Lana Del Rey, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, James Taylor

Newport Folks Pageant 2023, Fort Adams State Park, Rhode Island, July 28-30, 2023,

Aug 07, 2023
By Katie Dadarria
Pictures by Katie Dadarria
Internet Unique

The magic of the Newport Folks Pageant is one thing that merely can’t be overstated, although it’s been stated time and time once more, 12 months after 12 months. A very one-of-a-kind expertise, a musician’s competition by means of and thru; there’s merely nothing like listening to acts whereas having fun with the breezes of the ocean state at Fort Adams. Whereas the breadth of artists is unmistakably various, there’s a thread of collaboration, mutual respect, and spirit that ties all of them collectively. Whereas expectations had been by means of the stratosphere after Joni Mitchell’s shock 2022 look, there was rampant pleasure on each stage all through the weekend that couldn’t be stifled.

This 12 months, the competition basis reworked its mission to “creating moments of hope by means of the ability of music and neighborhood,” and that was definitely the case, each amongst the artists, and those that got here to engross themselves within the music. Two days of sweltering warmth broke on Sunday to a completely superb summer time day, an extremely welcome respite for each the artists and the followers, all of whom got here with the utmost vitality to make the weekend the most effective it may very well be.

Friday’s lineup was stuffed entrance to again with raucous acts, on a day that’s historically a bit extra sparsely populated. Mdou Moctar joyfully shredded, smiles abound, because the viewers had no alternative however to rise to their toes in awe of his seemingly boundless guitar licks, not understanding the place the notes would journey subsequent. Del Water Hole owned the Fort stage, with a swagger solely a New Yorker may deliver to New England. Thee Sacred Souls stored the funk going within the Quad; it felt as if the dancing was ceaseless beneath that tent for all the weekend. The identical sentiment stood for Nickel Creek, competition mainstays that tie extra to conventional folks and bluegrass, although no much less raucous—Chris Thile particularly dancing as a lot because the viewers. One of the crucial “solely in Newport” surprises of the weekend got here because of unlucky circumstances, with Noah Kahan having to drop out of the competition final minute. However by no means concern, James Taylor confirmed up on minutes discover, regaling the gang with tales and basic songs; there have been definitely tears within the viewers, in addition to within the photograph pit. My Morning Jacket completed out the day with particular company, together with Maggie Rogers and Animal, of Muppet fame. At this level, it seems like Jim James is an honorary Henson character himself.

Saturday’s highlights included newcomer Danielle Ponder, whose voice had the viewers in awe (and many “woo”s). The Backseat Lovers tore it up on the Fort stage, and The Maintain Regular introduced their electrical model of rowdy, joyous rock to the quad. Later within the day, Angel Olsen’s mesmerizing voice had the viewers enthralled, whereas Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit kicked off the early night on the fort stage, with Isbell in his greatest cowboy apparel—tucked-in shirt and all. Jon Batiste’s headlining Saturday set was nothing wanting on fireplace—full with a smoker on stage, cooking ribs for the viewers. The multi-hyphenate artist had his personal steps put in on the entrance of the stage, taking part in primarily each instrument, and calling a rain dance with the Japanese Drugs Singers—and a storm rolled in, resulting in a barely early ending to the day and a few beautiful lightning as night time fell.

Sunday’s units had been stuffed with newcomers, in addition to collaborative units and large identify singers. Abraham Alexander took the viewers to church on the harbor stage, and Madison Cunningham performed her distinctive, exacting-yet-infinitely-melodic tunes for the quad. Los Lobos celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, with a shock look from Neko Case. Lana Del Rey was the speak of the lineup in a giant manner, and introduced an entire new viewers to the fort this 12 months. Throughout the best way, the Folks Household Revue, orchestrated by Robert Ellis, Beau Bedford, and the incomparable Phil Cook dinner, performed songs from 1973. One more Muppet confirmed up, the legendary Floyd Pepper from the Electrical Mayhem. To see Valerie June sing “Midnight Prepare to Georgia” with him was a burst of pleasure that was felt on stage and off. The virtuoso Billy Strings closed out the weekend, along with his dexterous taking part in that merged each the outdated guard and the brand new of people and bluegrass.

Newport Folks is a weekend that merely must be skilled, and people who have gone go time and time once more. Few different musical experiences can say that you simply’ll purchase a ticket earlier than you realize a single artist—and also you’ll by no means be dissatisfied. The countdown to July 2024 begins now.