The early bird gets the worm at this year’s Newport Folk Festival, with many of the can’t-miss acts performing in the first half of each day. Sure, headliners like Elvis Costello, Alabama Shakes and Father John Misty are sure to draw huge crowds, but for a truly special Folk Fest experience, set your alarm clock and get your ass to Fort Adams in time for the opening acts. Below we’ve shared our “Early Bird Special” picks for each day, along with a song we’d love to hear.
FRIDAY
JP Harris – 11:00 a.m. – Harbor Stage
JP Harris may have had a warmup on the Museum Stage last year, but this year he gets his due on one of the three main stages. His throwback country style and deep, rich voice will be the perfect substitute for that second cup of coffee you thought you needed.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Gear Jammin’ Daddy”
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Wild Child – 11:15 a.m. – Quad Stage
The mid-size Quad stage will be the perfect setting for the angelic folk rock sounds of this Austin-based seven-piece band. It’s a stage that typically hosts the acts that make you want to get up out of your seat and stomp your feet, and Wild Child will certainly deliver.
Song We Hope to Hear: “The Runaround”
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Freakwater – 12:00 p.m. – Harbor Stage
The fabulous Chicago label Bloodshot Records will be represented by a few acts this year, and Freakwater is one of ‘em. Their killer 2016 release Scheherazade (ALBUM REVIEW) is filled with otherworldly, haunting folk and Americana tunes that feel perfect for Newport Folk. Catch the banjo picking and harmonizing for an early afternoon high.
Song We Hope to Hear: “What the People Want”
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SATURDAY
The Cactus Blossoms – 11:00 a.m. – Harbor Stage
For this reviewer, these brothers from Minneapolis are the act not to miss this year. With their JD McPherson-produced record You’re Dreaming released earlier this year, they evoke Everly Brothers vibes with their deep harmonies. Their classic country sound will transport you back in time amidst the peaceful setting of the Fort Adams morning, before things get crazy.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Stoplight Kisses”
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Banditos – 11:10 a.m. – Quad Stage
Another Bloodshot entry, Banditos are sure to put on a rollicking good time of a show, equivalent to a shot of tequila for breakfast! The six-piece band from Birmingham, AL will bring their unique flavor of southern fried rock and roll to the Quad Stage for the ultimate morning wakeup.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Long Gone, Anyway”
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Rayland Baxter – 11:25 a.m. – Fort Stage
Rayland Baxter feels long overdue for his turn on the Fort Stage, and with last summer’s stunning release, Imaginary Man (ALBUM REVIEW), he’ll surely be made to feel right at home up there. He performed at the Fort in 2013 after his last record, so it will be a treat to see him return in a big way.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Yellow Eyes”
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Ruby Amanfu – 12:05 p.m. – Harbor Staage
Though she’s gotten some attention from singing backup for Beyoncé, Ruby Amanfu has been making her own waves since the 2015 release of her gorgeous record Standing Still. Her soulful voice is like a smooth sip of espresso – warm, rich and bright. She’s guaranteed to stun the Harbor Stage tent.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Where You Going”
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SUNDAY
Ian Fitzgerald – 11:00 a.m. – Harbor Stage
Perhaps one of the most folk-centric acts featured at this year’s Folk Fest, Ian Fitzgerald gives serious Bob Dylan vibes. His set will be the perfect way to ease into the final day of festivities, and after playing the Museum Stage last year, he’s primed for a bigger audience.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Melinda Down the Line”
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River Whyless – 11:10 a.m. – Quad Stage
The Asheville, NC foursome will bring their rhythmic harmonies to the Fort and no doubt leave with a whole new slew of fans. The fiddle-playing alone will lure listeners to the Quad Stage on Sunday morning.
Song We Hope to Hear: “All Day All Night”
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Julien Baker – 1:30 p.m. – Quad Stage
One of the youngest voices you’ll hear all weekend, Julien Baker’s will also be one of the most compelling. Her raw songwriting and quiet confidence will captivate the crowd on Sunday afternoon. Her debut LP Sprained Ankle has already garnered all kinds of buzz, and this performance will only bring more.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Sprained Ankle”
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…And the afternoons ain’t bad, either. Here’s a shortlist of other acts we’re looking forward to this year:
FRIDAY
St. Paul and the Broken Bones – 1:55 p.m. – Fort Stage
Alabama Shakes may be the obvious draw for soul music this year, but don’t let this set from fellow Alabama-natives St. Paul and the Broken Bones pass you by.
Song We Hope to Hear:“I’m Torn Up”
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Matthew Logan Vasquez – 2:50 p.m. – Quad Stage
Vasquez is typically known for his heart-pounding pop rock hooks as the front man of Delta Spirit. But his solo stuff is pure loud rock and roll, and that punk rock sound will thrill at the Fort this year.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Austin”
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SATURDAY
John Moreland – 1:15 p.m. – Harbor Stage
Moreland’s quiet performance on the Museum Stage last year garnered major praise and awe from a hypnotized crowd, and he continues his winning streak of the last year or so by playing on one of the main stages. His 2015 record High on Tulsa Heat was one of the year’s best, and any live performance from Moreland is one to remember.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Heart’s Too Heavy”
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Margo Price – 1:40 p.m. – Quad Stage
Price has one of the buzziest albums of 2016 so far with Midwest Farmer’s Daughter (ALBUM REVIEW). And though she got the Museum Stage crowd on their feet last year, she will undoubtedly turn the Quad Stage into a straight up honky tonk this year.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Hands of Time”
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SUNDAY
Middle Brother – 3:10 p.m. – Fort Stage
The supergroup (John McCauley of Deer Tick, Matthew Logan Vasquez of Delta Spirit, and Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes) returns to Newport, and will definitely be a fan favorite this year, as McCauley always gets the warm hometown Rhode Island welcome when he returns to his roots (wife Vanessa Carlton will be performing at one of the after parties, too). This year marks the five year anniversary of the release of their only record, and their only Newport Folk Fest performance.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Me, Me, Me”
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Phil Cook – 4:05 p.m. – Quad Stage
Hiss Golden Messenger’s Phil Cook brings the party to Newport, and his infectious spirit and outspoken songwriting will be a highlight of the weekend for those who love to dance.
Song We Hope to Hear: “Ain’t it Sweet”
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The Newport Folk Festival takes place at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island on July 22-24. For more info check out newportfolk.org. Stay tuned to Glide Magazine for more coverage!
Cover photo: Rich Gastwirt
