowded in the quad. Maggie's Farm was cool.
Petey - I was 50/50 between Petey and MUNA but went with Petey (had it been a full electric set the choice would have been a lot easier in favor of Petey). The music was great but it was his banter that kept me thoroughly entertained for the entire set.
Black Pumas - Finally met up with our friends and watched from the blankets which took me out of it. The blanket thing is just not for me. Black Pumas sounded very good. I had never seen them and everybody on here bashing them when they were announced led me to believe they must suck live. Nope. OCT 33 is so damn good.
Hozier - Fourth time seeing him? Nothing surprising here. He's good. He "gets" Newport. Always has. He put together a perfect set. As good as it was, I hope he doesn't come back until at least 2029.
Friko - My number 2 most anticipated set. Arrived real late and thought we were going to miss the whole set but luckily there was absolutely no line getting in and we only missed a couple songs. The band sounded excellent. I was worried the crowd must not have been digging them because there were a lot of open chairs and we managed to walk right up and sit which never happens. I was surprised to hear so many audience members gushing with praise for the band while leaving considering all the open seats. I'm guessing a lot of people were just tired.
Cunningham/Bird - Watched from the beer pier (my first time ever going there and I won't be back). I could barely hear the music but was happy to hear Bird play Sisyphus. I'm not familiar with the Nicks/Buckingham album.
Bebe Stockwell - Friends wanted to see her before Sierra Ferrell. I had never heard of her but she had a unique voice. She was definitely nervous though. Forgot the lyrics to a song, tried to restart it, and then gave up and moved on to the next song with a guest.
Sierra Ferrell - Easily the best set of the weekend for me. She's really figured out the Newport formula. Had a lot of great guests and artists watching from beside the stage including Jack White.
De La Soul - How was this a last minute replacement set? This was definitely the highest energy set I saw. Their setlist was really good and they brought out Pharoahe Monch who happens to be one of my top ten favorite rappers. I never thought I'd hear "Simon Says" at Newport. Wild.
Dropkick Murphy's - The plan was to go to Brittany Howard but after standing for back to back high energy sets and knowing we'd be standing for Conan after we decided to stay for the Dropkicks. We only watched a few songs but they were pretty good.
Conan - Nick Lowe was a cool surprise but basically everything else could be predicted. This was fun but average.
I could not believe Pharoah Monch came out - so random. I was so ready for "Oh No". Absolute heartbreaker he didn't play it.
Post by stillwater on Jul 29, 2024 11:50:53 GMT -5
Let's try a Top 10:
1. De La Soul - this was so great. Removing the chairs was 100% the right move. I can't imagine having the random assortment of chair sitters responding as well. Last year, The Hold Steady gave me exactly what I needed out of that set and the same was true for De La here. So much fun.
3. Killer Mike - Conflict city during this stretch. Caught some WoD then went back to Cragie and he was telling them same story I've heard 5 times so I kept walking to the Quad. What a performance. I made plenty of jokes about rap shows at Newport, but it felt like it fit right in. It was honestly pretty cool to see what activism at Newport in 2024 might look like. Everything about it was different- but the goal the same. Really cool show.
4. Molly Tuttle - Killed it. Felt right at home on the Fort stage. I had no idea she had alopecia- she took her wig off and played the last two songs without it. Really cool moment.
5. Bertha - Massive crowd- this was really cool. Everyone had a blast. Also was great seeing them around the fest the rest of the day.
6. Elle King - Def my biggest surprise. I had no interest in this set, but wanted a great spot for Orville. She was very good and obviously understood the assignment. Really strong set.
The rest: Cory Wong/La Lom/Conan/Tinariwen/Josiah & the Bonnevilles
1.) Rhiannon Giddens -- she handled the sound issues with grace and I was a few rows back from the stage and the Mercedes Benz cover was fun. Once the set picked up it was awesome. Her focus and humor and commentary all move me and she is such an amazing musician to boot! I loved the Cajun jams and the story of her band member whose father played Newport in 63 was really cool to say the least. The Taj and Joan appearances as well as Rhiannon's dancing were all huge highlights.
2.) LA LOM -- The only seated tent set I saw and I loved it. I've come to really appreciate the predominantly instrumental sets in the past few years and they did not disappoint. Great way to start Sunday.
3.) Killer Mike -- I loved this!! I used to work at the Met School and some of my former students and colleagues had lunch with him earlier in the day. Topical folk music. His choir and beats hit.
