Newport Folk Festival 2015 Preview

One of this country’s most legendary music festivals, Newport Folk Festival returns this weekend. Indeed, it’s the fiftieth anniversary of perhaps the fest’s most iconic moment, when Bob Dylan first went electric (and someone cried, “Judas!”). Today, the festival mixes the old and young, acoustic and electric, Friday-to-Sunday, July 24th to 26th:

FRIDAY, JULY 24th

Fort Stage Roger Waters, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM If you’re not excited to see Roger Waters (QRO photos) at Newport, check your pulse. It’s a bit of a departure for Newport, but we love the idea of the Pink Floyd co-founder at a festival with such great history. We would have been fine with another performance of The Wall (QRO photos), but Waters’ rep told Rolling Stone that he’s doing a set designed just for Newport, which only adds to the anticipation. It’s the first full performance from Waters in two years and could be the first one in a long time that wasn’t focused on The Wall. TBA, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Ever the enigma, Newport Folk Festival still has two unannounced late slots on Friday & Saturday (see below).

The Tallest Man On Earth, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM There are a lot of alt-folk solo singer/songwriters out there these days. Sweden’s Kristian Matsson (QRO photos at a festival), a.k.a. The Tallest Man On Earth (QRO photos at a festival), first got notice for his Dylan-esque ways when opening for fellow alt-folk solo singer/songwriter Justin Vernon, a.k.a. Bon Iver (QRO live review), but has since graduated to headliner (QRO photos as headliner) – and still operates solo (QRO photos), including at festivals (QRO photos at a festival).

The Lone Bellow, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Zach Williams’ wife suffered temporary paralysis following or horseback riding accident, with which he responded by learning to play guitar – and has made it far enough to form his own band, The Lone Bellow (QRO photos outdoors at a festival). Also: Elephant Revival, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM New Breed Brass Band, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Harbor Stage Heartless Bastards, 5:05 PM – 6:05 PM Erika Wennerstrom’s (QRO photos) Heartless Bastards (QRO live review) emerged from the same post-industrial Ohio Rust Belt blues-rock revival as The Black Keys (QRO album review), who discovered the group (QRO photos at a festival). However, after 2009’s The Mountain (QRO review), the group (QRO photos) left Black Keys’ Fat Possum label for Partisan for 2012’s Arrow (QRO review), along with playing bigger stages (QRO photos) and festivals (QRO photos at a festival). They come to Newport Folk (QRO photos at a festival) behind their latest, Restless Ones (QRO review).

Strand of Oaks, 3:45 PM – 4:40 PM For those looking for something a bit more heavy, look no further than Strand of Oaks (QRO photos). Timothy Showalter is not afraid to be honest in his guitar-driven songs punctuated with soaring solos. There’s a touch of pop, some Neil Young and the cathartic release of Strand of Oaks will have you feeling nostalgic and ready for the future all at the same time.

Hiss Golden Messenger, 2:25 PM – 3:20 PM Hiss Golden Messenger (QRO photos at a festival) has had a few lineup changes – it’s now a full group led by M.C. Taylor and Scott Hirsch with a rotating band featuring members of Bon Iver, Megafaun and Mountain Man. The lush sound and introspective lyrics never feel overwrought and it’s in a live setting where the band really shines.

Angel Olsen, 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM Angel Olsen (QRO photos at a festival) began her career singing back up for Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang (QRO live review), but has since found her own beautiful voice.

Also: Joe Pug, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – QRO photos Haunt the House, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM

Quad Stage Watkins Family Hour, 5:35 PM – 6:35 PM Led by Sara and Sean Watkins, the siblings behind Nickel Creek (QRO photos at a festival), Watkins Family Hour is all about the unexpected. The act started out as a fun way to get musicians together to have fun, jam and create something spontaneous and fun. For Watkins Family Hour, Sara and Sean recruited several all stars, including Fiona Apple, to produce an album of covers and hit the road for a tour.

Iron & Wine with Benjamin Bridwell, 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM As Iron & Wine (QRO photos), Samuel Beam has become one of the leading voices in today’s alt-folk troubadour arena, making it to #6 on the Billboard charts with 2011’s Kiss Each Other Clean (QRO review), despite it being a bit of a slide in accomplishment. Beam & co. (QRO live review) come to Newport Folk behind this year’s covers album with Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses (QRO live review), Sing Into My Mouth.

