Newport Folk Preview – Five “Don’t Miss” Acts

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

 

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Courtesy of Newport Folk Festival

The Newport Folk Festival is finally here and for those lucky enough to have a ticket, the hardest part of the weekend is figuring out how to see as many great artists as possible.

The festival offers a virtual buffet of bands from local indie acts to nationally known artists. Here are few suggestions from GoLocal Music Critic Ken Abrams. It’s by no means a complete list, there’s simply too much great music this weekend, so just consider this a starting point.

RI Bands - Deer Tick and Death Vessel

Local band makes good is the story of Deer Tick. The boys from Providence continue to see their national reputation grow as they appear this year on the Fort Stage at 3:15 Saturday. They promise a few surprises and you can definitely expect a special guest or two. Deervana perhaps???

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Another RI act is Death Vessel, scheduled to play the Harbor Stage Friday at 1:40. Death Vessel is led by Joel Thibodeau, known for his unique neo-traditional folk arrangements. Check out their latest album, Island Intervals, released earlier this year.

Puss ‘n Boots

This band may surprise you when they take the Harbor stage on Saturday. There's a Grammy winner among the all-female power trio making their debut at the Festival. Norah Jones leads Puss n Boots - the group also includes Sacha Dobson and Catherine Popper. They just released their first album, No Fools, No Fun on Blue Note Records. Expect a Country/Americana/Rockabilly mix from PnB when they take the Harbor stage Saturday at 5PM.

Rodrigo y Gabriella

Rodrigo and Gabriella are a guitar duo from Mexico who honed their chops busking the streets of Dublin. They’re great guitarists in the Flamenco tradition, and will bring a lot of energy on their first visit to Newport. Look for their new album, 9 Dead or Alive, which they describe as “a celebration of individuals who have passed on,” from Harriet Tubman to Fyodor Dostoyevsky. They play the Quad stage Sunday at 5:30.

Valerie June

Valerie June is a singer-songwriter from Tennessee who describes her sound as "organic moonshine roots music." Her music is truly infectious; a mix of soul, gospel, rural country, and R&B, along with a share of electric blues as heard on her latest release, Pushin' Against a Stone, produced by Dan Auerback of The Black Keys. Check her out on Sunday at 3:45 on the Harbor Stage – you won’t be disappointed!

The Big Guns

No, not a new hipster band, but the more well-known acts who generally treat Newport as something extra special. Friday, don't miss acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Adams on the Fort Stage at 6:15. Reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff also brings big gun credentials on Friday. He’ll be on the Quad Stage at 5:30.

On Saturday, Jack White, possibly the most dynamic artist of the 21st century, will bring the heat.  White is unpredictable but one thing is for sure - his ultra-sonic Blues sound will resonate well over Narragansett Bay. He closes the Fort stage at 6:15.

And on Sunday, two major stars grace Newport. Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, the most innovative band of the 21st century, will perform at 4:45 on the Fort Stage. He’s touring with his son Spencer and releasing a solo album in September.

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Courtesy of Newport Folk Festival

Mavis Staples is this year’s living legend appearing at the festival. Of course she started in Gospel, as an original member of The Staple Singers, the greatest Gospel act in history.  You’re likely to see Tweedy, who produced her recent album, One True Vine, onstage with her.

Festival Weekend

The Newport Folk Festival is happening this weekend July 25-27. For more details on all the artists, check the Festival website and download the mobile app.  And while at the festival, don't forget to buy local. Several RI companies are festival sponsors including Newport Storm, Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard and Alex and Ani. See you in the Fort!

 

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2014 Artist Lineup Announcements Coming Soon

 
 

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