The 2010 Newport Folk Festival had more than it's share of high-water marks to live up to, not the least of which were the attendance numbers from the previous year's 50th anniversary. The 51st Folk Fest was also a big test of the resolve of the festival's new(ish) producer Jay Sweet and his staff. Their hard work paid off handsomely for all, as last year's folk fest surpassed the 50th anniversary in attendance and, dare I say, sheer amazingness. The fact that they were able to achieve the previously stated without raising ticket prices and using a budget that, at a larger festivals, might not even cover one headlining act is bit of a miracle.
What can be responsible for the recent success of Newport Folk Fest? Is it the venue? The tradition? The artist themselves wanting to be part of something bigger than a paycheck?
I'd have to say yes to all of the above.
With increasing momentum, comes increasing expectations. This year's installment of the legendary boutique festival has yet another set of gigantic tasks in it's sights: surpass another attendance milestone (proving last year was indeed no fluke) and prove to the adoring community surrounding the festival that it's recent change to non-profit 501(c)(3) status will not effect the quality of the festival itself.
How long can the Newport Folk Festival continue to get better? I'm not sure, but I can tell you this much: I'll be blocking out the last weekend in July for the foreseeable future as long as they keep announcing lineups like the one below.
July 30, 2011
The Decemberists
Gillian Welch
Gogol Bordello
Earl Scruggs
Ramblin Jack Elliott
Tegan and Sara (acoustic)
Mavis Staples
The Felice Brothers
Delta Spirit
Freelance Whales
Devil Makes Three
Song Circle w/ Dar Williams, Ellis Paul, John Gorka, Liz Queler
Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three
Typhoon
River City Extension
PS22 Chorus
The Wailin' Jennys
The Ebony Hillbillies
What Cheer? Brigade
July 31, 2011
EmmyLou Harris
Elvis Costello (acoustic)
Amos Lee
M.Ward
Wanda Jackson
Middle Brother
Justin Townes Earle
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Civil Wars
Trampled By Turtles
The Cave Singers
The Head & The Heart
Secret Sisters
David Wax Museum
Mountain Man
Brown Bird
The Seeger Clogging All-Stars
Get your early-bird tickets here.
Never mind... early-bird tix are sold out. Regular tickets go on sale Thursday, March 31st at 10 AM.