Calexico, 2:50 PM – 3:45 PM Tucson’s Calexico (QRO photos at a festival) mix Tex & Mex, indie-rock & Americana for a singular sound, most recently with this year’s Edge of the Sun.

Leon Bridges, 1:35 PM – 2:25 PM Leon Bridges’ (QRO photos) early Friday afternoon set will be one of the more popular ones on the first day of Newport Folk Festival. With his debut “Coming Home” and old school voice, the 25-year-old Texan has been compared to Sam Cooke and Otis Reading.

Bahamas, 12:25 PM – 1:10 PM One of the best names in the singer/songwriter genre today, Afie Jurvanen cut his teeth as a backing musician for names like Jason Collett (QRO spotlight on), Feist (QRO live review), and Hayden (QRO spotlight on). Under the stage name ‘Bahamas’ (QRO photos at a festival), the self-taught musician recorded his first solo album in a rural Ontario cabin. The result: 2009’s Juno-nominated Pink Strat, which earned the Toronto native spots and just about every ‘Who To Watch’ list, as well as a place on the 2010 Polaris Long List. Bahamas (QRO live review) comes south to Rhode Island (QRO photos) behind last year’s Bahamas Is Afie. Also: The Goodbye Girls, 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Museum Stage Wildwood Revival, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Converse Rubber Tracks, 11:45 AM – 2:15 PM Martin Guitar Open Mic, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

SATURDAY, JULY 25th

Fort Stage The Decemberists, 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM Portland, Oregon’s The Decemberists (QRO photos at a festival) have been booming in recent years, from their showdown with Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report (QRO Music on Late Night TV) to 2009’s excellent magnum opus, The Hazards of Love (QRO review), 2011’s The King Is Dead (QRO review), which earned them a Grammy nom, and this year’s What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World. Oh, and they taught the children of Springfield Elementary on The Simpsons, plus appeared on the season finale of Parks & Recreation!

Sufjan Stevens, 4:45 PM – 5:50 PM Sufjan Stevens (QRO live review) has been all over the map – both literally and sonically. He began as singer for electronica outfit The Faint (QRO live review), but made his name in alt-folk, including his ‘States Project’ of albums about states (though he only made two, for Michigan and Illinois), then had a Christmas album and a music & film project, The BQE (commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music for the famed Brooklyn-Queens Expressway). And even his return to normal albums was anything but normal, as 2010’s The Age of Adz (QRO review) combined alt-folk harmonies with tech-stop electronics for a unique sound and a unique show (QRO live review). He comes to Newport Folk (QRO photos) behind this year’s return to intimate form, Carrie & Lowell (QRO review). TBA, 3:50 PM – 4:20 PM Ever the enigma, Newport Folk Festival still has two unannounced late slots on Friday & Saturday (see above).

Jason Isbell, 2:35 PM – 3:30 PM Still probably best known for his work in Drive-By Truckers (QRO album review, post-Isbell), since driving off in 2008 Isbell (QRO photos at a festival) has been focused on his solo work (QRO photos solo at a festival), with his latest, Something More Than Free, just out.

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM Dueling banjos never sounded so beautiful. The married duo of Bela Fleck (QRO photos at a festival) & Abigail Washburn are an early Saturday treat on the Fort Stage. Each are legends in their own right and their 2014 self-titled album is their first together. Fleck is an eclectic musician and you’ll be impressed at the range of the banjo in their capable hands.

The Barr Brothers, 12:10 PM – 12:55 PM Brothers Andrew & Brad Barr have been performing in a variety of bands, including The Slip (QRO live review), Surprise Me Mr. Davis (QRO photos), and Land of Talk (QRO spotlight on), but they’ve since been breaking out all on their own as The Barr Brothers (QRO photos at a festival). Also: The Suffers, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Harbor Stage José González, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM The Argentine-Swedish José González (QRO photos at a festival) crafts exquisite, intimate material, both solo like with this year’s Vestiges and Claws (QRO review) and in his group Junip (QRO album review).