4.) Cory Wong -- Bela Fleck and the Flecktones' Live Art has a special place in my heart from college and four of my closest college buddies were with me on Sunday so when they launched into Stomping Ground it was really special for us. Some of us were at the fest in 2000 when the Flecktons played the main stage so over 20 years of friendship and good music made this set a winner for me.
5.) Dropkick Murphys -- I am a little shy about how much I liked this but it was a dance party and the joy in the Quad from young to old was really great to see. I have spent some time with Ken Casey and enjoyed him as a person before I realized he was the leader of DM. I loved the energy and attitude and Bragg and Maggie Heath sit-ins were very cool.
6.) Hermanos Gutiérrez -- Missed them last time around and my friends who saw them raved about them. They did not disappoint!
7.) Tinariwen -- Hypnotic and fun! Bombino blew me away years ago and Newport has done a great job keeping some amazing African artists on the line up.
8.) Orville Peck -- His music is amazing and his humility and gratitude after facing his mental health needs was inspiring.
9.) De La Soul -- Dance party!! I was at Jazz Fest last year when they pulled the seats for .Paak and was so stoked to see it happen for folk. De La played at my college my first year there so it hit on all notes for me and my crew.
10.) Conan and Real Musicians -- Rainy closer with a small sunset, dancing with my partner and my college friends just really topped off a great weekend. It was fun to relax and kick back for some fun covers and sit ins and dance in the rain!!
Other notes: I had class until 4 PM on Friday so I didn't arrive until 5 or so. Had fun checking out a few sets (MUNA and Petey were great for a few songs. I was looking forward to Adrianne and enjoyed it but could not focus on it too well. I like the Black Puma's song Know you Better and enjoyed catching that) and really enjoyed Hozier, he's a pro and like people say he gets it. It was fun to watch friends' little siblings having a blast with someone in their wheelhouse. Billy Bragg was great, loved the set and the songs of Mermaid Avenue that I know. Jobi Ricco was really fun and excited. Mo Lowda and The Humble and Dirty Laundry sounded great on the Bike Stage. There are plenty that I missed and made hard choices. I have spent years rushing from stage to stage and that is fun, it's also fun and more challenging for me to commit to full sets and quiet moments with friends between them. The latter really paid off for me this year and I am feeling very filled up. I also think I was at an internal political crisis a few weeks ago and I am coming away feeling refreshed and renewed from the messages of many of the artists, to times and talks with those around me, friends new and old.
Thanks to all, the folk, the musicians, the team and yes even Jay
ª MOLLY TUTTLE: I only caught a few songs but wished I had seen her whole set. Full of energy and fun, she covered "This Land is Your Land" and "Maggie’s Farm," even took off her wig to share a personal story about alapecia before singing a song about individuality and a crooked tree. Fantastic performance. • WEDNESDAY: Great show, though there were no real surprises if you know their latest album. Unfortunately, the sound mix was off; the slide guitar was inaudible, and the drums were too loud. The highlight was the final song where she cried/screamed was crazy powerful though. I read in an interview she doesn't really do that song live because it would kill her vocal chords. She freaking brought it at Newport though. • TBA, BECK: Beck mentioned multiple times that he hadn't rehearsed with his band, and it showed. Slightly, disappointing performance. • PETEY: His songs, mostly acoustic and stripped down, sounded great. His funny, droll monologues between songs added charm. Surprisingly, his cover of Peter, Paul and Mary was better than any of Beck’s covers. • SHOVELS AND ROPE: Pretty much favorite band, always amazing. They played a stripped-down set with just guitar and organ, but I missed the drums. Surprising to me that they don't do more collaborations at Newport despite their history of collaborative covers. The highlight of their set was a collaboration with Al Oleander. Never miss a chance to see these guys. • FINALE, HOZIER: Not a big fan initially, but he converted me. Charming, a great showman, with a tight, killer 8-piece band. • AFTERSHOW, CRAIGIE AND SLIM: Love those guys. Mde me fans. Brought out a cavalcade of stars, ending with Hayes Carll. Would have loved to see him somewhere else at the festival. He told us he just came down to experience the fest and was lucky enough to get in on the aftershow. Out of Jess Wolf of Lucius, Jobi Riccio, Tre Burt, the Ballroom Thieves, and other guests, the highlight was actually Steve Poltz who absolutely destroyed. Weird, loquacious, hilarious. Just somebody completely out of left field. Everybody just went nuts for him. --- Other Notes: • Friday had the perfect crowd size—never empty, not crowded. It was easy to find a good view of any stage, and lines were manageable except for the entry line. • The walkways around the fort were much easier to navigate than on previous visits. • Loved the new Harbor stage setup after a few years away. • Despite many complaints about the star power of the acts booked, just about every performer delivered and then some. The acts that most people wondered about, thinking they might not be a good fit because they were too out of left field or too unknown pre-festival — Friko, Bertha, Dropkick Murphys, Steve Poltz — seemed to end up being immediate festival favorites (ᶦⁿ ʲᵃʸ ʷᵉ ᵗʳᵘˢᵗ) --- .What didn't work: • The Foundation Stage visibility was poor unless you were right up front. Raising it would help those further back. • The Fort Stage had awkward standing areas. Not sure why people were sitting on chairs and blankets INSIDE the peremiter of the tent. So if you wouldn't to stand on the side, you had to stand behind them. But there were cable ramps behind them. Security kept shooing people off these ramps. Outside the tent, more chairs and blankets created a crowded, awkward space. I hate navigating blankets for standing room! A five-foot blanket-free zone around the Fort Stage for standing room only would improve the experience. • Kicking myself for not going for the whole fest. I won't make that mistake again.
