Folk Fest Performances That Aren’t to Be Missed

Folkers rejoice! George Wein and the Newport Foundation are ready to kick off the 56th anniversary of the legendary Newport Folk Festival. In the past half-century, the Folk Festival has provided moments that have shaped not only the music community, but history as a whole, from the Pixies going all-acoustic for their headlining set in 2005 to Bob Dylan’s fabled performance at the 1965 iteration of the festival when he played electric for the first time in his career.

This year will no doubt add to the plethora of memories and moments in Newport’s legacy, but what is one to do when there are over 55 bands performing during the weekend and most sets overlap? Well folks, I’m here to tell you that it’s manageable and that amidst the many names on the lineup that you don’t know (I’ll admit I didn’t know a few), there are hidden gems that are worth your time and ears.

Below is a list of the top five bands you should see per day at the Newport Folk Festival and I promise there will not be any overlaps, so don’t hyperventilate over having to choose between two extraordinary musicians.

Friday, July 24

5. Tallest Man On Earth (Fort Stage); 4 – 5pm: Kristian Matsson, the genius behind Tallest Man On Earth, is hot off the release of his latest album, Dark Bird is Home, which is so melodically dark that it entices you to listen to the end in order to capture the essence of his storytelling. Known for his unbelievable live performances, Matsson will hypnotize Newport with his engrossing melodies.

4. Haunt the House (Harbor Stage); 11 – 11:40am: Straight from Westerly, this folk group is one of the Ocean State’s best hidden gems and they’ll open the 2015 Newport Folk Festival. Intricacy is the name of their game and that intricacy has earned them admiration in the folk community of RI.

3. The Lone Bellow (Fort Stage); 2:30 – 3:30pm: This Folk Trio from Brooklyn have been storming the folk scene since 2011 with hits such as “Fake Roses” and “Green Eyes and a Heart of Gold.” Recently putting out their sophomore album, Then Came the Morning, these folks show no sign of slowing down and will even have those in their beach chairs stomping their feet.

2. Leon Bridges (Quad Stage); 1:35 – 2:25pm: What can I say that hasn’t been said about this otherworldly soul singer? I’ve been obsessed with him since the release of his first EP, Coming Home (which also happens to be the name of his recently released debut album). Known for his simply dramatic guitar playing and powerful vocals, Bridges is a powerhouse and is any day bound to break through as one of this generation’s seminal soul musicians.

1. Roger Waters/Unannounced (Fort Stage); 5:30 – 7:30pm: No further introduction is needed for this legendary musician and songwriter. Waters is the bassist, songwriter and mastermind behind Pink Floyd, who I’m sure most of you heard of. In what has been promised to be an intimate set of music, I am curious as to see who the unannounced artist is playing before Waters from 5:30 till right when his set begins. I have my fingers crossed that we will see the return of My Morning Jacket to the Fort, the first time since their rained-out performance in 2012.

Saturday, July 25

5. Madisen Ward & Mama Bear (Harbor Stage); 1:10 – 2pm: This mom and son duo from Kansas City aim to bring their irresistible charm and soulful hooks to the folks in Newport in a blistering 50-minute set. With their debut album now out, Skeleton Crew, expect good vibes and heartfelt moments from Madisen and Ruth Ward on the Harbor Stage.

4. The Decemberists (Fort Stage); 6:15 – 7:30pm: Being on the Newport Folk Festival Board of Advisors is a big role to fill for lead singer, Colin Meloy, but on Saturday, he will have to play double duty as his band, The Decemberists, takes the Fort Stage as the night’s headliner. Hailing from Portland, this folk ensemble plans to storm the stage behind the release of their eccentric new album, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World.

3. The Barr Brothers (Fort Stage); 12:10 – 12:55pm: Coming from the backyard of Providence, Andrew and Brad Barr are bringing their styling of sci-folk to the Folk Festival in a set will be as locally legendary as last year’s performance of Deer Tick on the Fort Stage (which was beyond words for a longtime fan). Whether you have heard of sci-folk or not, the Barr Brothers will take you on a trip through their eclectic take on folk music.

2. Courtney Barnett (Quad Stage); 2:55 – 3:50pm: I’m sure many of you music nuts have heard of this young Aussie who has been making quite a name for herself with her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. Her rough-around-the-edges personality and vocal prowess have made her many fans and for those who count themselves as such, this set is a must-see.

1. Unannounced (Fort Stage); 3:50 – 4:20: While being the shortest set of the festival, one can only guess who will fill in during this time-constrained spot. Could it be the return of Bob Dylan or the debut of a new Newport legend? All your answers will be revealed when this artist steps foot on the Fort Stage on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday, July 26

5. Jon Baptiste & Stay Human (Fort Stage); 12:40 – 1:30pm: 2015 has been quite the year for Jon Baptiste. From being the poster child for the Newport Jazz Festival to being named the bandleader for Stephen Colbert’s turn on “The Late Show,” Baptiste is a talented jazz musician who has sparked interest amongst his contemporaries and is sure to provide a spitfire set at Folk fest before his performance at next week’s Jazz Festival.

4. Hozier (Fort Stage); 4:45 – 5:50pm: Hozier has become somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon due to his hit “Take Me to Church,” but who remembers when this Englishman took the Harbor Stage last year and performed a roaring performance of “Work Song” with the Berklee Gospel & Roots Choir? Newport is fortunate to have Hozier back to the Fort this year, but this time around, he will take the Fort Stage, recreating 2014 magic all over again.

3. The Felice Brothers (Quad Stage); 2:45 – 3:40pm: In 2009, The Felice Brothers made Newport history when they performed in the mud after a storm took out the electricity on stage. Well, The Felice Brothers are back in action and providing a kick-ass performance of their Catskill folk-rock on the Quad Stage this year. Hopefully, it will be as interesting as their 2009 mud performance.

2. First Aid Kit (Fort Stage); 3:20 – 4:20pm: Okay, I know I promised no overlaps in the beginning, but these girls are too amazing to disregard. Traveling all the way from Sweden, Johanna & Klara Söderberg are touring behind their 2014 release, Stay Gold. This sister duet is known for their impeccable vocals and addictive lyrics that keep fans coming back for more. Do yourself a favor and catch these sisters during this rare American performance.

1. ‘65 Revisited (Fort Stage); 6:15 – 7:30pm: Finally, we have come to the end of this year’s Folk Festival, and what better way to celebrate it than with commemoration of Dylan’s 50th Anniversary of going electric at Newport Folk Festival? Billed as a musical extravaganza for the ages, no one knows exactly who will show up. But one thing is certain: Dylan’s music will be celebrated in the most ceremonial way possible.