Tommy Stinson, 3:40 PM – 4:35 PM The ultimate rock ‘n’ roll utility player, Tommy Stinson first became known to the world as the young bassist for eighties punk legends The Replacements (QRO album review), but has had a long career coming in to deliver in such acts as Soul Asylum (QRO spotlight on) and even Guns n’ Roses (QRO photos with Stinson) – and is coming off the well anticipated reunion of The Replacements (QRO photos at a festival). He’s also had a great solo career (QRO photos solo), such as 2011 sophomore solo record One Man Mutiny (QRO review).

Also: Nikki Lane, 2:25 PM – 3:15 PM – QRO photos at a festival Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear, 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM Luluc, 12:05 PM – 12:50 PM Andy Shauf, 11:05 AM – 11:45 AM

Quad Stage Brandi Carlile, 5:40 PM – 6:40 PM Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile (QRO interview) has emerged alongside a whole new generation of socially minded melodic songstresses (QRO photos), and this year she (QRO spotlight on) put out her latest (QRO photos outdoors), The Firewatcher’s Daughter.

Sturgill Simpson, 4:20 PM – 5:15 PM Though his sound is closer to traditional country, because Sturgill Simpson (QRO photos at a festival) operates his own label outside of the Nashville country music business, he’s labeled ‘alt-country’.

Courtney Barnett, 2:55 PM – 3:50 PM Melbourne’s Courtney Barnett (QRO photos at a festival) won fans like Rolling Stone and The New York Times after her CMJ 2013 performance (QRO festival recap), with funny, rambling lyrics and a deadpan delivery (QRO photos). Since then she’s just gone and won fans outside of just critics with this year’s Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit.

Langhorne Slim, 1:40 PM – 2:30 PM Pennsylvania’s Langhorne Slim (QRO live review) rides with more of an upswing, most recently on 2012’s The Way We Move (QRO review), 2009’s Be Set Free (QRO review), and his self-titled 2008 release (QRO review), so come to the “Rebel Side of Heaven” (QRO video) with Langhorne Slim (QRO photos) – and The Law (QRO photos). He comes to Newport Folk just before the release of The Spirit Moves. Also: Traveller, 12:25 PM – 1:15 PM Spirit Family Reunion, 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM

Museum Stage Treasures From the Archive Roadshow, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Here’s a history lesson that’s far from boring. Treasures from the Archive Roadshow is a musical tour of folk pulled from the Library of Congress. Alan Lomax’s invaluable field collections, recordings and research has preserved America’s folk history and Treasures will bring some of his recordings to life at Newport.

For Pete’s Sake, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM When legendary American folk musician Pete Seeger (QRO photos at a festival) passed away, the country lost one of its greatest voices for the dispossessed, and one of the greatest folk musicians ever. At the Museum Stage at Newport Folk, the festival honors him by bringing together musicians to perform in his memory. Also: Martin Guitar Open Mic, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

SUNDAY, JULY 26th

Fort Stage 65 Revisited, 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM Newport Folk Fest is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a moment that changed music history. On July 25th, 1965, Bob Dylan went electric at Newport Folk Fest. Dylan had released Bringing It All Back Home in March of that year, his first to include electric instruments, and was a marked departure from his previous albums. Newport was his first rock set and it was met with loud boos and there’s plenty of discussion about what happened on that fateful night. We have a hunch the festival won’t be skimping on the surprises for a set of this magnitude. No acts have been announced yet, buy we can only imagine the songs of Dylan will be featured.

Hozier, 4:45 PM – 5:50 PM Ireland’s Andrew Hozier-Byrne (QRO live review in England) comes to Newport Folk off of last year’s massive breakthrough single “Take Me To the Church” – not to mention being impersonated on Saturday Night Live!

First Aid Kit, 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM Sweden’s woods-y sister act First Aid Kit (QRO live review) come back to Lollapalooza (QRO photos at a festival) behind last year’s Stay Gold (QRO review), their follow-up to 2012’s The Lion’s Roar (QRO review).

Lord Huron, 1:55 PM – 2:55 PM Los Angeles label IAMSOUND is best known for electronic acts, but found a nice local indie-folk act in Lord Huron (QRO photos in Los Angeles), who is also a festival regular (QRO photos at a festival).

