Newport Folk Festival attracts a distinct few groups of people. There are those who bought their three-day passes before any kind of lineup was ever announced, putting all their trust in the curators to create an unforgettable weekend of great music; there are the ones who come mainly for the atmosphere and location because Fort Adams is an experience in itself; and then there are those who pick and choose which days seem most appealing, settling on one or two. For 2014, the goods are fairly spread out, with many fantastic acts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In this year’s preview, we’ll divvy it up by day, highlighting the ones we’re most looking forward to that you simply can’t miss.
FRIDAY
1. Jenny Lewis: The original indie chanteuse headlines this evening, and given that she’s got a record coming out mere days afterward, expect to hear lots of the new stuff. It would be fantastic if she were joined by Johnny Rice (of 2011’s I’m Having Fun Now), and even better if Conor Oberst (also a guest of this year’s Folk Fest) shows up for a little reunion.
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2. Sun Kil Moon: Mark Kozelek’s music is practically made for the Folk Fest. It’s quiet, pensive and spare; folk music as it’s meant to sound. His latest record Benji is a stunner, and hearing those narratives play out live will be memorable for sure. Let’s hope for “Carissa”, “I Love My Dad” and “Ben’s My Friend”.
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3. Jimmy Cliff: Music legend Cliff is a much-anticipated act at this year’s outing, and given his more recent live shows’ stripped down sound it should be interesting to see what he’s got up his sleeve. Considering how many people he’s worked with in his 50-plus year career, a few guest appearances might be expected.
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SATURDAY
1. Milk Carton Kids: It’s a wonder these two haven’t become Newport Folk mainstays, as their sound is that classic folk that never goes out of style. The Milk Carton Kids put on a hell of a live show, and their clever banter is something to look forward to in itself. They’ll undoubtedly hush the crowd up quickly and leave them wanting more.
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2. Deer Tick: At this point, it almost wouldn’t really be Newport Folk Festival without an appearance from Deer Tick. Their last record was so unbelievable, and with the transition to a more mellowed pop sound with gorgeous keys, they are sure to draw their usual fanatical crowd. Let’s hope McCauley brings his colorful suits, too.
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3. J Roddy Walston & The Business: These rockers will no doubt bring their full-bodied shredding to the Fort, and will be a nice breath of fresh air amidst many of the softer sounds that sometimes dominate the scene. There’s no question that their gritty style and powerful stage presence will attract tons of new fans.
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SUNDAY
1. Caitlin Rose: This indie country gal has a voice that rings so beautifully she makes it sound effortless. Her last record The Stand In was far less folksy than her debut (Own Side Now), but both do a fine job of showing her range, from country to pop to rock and roll. It will be nice to feel the signature Nashville presence Rose will definitely bring to the stage
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2. Valerie June: Watching Valerie June’s career take off over the last couple of years has been exhilarating, and it feels like a performance from her at Newport Folk is a long time coming. June commands any stage upon which she sets foot, and always dresses to impress. Her voice is an unconventional powerhouse, and her first studio album Pushin’ Against a Stone (produced by Dan Auerbach) has caught on like wildfire.
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3. Jeff Tweedy: While other headliners like Mavis Staples, Dawes and Conor Oberst will of course be amazing, hearing Tweedy do a solo set really feels like a treat. It’s less common to see him without Wilco (who have a new record due out this fall), and it’s exciting to think about all the possibilities he may have in store for his devout fans.
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Any day at Newport Folk Festival is a win, with the soothing ocean breeze, incredible food vendors, and accessible stage layout. But the standout days are clearly Friday and Sunday, bookending the festival with performances by iconic and seasoned artists. Other anticipated sets from Ryan Adams, Kurt Vile, Jack White, and Lucero are bound to be outrageously good, and as always, there will definitely be plenty of surprises where we least expect them.
Tickets to the 2014 Newport Folk Festival are now sold out, but to find our more information about the festival itself, please visit the festival’s website.
