Festival Review: Day 2 of the 65th Newport Folk Festival
Known affectionately as "The Fort," the venue was abuzz with excitement as attendees arrived by bicycles, boats, cars, mopeds, and scooters, with over 1,500 bikes filling the parking lot alone.
Folk can be a hard genre to pin down at Newport, and Saturday's performances showcased the festival's eclectic range. The legendary Joan Baez, a longtime fixture of Newport, opted for a spoken word set, reading poetry that captivated the audience with its profound beauty and reflective depth. Meanwhile, Killer Mike defied genre expectations with a powerful hip hop set, dropping beats that had the crowd moving and proving that the spirit of folk can transcend traditional boundaries.
One of the day's most unique acts was Bertha, a drag Grateful Dead cover band, who led a massive singalong to many of the Dead's iconic hits. Their colorful performance was a joyous celebration, uniting fans in a communal display of love for the music.
The War on Drugs delivered a high-energy rock 'n' roll set that reverberated through the park, their anthemic songs perfectly suited for the expansive outdoor setting. Elle King and Orville Peck brought a touch of country to the festival, their distinctive voices and heartfelt lyrics resonating deeply with the audience.
With five stages offering a diverse array of performances, fans flocked from one set to another, each corner of The Fort alive with music and dance. The sheer variety of acts ensured that there was something for everyone, from folk purists to those seeking new musical experiences.
As the sun set on another day of incredible performances, anticipation for the festival's grand finale on Sunday grew. Speculation was rife among attendees, each guessing who might take the stage for the final surprise acts that Newport Folk Festival is famous for. Regardless of who performs, one thing is certain: the unexpected collaborations and spontaneous moments of magic are what makes the Newport Folk Festival truly special.
With one more day to go, fans left The Fort eager to return, knowing that the surprises yet to come would cap off a 65th anniversary edition that will be remembered for years to come.