Jon Batiste & Stay Human, 12:40 PM – 1:30 PM Bringing the wild spirit of Nor’Leans is Jon Batiste & Stay Human (QRO photos outdoors), who plays Newport Folk (QRO photos at a festival) just before becoming the new bandleader on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show (QRO Music on Late Night TV). Also: Berklee Gospel Choir, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Harbor Stage J Mascis, 5:05 PM – 6:05 PM An ultra-veteran punk rocker at Newport Folk is the one-and-only J Mascis (QRO photos). His own three-piece Dinosaur Jr. (QRO live review) did eventually dissolve – but also came back, first playing old material, but then coming out with the as-good-as-it-gets Beyond (QRO review), Farm (QRO review), and I Bet On Sky (QRO review) for arguably the greatest of all the indie-rock reunions of this century/millennium. But J needs no one, and comes to Rhode Island on the back of last year’s solo album, Tied To a Star (QRO review), his follow-up to 2011’s Several Shades of Why (QRO review).

Blake Mills, 3:45 PM – 4:40 PM The producer and guitarist is a critical favorite and a “musician’s musician” having earned praise from Eric Clapton, playing with the likes of Beck and recently toured with Fiona Apple. Blake Mills (QRO photos at a festival) is forging quite the name for himself and you can check out what all the fuss is about before he explodes in popularity.

Field Report, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM Chris Porterfield may be best known for his association with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and members of Megafaun, but Field Report (QRO photos at a festival) is different from those roots. Get ready for some intense storytelling and get lost in Porterfield’s lyrics.

Also: Rodrigo Amarante, 1:15 PM – 2:05 PM Jones Family Singers, 12:10 PM – 12:55 PM Christopher Paul Stelling, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – QRO album review

Quad Stage Shakey Graves, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Shakey Graves (QRO photos at a festival) is the post-folk alter ego of Austin’s Alejandro Rose-Garcia (QRO photos), who plays Newport Folk for a second year in a row.

Laura Marling, 4:05 PM – 5:05 PM Laura Marling (QRO live review) didn’t attend King’s College or St. Paul’s School like Noah & The Whale (QRO live review) and Mumford & Sons (QRO live review), as the two London institutions are both boys’ schools (though St. Paul’s has recently begun admitting girls). But she’s (QRO photos in native U.K.) performed with both, as well made an impressive career (QRO photos) all her own (QRO photos at a festival), most recently (QRO photos at a festival) with this year’s more rockin’ Short Movie.

The Felice Brothers, 2:45 PM – 3:40 PM The Catskills’ Felice Brothers (which includes both actual and honorary Felices – QRO spotlight on) have moved up from playing in subways stations (or, only slightly more up-market, for tips at Living Room – QRO live review) to becoming the go-to band (QRO live review outdoors) in today’s roots-revival with records like The Felice Brothers (QRO review) and Yonder Is the Clock (QRO review). After the departure of Simon Felice (for The Duke & The King, and now solo – QRO photos) in 2009, the brothers Felice (James – QRO interview – and Ian – QRO interview – and more) took a break from touring (QRO photos at a festival) and recording, but returned with 2012’s Celebration, Florida (QRO review), where they changed-up their backwoods stomp for some sadder & even techier fare. They come back to Newport Folk Festival (QRO photos at a festival) after playing in the mud for over an hour when the power went out in 2009, and off of last year’s release of Favorite Waitress (QRO review) – and still hit up favorite live staples like “Whiskey In My Whiskey” (QRO video), “Love Me Tenderly” (QRO video), and “I’m Saved” (QRO video).

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats, 1:25 PM – 2:20 PM Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff (QRO photos at a festival) brings sad indie-folks sounds with his band, The Nightsweats.

Brian Fallon, 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Frontman for New Jersey’s excellent Gaslight Anthem (QRO live review), Brian Fallon plays Newport Folk solo. Also: Ballroom Thieves, 11:10 AM – 11:55 AM

Museum Stage Music Maker Relief Foundation, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Dylan Goes Electric: A Conversation, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Martin Guitar Open Mic, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM