Newport Folk Festival Wednesday Highlights: Julien Baker, Early James, Katie Pruitt, Deer Tick

On the sixth consecutive day of Newport Folk Festival’s “Folk On” and the third of the second segment, the schedule got a needed pick-me-up from the bluesy rock musings of Early James, starting off the early afternoon on a high note. Songs like “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Dishes in the Dark” off James’ 2020 release Singing for My Supper were a welcome entry point to the final day of this year’s miraculous iteration of the festival. 

Early James

The overall tone of “Folk On” was subdued and lowkey, but bright spots like James and shortly after, Katie Pruitt, felt especially good. Pruitt brought her powerful vocals to a stripped set of songs from her recent debut record Expectations. “Normal,” “Loving Her” and “Blood Related” beautifully narrated the arc of Pruitt’s experience growing up in the south as she grew into her identity as a gay woman, and Pruitt paid tribute to artists like The Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile for paving the way. She no doubt won a slew of new fans thanks to her warmth and confidence on stage, and the kind of songwriting that only comes around once in a while. 

Katie Pruitt

Julien Baker, her guitar decked out in letters that spelled “queer joy” shared her own stories of struggling to find her way with a similarly pared back set (with help on guitars and vocals from Mariah Schneider) of songs off this year’s Little Oblivions. The quiet, rapt audience was visibly thrilled to hear Baker wail “Faith Healer,” one of the album’s best.

Fans grooved to the much-needed caffeine boost of Black Pumas, a previously unannounced performance that stood out as one of the best of the festival. Eric Burton’s smooth, honeyed tone (with backup harmonies from two bewitching vocalists) kept the crowd moving and shaking despite the midday heat. And Watchhouse (previously Mandolin Orange) captivated a packed tent with their dreamy instrumentals and new songs like “Better Way.” 

Black Pumas

The grand finale of the festival belonged to Deer Tick, but not until about a half dozen songs into their set. The fort favorites seemed to be trying to get their footing until “The Rock,” when they seemed to really come alive. Suddenly the drums were explosive, the guitars thrashing and the harmonies bursting at the seams. It was a fitting end to a strange but wonderful few days of music and a reminder of why we look forward to it year after year. Deer Tick are the epitome of togetherness with their singalong choruses and adoring fans, and it was life-affirming to once again be amongst them, sloshing and swaying to familiar songs.

Photos by Andrew Benedict

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