NEW: Newport Folk Festival Named U.S. “Festival of the Year”

Thursday, December 10, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team

Spirit Family Reunion at NFF 2015

The Newport Folk Festival has been dubbed the "Festival of the Year" for 2015 by online music publication Consequence of Sound.

"NFF has enjoyed a recent resurgence largely credited to event producer (and newly named Executive Producer of the Newport Festivals Foundation) Jay Sweet," wrote Ben Kaye.

In a music world full of festivals, Newport came out tops. Writes Kaye:

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Newport Folk Festival is unlike anything else. That’s clear enough when you note the 50-year legacy of history-altering performances and the pantheon of artists who have played during those decades, including this year. When you look at what it’s actually accomplished in the context of both its storied past and the current climate, however, it’s clear Newport Folk is doing something no other festival in the country is even capable of.

This past year, the festival's theme was '65 Revisited, and featured such acts as Roger Waters, Hozier, Jon Batiste, among others (see some of the top acts from this year here).

Newport Folk Fest is almost all sold out already for 2016, with the website indicating that tickets are available Friday only.

Related Slideshow: Newport Folk Festival 2015: Sunday Highlights

The final day of the Newport Folk Festival commemorated the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan "going electric" with an all star band. It was a fitting close to one of the best festivals in recent memory.But before the big finale, there was a great day of music to enjoy. Check out our slide show from GoLocal Music Critic Ken Abrams and photographer Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography.

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Berklee Gospel Choir

Sunday began with a stirring set from the Berklee College Gospel and Roots Choir led by Nedelka Prescod (pictured). The Choir performed several traditional Gospel standards including “Brighter Day” and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.” They are a regular act at Newport and always get Sunday off to a great start. (photo: Ken Abrams)

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'65 Revisited

’65 Revisited was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dylan “going electric” at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The band was anchored by frequent festival act Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (pictured). They opened with a stunning version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” followed by “All I Really Wanna Do” with Willie Watson on guitar and lead vocals. (photo: Ken Abrams)

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Dawes and Deer Tick

Festival favorites Dawes joined Welch and Rawlings bringing a little electricity and kicking the tempo up a notch or two. They rocked and rolled their way through “Maggie’s Farm,” the song Dylan opened with in ’65. More guests joined the fun including Deer Tick’s John McCauley (pictured) and Ian O’Neil. McCauley’s raucous vocals and harmonica on “Outlaw Blues” was a set highlight. (photo: Ken Abrams)

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Al Kooper

Al Kooper, who played organ on the classic tune “Like a Rolling Stone,” provided the link to rock and roll history. He played with Dylan in the Butterfield Blues Band on the fateful night 50 years ago. Last night, he sat in with Dawes, leading the band through a nice version of “Like a Rolling Stone.” The Festival closed with a massive sing-a-long of “Rainy Day Woman #12 and #35,” better known as “Everybody Must Get Stoned.” (photo: Ken Abrams)

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Jon Batiste & Stay Human

Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human will celebrate a festival first next weekend when they become the first band to play at both Newport Folk and Newport Jazz in the same year. They made a big splash with the Folk crowd with an eclectic set including covers of Blackbird and St. James Infirmary. Look for them on The Late Show with Steven Colbert this Fall. (photo: Ken Abrams)

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Hozier

Hozier has gone from Indie upstart to international superstar in less than year. He returned to the festival a crowd favorite, playing the main Fort Stage, an upgrade from the Harbor Stage where he sang last year. In addition to his hit “Take Me to Church,” he shined on “From Eden” and “Work Song.” (photo: Rick Farrell)

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Music Makers

A troupe of Roots and Blues artists came to the festival as part of the Music Maker Relief Foundation. The organization provides performance opportunities for traditional Southern musicians, in an effort to keep authentic folk voices alive. We caught some great sets from Gospel singers the Coco Mamas, Little Joe from Chicago (pictured), and acclaimed keyboardist Ironing Board Sam. (photo: Ken Abrams)

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First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit is a popular sister led band from Sweden. The Soderberg sisters took over the fort mid afternoon for some bittersweet songs including “The Lion’s Roar,” “The Waitress Song” and “Emmylou.” (photo: Rick Farrell)

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Dancin' in the Fort

Roots-Rock bands like the Felice Brothers and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats brought high energy sets to Newport. Fans literally danced in the aisles, from their seats and by the water. (photo: Ken Abrams)