Newport Folk Festival 2012 Preview [festival]

Newport Folk Festival is definitely unlike any other that we cover here on The Wild Honey Pie. Subdued in the best way possible, the people who filter through the entrance at Fort Adams State Park do so purely for the music, not to take part in any sort of “scene.” For this reason, the next two days are pretty much my favorite of the year. Filled with bands that span the folk/alt/indie scene, not to mention a location that’s incredibly beautiful (right near the water, which allows sailboats to come and drop anchor), there are few festivals that are more serene and true to the music.

Attending Newport also comes with an appreciation for it’s incredible history and the influential artists who have graced its stages. Beginning in 1959, the festival has played host to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and countless others who shaped the future of folk. In fact, despite closings its doors in the late 1960s, the festival is still the longest continually running folk festival in the US.

Following this history lesson is our rundown on getting the most out of Newport Folk…

My Morning Jacket, Jackson Browne, Patty Griffin, Gutherie Family Reunion, City and Colour, Conor Oberst, Punch Brothers, The Tallest Man on Earth

A- This year’s lineup is completely packed with incredible folk bands, heavier rockers and some mind-blowing soul. Not only does this showcase the best of what the US folk scene has to offer, but it incorporates some spectacular songwriters from other countries such as Iceland and Sweden. In fact, being forced to choose between sets is my largest complaint – that, and the fact that I’m not a huge fan of My Morning Jacket, one of the main headliners.

Hailing from Houston (so I suppose I’m slightly biased), Robert Ellis seems to channel the country heroes of yore. While I’m generally not a fan the genre, I can be persuaded when the songs’ stories carry a heavy weight and the vocals seem genuine. Also, the right amount of pedal steel always seems to persuade me.

Set: Saturday, 11:35am - Quad Stage

While this recommendation probably isn’t necessary, Alabama Shakes will most definitely blow you away on Saturday. With southern tinged guitar riffs and Brittney Howard’s astounding, screaming vocals, their live show is relatively unmatched and will certainly be one of the best at the festival.

Set: Saturday, 2:00pm, Fort Stage

Sharon Van Etten’s Tramp has easily been one of my favorite albums of the year. Weaving tales of bitterness, love and all things in the middle, she’s guaranteed to win over the crowed with her subtle yet emotive vocals and welcoming stage presence.

Set: Saturday, 2:55pm, Quad Stage

Patty Griffin has been enchanting and moving me for as long as I can remember, and seeing her perform, surrounded by the tranquil water of Fort Adams, will likely be the highlight of my weekend. Her storytelling ability and powerful vocals are perfectly blended to create something otherworldly — her songs transcend gender and age, their perspectives taken from mothers, fathers, children and everything in between. Simply put, she captures the human condition in a way that most songwriters could only hope to.

Set: Saturday, 4:45pm, Fort Stage

After seeing Charles Bradley perform at this year’s Googa Mooga festival in Prospect Park, I simply can’t wait to re-live the experience. At 65, Bradley moves around the stage with more vigor and swagger than most artists less than half his age. Combine that with some awe-inspiring soul tunes, and the full package will melt your face.

Set: Sunday, 2:00pm - Fort Stage

Truth be told, Gary Clark Jr. is best experienced with the dim glow and grimy feel of a small, packed venue. His sweet, honeyed vocals contrast perfectly with the gritty, roaring sound produced by his instruments. Regardless of whether you’re close enough to see him intricately play his guitar, though, hearing is definitely more than enough.

Set: Sunday, 2:55pm, Quad Stage

Boasting amazing harmonies, beautiful piano and violin, and a strong melodic feel, The Head and the Heart are returning to Newport to wow audiences again. There’s an incredible, collective feel when they perform, and being part of the experience is what attending this festival is all about.

Set: Sunday, 3:25pm, Fort Stage

Of Monsters and Men have pretty much exploded in 2012, enticing people to fall in love with their captivating brand of pop-folk music. Featuring a wide range of instrumentation and playful male/female vocals, I’m more than a little excited to see how the zest of the album translates to the stage. Great songs need great energy, and I bet that’s exactly what they’ll bring.

Set: Sunday, 4:15pm, Quad Stage

Coming to us from Sweden, The Tallest Man on Earth, aka Kristian Matsson, bends hearts with the simplicity and honesty of his music. With bare instrumentation and a reliance on story and melody, Newport is the perfect atmosphere to experience his live show. Sit back, reflect and relax for an hour — you deserve it.

Set: Sunday, 5:40pm, Harbor Stage

This recommendation really needs no description. With a career spanning 40 years and songs such as “These Days”, “Running on Empty” and “Take it Easy”, Jackson Browne is sure to give us a nostalgic, beautiful set.

Set: Sunday, 6:05pm, Fort Stage