New England Folk and Roots Music Publication

New England Folk and Roots Music Publication

Music Features

Navigating Newport 2018

Ken Templeton

Every year, the Newport lineup is so stacked and first-timers think they might actually see all of those amazing acts. Then, the schedule is announced and you see that you have some tough choices to make.

So, we thought we’d help, because sometimes when you’re having a hard time deciding between good and good, a sympathetic friend can step up and say: “do this,” and it’s a heckuva gift. So, consider this a gift to all you conflicted folk family and know we’re right there with you.

First, some principles that have helped us have some really transformative experiences at Newport. We shared these last year; people liked ‘em, so we’re sharing them again.

 

  1. Stay present. It can be easy to hear about something you missed and feel regret. Try to stay connected to what you are experiencing, rather than thinking about what is happening somewhere else.
  2. Less is more. Set-hopping is kind of fun, hearing a few songs here, a few songs there. But there is something to be said for staying for an entire set and really listening to a smaller number of artists. Do what makes you happy, but depth over breadth has never steered us wrong.
  3. Small is special. The Museum Stage is where it’s at. In 2015, we heard Margo Price, John Moreland, and Aaron Lee Tasjan there. In 2016, we caught Shovels & Rope, Hayes Carll, and Kris Kristofferson. A few years ago, Christopher Paul Stelling played the open mic. The Family Tent is a blast too and is a nice bit of shade – just make sure you make room for, you know, kids. Seriously, leave room (and move out of the way) for the kids.
  4. You can’t spell ‘Newport’ without n-e-w. If you are trying to decide between an artist you have seen before and one you are curious about, go with the new one. There is nothing like finding a new voice and leaving a festival with an artist’s catalogue to explore. It can really sustain you over those twelve lonely months until next year’s NFF.
  5. Unannounced = awesome. A lot of really amazing things that happen in the Museum aren’t advertised. The headliner for Saturday is yet-to-be-named and on the Festival website, all three days say “more artists coming soon.” Jon Batiste will surely have a few tricks up his sleeve for the closing set that we don’t yet know about. You have to trust that the people running this festival know what they’re doing. You already do, because you probably purchased your tickets before a single act was announced. So just keep that spirit with you and be pleasantly surprised.

 

OK, all that said, here are some recommendations for each day, while acknowledging that making recommendations in this lineup is stupid. But this might help you find someone new or think about how you spend your time. We’re not really talking about the biggest names on the lineup because you’ve probably heard them. Here goes:

 

Friday: I don’t know what to tell you about Friday. It’s silly. It is an embarrassment of riches. But, if you’re forcing us, and you seem to be forcing us, to make some recommendations, here’s where we land.

 

  • Amanda Shires is our number one priority this day. She has a new album coming out; it’s going to be incredible. You’ll hear some of those songs and her back catalogue is unbelievable. She only won “emerging” artist last year from the Americana Music Awards because it took a lot of people a long time to catch on to what she was doing.
  • Moses Sumney. Gorgeous and subtle and, and, and…yeah.
  • Speaking of beauty, Darlingside. So good. We got to talk with Auyon the other day and it made us even more excited for this opening set.
  • Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite. Charlie played with Muddy Waters; Ben Harper is Ben Harper.
  • As noted above, we saw Margo on the Museum Stage three years ago; she will own the Fort Stage.
  • You cannot go wrong with The Wood Brothers. Or really anyone on Friday, the entire damn day.  

 

Saturday: Obviously, all the chatter is about who that unannounced headliner will be. As Newport historian Rick Massimo recently told us: it’s never who you think. So don’t fret about it; let it be and enjoy this incredible day of music.

 

  • Low Cut Connie kicks it off on the Quad Stage but not before Kaia Kater plays in the Museum, and both of those acts are super special.
  • I finally listened to Daniel Norgren the other day and totally get what everybody’s raving about.
  • Hiss Golden Messenger and Lukas Nelson will both be wonderful experiences; you can’t be everywhere so don’t worry about it and just pick one.
  • Tank and The Bangas. I think this is a group you have to see live. You just have to.
  • Valerie June just channels something else and you should be there to get transported.
  • Don’t sleep on Lula Wiles in the Museum. One of our favorite bands.

 

Sunday: This is my all-joy day. All joy, all day, start to finish.

 

  • You can’t go wrong with The War and Treaty or Preservation Hall. You will feel all the joy and love and sorrow and pain and beauty in either set.
  • Bermuda Triangle will be super fun (and be sure to catch BT member Becca Mancari in the Museum!).
  • Charlie Parr just makes you feel like, “Yes, that dude is supposed to play music.”
  • Toots! (Nuff said.)
  • If Langhorne Slim can’t cure what ails you, you’re beyond help, my friends.
  • And man oh man, can’t wait for Jon Batiste’s final set, “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Because damn we need some changes.

 

And, just remember, whatever your plans are, leave room for spontaneity. Go where your heart takes you. Have fun! Folk on!