Newport Folk Fest 2018

We got it on the 13th last year

If anyone out there has a two day (Sat/Sun) pass and is looking to get a three day, I am looking to trade a 3 for a 2 and cash. PM me if interested.

Reviewed the thread from last year and it looks like there was a post to Facebook that someone found on the Wednesday (the 12th) that was quickly taken down.  Later that night the App was updated and it had the schedule in it.  Since this is the Wednesday two weeks before the Fest, the equivalent timing for updating the App would be this evening.  Things change, but my hopes are up for before Friday.  

You know, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been pretty hard on Newport regarding this year’s lineup, particularly Saturday.

And while I still fully believe Saturday is weak on big names, it’s saving grace is that the bands that are booked are the few that appeal directly to me coming into this year’s announcements. (What I would have asked Newport to book before they used this year’s lineup to expand my own interests.)

I found myself listing the bands I was most excited to see for some others that are joining me this year, and acts from Saturday topped the list: Leithauser & Rostam (#1), Courtney Barnett (#2), and Phoebe (#4), with Shakey and Jenny rounding out the list of 10 as Honorable Mentions. Caamp barely missed the list only because I am super stoked, now that I’ve had time to process the entire lineup, for a lot of other bands.

In making the list, Saturday is pretty rounded out for my interests, even being weak in terms of star power or unique gets/sets. Friday is incredibly top-heavy, and I am not sure how I’m going to manage the Jason Isbell, St Vincent, Sturgill, and Ben Harper shuffle (those first three all fell middle of my list of 10). Fewer bands I want to see earlier on in the day, but that could change with a good schedule (Darlingside, Rachael and Vilray, Lucius, and Moses Sumney all intrigue me with Sumney at the bottom of my list of 10).

Sunday in my mind, is by far the weakest in terms of what I am excited about. But still enough to potentially keep me riveted all day long. Passenger is a top 5 act for me. The only other two bands on my list of ten from Sunday are Bermuda Triangle and Brandi Carlile. Khruangbin and the A Change is Gonna Come are honorable mentions. Lone Bellow never disappoints. And I need to get back into War and Treaty as they were a real treat when first announced but I’ve since stopped listening to them (once again, because there’s so much else on the lineup that I’ve been digging).

So in the end, some of my lineup criticisms launched in this thread still hold. I am still sad there’s not a banjo-driven indie folk band (well... I guess Caamp). Or a punk rocker turned folk singer (not on the Museum Stage... I’ll check out Butch Walker though if no conflicts). And the seemingly lack of true headliners on Sat and Sun. But overall, as some of you have been saying all along, this lineup is yet another winner from Newport, and with time having explored, they won me over again (I’d never have expected Phoebe to be a Top 5 act for me).

My thoughts on Sunday are going to definitely depend on the schedule. Friday and Saturday have enough acts I want to see that any schedule won't be a huge deal (other than decisions of who to pass up on). Sunday, however, could be a great day start to end or have a decent bit of downtime for me if the scheduling doesn't go my way.

To me Saturday is a purists's dream, but the average NFF concert goer I know and have met is not a purist; they don't spend months listening to these acts or have seen them numerous times before. That, and the lack of variety, is what makes Saturday weak for me. I won't start a flame war by naming a few acts who sound no better than people I see busking on the subway or playing for free at a local town fair. There's plenty of talent here, but if its warm and humid, I think the vendors and snoozers will do rather well. Also a good day for Museum Acts.

I don't expect Bruce or anyone like that -- if it happens fine -- but I think Saturday needs one helluva guest artist, not because it is a weak schedule, but the tease has been too long.

And that is why I think those who are placing folks like Valerie June and Low Cut Connie (and maybe so is Newport), at the Harbor Stage or for morning sets a huge mistake. They are higher energy, and needed to break up the low key performers. Plus Valerie has already played the Harbor.

Sunday for me is going to be a scheduling nightmare...and still would not be surprised to see Batiste and the Dapkings with special guests closing the show.

Looks like Erika Wennerstrom will be playing a show at Atwood’s in Cambridge MA on Sunday after the festival for anyone interested.

She is already at the festival Friday as well.

Definitely understand this, but I don't think any of Brandi's records quite do her justice.
If you happen to be left with nothing you want to see whenever she's playing, I'd recommend checking out her set.

I don't listen to anyone until the schedule comes out, makes it easier.

Brandi, in my opinion, is one of the few acts that channels Newport lineups circa 2012-2014. Her band may be the only fiddles and banjos we hear on that Sunday (maybe Langhorne’s band?). And in a way, may be the most stomp-and-holler style of folk music we get all weekend.

To me, that’s a win even if she’s not my favorite representative of the style. But, we all know when it comes to modern folk music, I’m fairly basic.

Definitely agree with this. Live Brandi is fantastic. There's just a passion/enthusiasm that her albums seem to lack.

I am confused. The fest even tweeted her back saying "see you soon" but I do not remember her being announced. Is she in someone else's band? Did I miss the announcement? I even quickly looked at the Museum Stage acts again to see if I missed her in those group announcements.

Maybe she'll be part of the Cook Brothers or Glorietta aftershow.  

Oh...I teach, and I used to write (you'd have no clue from my ramblings here), and still had to double check the meaning of the word "penultimate." So when Jay stated Jon Batiste and the Dap Kings (the Dap Kings, man -- I mean, we do have high expectations if we yawn those folks off) are the penultimate performers, my initial thought was "oh, bigger than ultimate," Then I looked it up. Jay is a brilliant guy. But he could have meant, uber ultimate, or backing up the headliner, or the second biggest act -- which would be a little odd to say. "And may I present the second best wide receiver on our team."

So happy many of us are really getting more and more enthused!  It's virtually, literally, nigh, well-nigh, and pretty much almost time!