On the final day of Newport Folk Festival, there seemed to be a fast forming nostalgia for the weekend, even as it was still happening. The crowds were still hungry for music, though, despite the constant threat of thunderstorms surrounding us on all sides of Fort Adams. With reminders to seek shelter if needed every few sets, festivalgoers were covered head to toe in blue NFF ponchos, armed with umbrellas and ready to take on the inclement weather. Sunday often tends to be the “folksier” day amongst the three, and this year proved no exception. Ed Helms’ Lonesome Trio, Rodrigo Y Gabriela (a truly amazing surprise), The Bluegrass Situation and Pegi Young and the Survivors were a few of the offerings between the three stages, and every act seemed to have an enormous audience. Here are the highlights:
The Deslondes, Harbor Stage, “Best Overall Harmonies”
This group of five guys from New Orleans falls somewhere between country-western, folk and bluegrass, with an upright bass, two guitars, a lap steel, and a percussionist. Each has their own uniqueness, but together, they are powerful and sound super tight, particularly their smooth and balanced harmonies. Traditional sounding songs like “Reuben’s Train” and the Woody Guthrie cover “Born Again” were a reminder that this is, in fact, a festival that celebrates folk music.
Caitlin Rose, Harbor Stage, “Best Nashville Import”
Nashville seems to be healthily represented at Newport Folk Fest lately, and this year, country singer Caitlin Rose was the cream of the crop. Performing a mix of cover songs (The Felice Brothers, Deep Vibrations, Karen Dalton) and songs from both her first and second records, Rose sounded good and loud, hitting all the right notes. Tunes like “Shanghai Cigarettes”, “Only a Clown” and “Dallas” really hit the spot, and a stripped down acoustic version of “Sinful Wishing Well” rounded out her set nicely.
Valerie June, Harbor Stage, “Best Dressed”
In a champagne colored sequin gown with turquoise boots and fuchsia lipstick, Valerie June could not have looked more glamorous and beautiful. She captivated the Harbor Stage crowd, causing folks to crane their necks to see where that spectacular sound was coming from. “Somebody to Love”, “Raindance”, “Twined and Twisted” and “Workin’ Woman Blues” were so soulful, and her voice was in tiptop shape. A rare inclusion of “Keep the Bar Open Tonight” was particularly special, full of that sometimes sad sweetness June possesses.
Dawes, Fort Stage, “Best Sing-A-Long”
A crowd favorite and Newport Folk Fest veterans Dawes returned to the Fort Stage this year, with songs like “Most People”, “From the Right Angle”, “Time Spent in Los Angeles” and “Little Bit of Everything”. There was nary a moment when the audience wasn’t enthusiastically pitching in on vocal duties with Taylor Goldsmith, whether prompted or not, and thanks to this, the overall vibe in the crowd was harmonious and pretty magical. Goldsmith was in top form, and popped up later in sets with both Conor Oberst (Dawes is his backing band) and Mavis Staples (for a verse in The Band’s “The Weight”).
Conor Oberst, Fort Stage, “Hottest Band”
Between Taylor Goldsmith and the rest of Dawes, and the Lovell sisters on mandolin, lap steel and backup vocals, Conor Oberst has quite an attractive band. But aside from just being easy on the eyes, this band is one that is genuinely excited and happy to be playing Oberst’s music. With a horn section to amp up the soaring, lush instrumentals, and Oberst’s animated stage presence, this was a set that could have just played it cool, but instead more than delivered. Songs like “Governer’s Ball”, “Zigzagging Toward the Light”, “Artifact #1” represented the new album Upside Down Mountain well.
Jeff Tweedy & Mavis Staples, Fort Stage, “Best Folk Fest Collaboration”
Both Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples put on incredible solo shows on the Fort Stage, but when these two really shined was when they were harmonizing together. “Summernoon” during Tweedy’s set and “You Are Not Alone” during Staples’ set, their voices just seem to click when side by side. These two also played alongside Norah Jones, Lucius, Trampled by Turtles, Muscle Shoals’ legend Spooner Oldham, and Taylor Goldsmith, but ultimately, they complement each other best. As part of Mavis Staples’ 75th birthday being celebrated this weekend of Folk Fest, she was thrilled to be amongst such loving company. She and Tweedy are like family, it seems, and it shows on stage in through their moving and tender performances. Best put, they are perhaps, the king and queen of Newport Folk Festival.
Photos by Gerry Hardy and Nancy Lasher
