The United Folk Festival Arrives in Westerly

The United Folk Festival, a modern day representation of the folk music scene with a signature RI twist, runs all day on Saturday, July 1, in Wilcox Park in Westerly. This latest addition to the South Shore music circuit promises a day full of traditional and contemporary folk stylings while providing a variety of activities to keep both parents and children entertained. In its second year of existence, this free festival (did you catch that?) has managed to pack in music from Noon to 9pm.

Wondering who’s playing?

For starters, headlining are two of the most foot-stomping, impassioned folk groups that have paved new directions for the scene, Blitzen Trapper and The Barr Brothers. Seeing these two performers for free is improbable anywhere except at the United Folk Festival.

The undercard also is something to marvel at as bands such as psych-folk patriarchs Woods, Providence’s premier folkers The Low Anthem, and folk-rocker Elvis Perkins sprinkle that mystical aura that makes this one-day festival so enticing. It’d be a sin not to recognize that Langhorne Slim will be also making an appearance, which is a treat considering his Newport Folk Festival after-party performance later this month is sold out.

So whether you are getting your only fill of folk music this summer or looking for something to satisfy your fix until Newport Folk Festival, the United Folk Festival is a rare dime of a festival that you shouldn’t miss.

The United Folk Festival takes place at Wilcox Park in Westerly on July 1 from noon until 9pm. unitedtheatre.org/united-folk-fest.html