65 years since it was established by the late George Wein, the Newport Folk Festival still knows how to “rumble.” The festival got off to a great start Friday, July 26, with beautiful weather and a diverse line up of new and established stars in folk music and beyond.
The Fort Stage opener, Medicine Singers, inspired with an absolutely soul-stirring version of Link Ray’s “Rumble,” backed by the sonic textures of Lee Rinaldi and Yonatan Gatt. The song set the tone for a day of music in which each set had distinct characteristics.
Several artists graced the Newport stages for the first time, including William Prince, Billie Marten, MUNA, and Wednesday, who brought some raucous punk-inspired vibes to the Quad Stage. Additionally, high-energy sets from Allison Russell, Black Pumas, and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway made Friday a day to remember.
The day’s highlights include a surprise set from festival veteran Beck, who used the opportunity of the 65th anniversary of Newport Folk to cover a number of songs from the festival that were popular in the 1960s including Fred Neil’s “The Other Side of This Life,” Blind Willie Johnson’s “God Moves on the Water,” and Bob Dylan’s “Maggies Farm.” A killer version of Beck’s “Loser” closed the well-attended set in the Quad.
Irish superstar Hozier, who debuted at the Fort in 2014, was on top of his game throughout his set, backed by his high-powered band. He closed with a stirring version of “We Shall Overcome,” joined by Nathaniel Rateliff, Alison Russell, Madison Cunningham, Mavis Staples, and Joan Baez.
Check out some photos of the day below from WUN Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams. The festival runs through Sunday, July 28.