ª MOLLY TUTTLE: I only caught a few songs but wished I had seen her whole set. Full of energy and fun, she covered "This Land is Your Land" and "Maggie’s Farm," even took off her wig to share a personal story about alapecia before singing a song about individuality and a crooked tree. Fantastic performance. • WEDNESDAY: Great show, though there were no real surprises if you know their latest album. Unfortunately, the sound mix was off; the slide guitar was inaudible, and the drums were too loud. The highlight was the final song where she cried/screamed was crazy powerful though. I read in an interview she doesn't really do that song live because it would kill her vocal chords. She freaking brought it at Newport though. • TBA, BECK: Beck mentioned multiple times that he hadn't rehearsed with his band, and it showed. Slightly, disappointing performance. • PETEY: His songs, mostly acoustic and stripped down, sounded great. His funny, droll monologues between songs added charm. Surprisingly, his cover of Peter, Paul and Mary was better than any of Beck’s covers. • SHOVELS AND ROPE: Pretty much favorite band, always amazing. They played a stripped-down set with just guitar and organ, but I missed the drums. Surprising to me that they don't do more collaborations at Newport despite their history of collaborative covers. The highlight of their set was a collaboration with Al Oleander. Never miss a chance to see these guys. • FINALE, HOZIER: Not a big fan initially, but he converted me. Charming, a great showman, with a tight, killer 8-piece band. • AFTERSHOW, CRAIGIE AND SLIM: Love those guys. Mde me fans. Brought out a cavalcade of stars, ending with Hayes Carll. Would have loved to see him somewhere else at the festival. He told us he just came down to experience the fest and was lucky enough to get in on the aftershow. Out of Jess Wolf of Lucius, Jobi Riccio, Tre Burt, the Ballroom Thieves, and other guests, the highlight was actually Steve Poltz who absolutely destroyed. Weird, loquacious, hilarious. Just somebody completely out of left field. Everybody just went nuts for him. --- Other Notes: • Friday had the perfect crowd size—never empty, not crowded. It was easy to find a good view of any stage, and lines were manageable except for the entry line. • The walkways around the fort were much easier to navigate than on previous visits. • Loved the new Harbor stage setup after a few years away. • Despite many complaints about the star power of the acts booked, just about every performer delivered and then some. The acts that most people wondered about, thinking they might not be a good fit because they were too out of left field or too unknown pre-festival — Friko, Bertha, Dropkick Murphys, Steve Poltz — seemed to end up being immediate festival favorites (ᶦⁿ ʲᵃʸ ʷᵉ ᵗʳᵘˢᵗ) --- .What didn't work: • The Foundation Stage visibility was poor unless you were right up front. Raising it would help those further back. • The Fort Stage had awkward standing areas. Not sure why people were sitting on chairs and blankets INSIDE the peremiter of the tent. So if you wouldn't to stand on the side, you had to stand behind them. But there were cable ramps behind them. Security kept shooing people off these ramps. Outside the tent, more chairs and blankets created a crowded, awkward space. I hate navigating blankets for standing room! A five-foot blanket-free zone around the Fort Stage for standing room only would improve the experience. • Kicking myself for not going for the whole fest. I won't make that mistake again.
Put the foundation stage down the hill, parallel with the bathrooms. That way it creates a natural mini amphitheater set up and would be better for sound check coming from the fort. Also keeps the crowd out of the walkway
