Newport Folk is about the words and the music.
Songs that stir and shake, songs you shake your ass to, songs that provoke, songs that matter…
But it’s also about discovery of new voices and sounds, while not forgetting to pay tribute to the influence of founder George Wein and the guiding hand of producer Jay Sweet.
Newport is about surprises, highlighted this year by the “unannounced” return of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats on Saturday, followed Sunday by Roger Waters appearance at the end of John Prine’s festival closing set (known only to Fest higher ups as well as a few of Newport’s finest).
Newport Folk is an incredibly personal event for me. The blue water and white sails of Narangansett Bay makes for a stunning backdrop to the Fort Stage, and with sales capped at 10,000 and an annual sell out before a single artist is announced, AEG Goldenvoice this is not.
Even with its international reputation, Newport Folk still feels so incredibly local and, as a West Coast based photographer, I consider myself lucky to cover Folk (and Jazz) whenever I can.
Check out my galleries from both days below…
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL, SATURDAY 7.29.17
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL, SUNDAY 7.30.17
