Selected Sounds: Newport Folk Festival 2016

Last year marked the 50 year anniversary of Dylan ditching his acoustic guitar for an electric. And although the legendary man himself wasn’t in attendance, the Newport Folk Festival paid fitting tribute with a host of special guests. This year ushers in a (mostly) fresh batch of bands and singer/songwriters including New Zealand’s own parody-folk band Flight of the Conchords, punk poet-laureate Patti Smith and fierce newcomers Alabama Shakes. Mix in the likes of the legendary Elvis Costello and Norah Jones, and you’ve got a jam packed three-day lineup that should not be missed! Take a look at the full lineup here.

Friday, July 22nd, 2016

Radical Face -Selected by Knar

The moniker Radical Face came from a flyer that had once read “Radical Facelift” before the “lift” part was ripped off. Though the name Ben Cooper selected for his solo project was chosen on whim, his music is much more deliberate and calculated. This year, he released The Family Tree: The Leaves, the final installment of a trilogy of albums that tell the story of a fictional 19th century family. Curious to see what sort of story his set list will tell on Friday.

Violent Femmes -Selected by Matt M.

Last March, Violent Femmes released We Can Do Anything, their first proper release in over sixteen years. From memorable hits like “Blister in the Sun” to “Gone Daddy Gone” this rambunctious folk trio is sure to get the crowd at Fort Adams in high spirits before headliner Flight of the Concords hit the stage. Maybe if we’re lucky their new percussionist will break out his secret weapon: the charcoal grill.

Saturday, July 23rd, 2016

Lady Lamb -Selected by Jon

Before she was Lady Lamb, I remember renting movies from Aly Spaltro at Bart & Greg’s DVD Explosion in high school. Though I didn’t really know her, we both grew up in the same Maine town. Now she’s playing Newport Folk Festival, and I’m going to write about her music. DVDs may be on their way out, but Lady Lamb is still on her way up.

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats -Selected by Araz

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats will rock your socks right off with their raucous repertoire. You may know their explosive song “S.O.B.” The self-titled album’s tight composition of bright instruments, emotive singing and general vivacity is filled to the brim but never feels overwhelming. Catch them on Saturday for what should be a boisterous show.

Sunday, July 24th, 2016

Julien Baker -Selected by Mikey

Back in October of last year, singer-songwriter Julien Baker turned heads around the music industry with Sprained Ankle, her darkly gorgeous debut album. The Tennessee native specializes in sparsely elegant tunes that often deal with surprisingly heavy themes, from drug addiction to religious experience. A passionate performer and gifted songwriter, Baker is a can’t-miss act at this year’s festival.