Newport Folk Festival Highlights The Best Side Of Live Music In 2023 [Review/Photos/Videos]

Anyone who’s been going to shows and festivals since live music came back from COVID can tell you it’s not the same as it used to be. The songs are still great, sure, but the fans seemingly forgot or never learned how to act at such a communal event.

In a world full of throwing stuff at artists on stage, “take a selfie with me,” “draw my next tattoo,” and “take my BeReal,” Newport Folk Festival has maintained the special “Folk Family” atmosphere that has distinguished it as a music event in a league of its own.

There was no Joni Mitchell or Roger Waters surprise this year—Executive Director Jay Sweet had even said the festival needed a bit of a reset from that to give younger stars a chance to become those legends. Still, there were enough collaborations and special moments to make it a Folk Festival to remember.

A diverse lineup included headliners like Jon Batiste and My Morning Jacket (with some special help from Maggie Rogers serving as a highlight), alongside emerging acts like Jupiter & Okwess and Mdou Moctar. Late additions to the festival including James Taylor (filling in for Noah Kahan, who was on vocal rest after Red Rocks Amphitheatre earlier in the week) and Del Water Gap fit right in.

The lineup boasted legends like John Oates, who paid homage to many folk legends who came before him rather than a deep dive into Hall and Oates hits, and newcomers The String Sisters who became friends with everyone on the lineup, joining other artists on stage every day. Amazing vocalists like Danielle Ponder and Alexander Abraham and new discoveries like Jaime Wyatt and Mereba left fans anxiously waiting for their next Folk appearance.

There were collaborations for everyone’s tastes. Lana Del Ray brought out Nikki Lane and Jack Antonoff for her first U.S. performance in four years. Turnpike Troubadours played with Tyler Childers. Animal from The Muppets‘ Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem made a few appearances throughout the weekend, including playing drums for Goose’s aptly named song “Animal”.

Related: Tyler Childers Performs With A Muppet, Covers John Prine During Surprise Newport Folk Spots [Videos]

The music was as good as ever, but what keeps people coming back to Fort Adams State Park and fighting for instantly sold-out tickets and through brutal traffic is the Folk Family vibes. There were no assholes to be found; nobody getting carted out drunk; no pushing to the front of the crowd. Despite the brutal heat, everyone kept their chill.

As a first-time attendee, the Folk Family is real and it’s special. It’s not just there on account of the beautiful location or the music—it’s because something small, beautiful, and intimate like this festival can still exist and thrive in 2023. That’s not to be taken for granted.

Check out a gallery of images from the Newport Folk Festival courtesy of photographer Brent Goldman along with a selection of fan-shot videos.

My Morning Jacket, Margo Price, John Oates – “I Feel The Earth Move” (Carole King) – 7/28/23

[Video: themeboudin]