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Newport Folk Festival

  • Gillian Welch played a number of songs from her long-awaited new album, but also soul-stirring versions of fan favorites "Miss Ohio" and "Orphan Girl," the latter of which would be covered by Emmylou Harris the next day.
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    Gillian Welch played a number of songs from her long-awaited new album, but also soul-stirring versions of fan favorites "Miss Ohio" and "Orphan Girl," the latter of which would be covered by Emmylou Harris the next day.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Ever the showman, Colin Meloy celebrated The Decemberists' rich catalog at Newport, including some crowd-roaring participation on "The Mariner's Revenge Song."
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    Ever the showman, Colin Meloy celebrated The Decemberists' rich catalog at Newport, including some crowd-roaring participation on "The Mariner's Revenge Song."
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • As always, boats tooted in approval of Newport Folk Festival performers.
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    As always, boats tooted in approval of Newport Folk Festival performers.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • The members of Typhoon huddle before their performance at the Harbor Stage.
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    The members of Typhoon huddle before their performance at the Harbor Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Blending impeccable bluegrass harmonies with The Wailin' Jennys, Ruth Moody was all smiles at the Fort Stage.
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    Blending impeccable bluegrass harmonies with The Wailin' Jennys, Ruth Moody was all smiles at the Fort Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Add some pop and hiss to their Newport performance, and Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three would have sounded like a stack of 78 rpm records.
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    Add some pop and hiss to their Newport performance, and Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three would have sounded like a stack of 78 rpm records.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • A sprightly 87 years old, Earl Scruggs (left) — one of the most influential and important banjo players in the history of bluegrass — played with family members and friends.
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    A sprightly 87 years old, Earl Scruggs (left) — one of the most influential and important banjo players in the history of bluegrass — played with family members and friends.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • The Decemberists' Colin Meloy joined legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples for a spirited version of the classic Staples Singers song, "The Weight."
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    The Decemberists' Colin Meloy joined legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples for a spirited version of the classic Staples Singers song, "The Weight."
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Freelance Whales' eclectic instrumentation rounded out the lustrous pop-rock band's sunny songs at the Quad Stage.
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    Freelance Whales' eclectic instrumentation rounded out the lustrous pop-rock band's sunny songs at the Quad Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • The most adorable octogenarian award at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival might have to go to Ramblin' Jack Elliot.
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    The most adorable octogenarian award at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival might have to go to Ramblin' Jack Elliot.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Not everything went according to plan as Tegan and Sara attempted to strip down their punky pop-rock, but the Newport audience got to hear the duo's spiky music in its rawest form. When it worked, it was magic.
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    Not everything went according to plan as Tegan and Sara attempted to strip down their punky pop-rock, but the Newport audience got to hear the duo's spiky music in its rawest form. When it worked, it was magic.
    Mito Habe-Evans/NPR
  • Outside the Harbor Stage.
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    Outside the Harbor Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Last year, The David Wax Museum won a contest to appear at the 2010 Newport Folk Festival. Absolutely infectious in their energy, in 2011 the band graduated to a booking on the Fort Stage.
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    Last year, The David Wax Museum won a contest to appear at the 2010 Newport Folk Festival. Absolutely infectious in their energy, in 2011 the band graduated to a booking on the Fort Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Marty Lund sets up a thunderous beat with The Cave Singers.
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    Marty Lund sets up a thunderous beat with The Cave Singers.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Chris Thile (left) and Michael Daves gave a vigorous two-man display of bluegrass at the Harbor Stage.
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    Chris Thile (left) and Michael Daves gave a vigorous two-man display of bluegrass at the Harbor Stage.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • The three women of Mountain Man performed a downright Elizabethan version of Kate Bush's "Rivers of Babylon."
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    The three women of Mountain Man performed a downright Elizabethan version of Kate Bush's "Rivers of Babylon."
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • As if we needed a reminder, Wanda Jackson was an absolute class act at Newport. Long live the Queen of Rockabilly.
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    As if we needed a reminder, Wanda Jackson was an absolute class act at Newport. Long live the Queen of Rockabilly.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • The Secret Sisters' throwback folk-country sound is made for Laura and Lydia Rogers' almost otherworldly harmonizing. In fact, Elvis Costello made use of their talents during his set.
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    The Secret Sisters' throwback folk-country sound is made for Laura and Lydia Rogers' almost otherworldly harmonizing. In fact, Elvis Costello made use of their talents during his set.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Time for a nap.
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    Time for a nap.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Built for speed, the members of Trampled By Turtles harnessed both the blazing pace of punk and the impeccable dexterity of bluegrass at Newport, even including a Pixies cover.
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    Built for speed, the members of Trampled By Turtles harnessed both the blazing pace of punk and the impeccable dexterity of bluegrass at Newport, even including a Pixies cover.
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Elvis Costello promised an acoustic set for the Newport Folk Festival. Joined by the Imposters, he opened with an absolutely electric version of "So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star."
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    Elvis Costello promised an acoustic set for the Newport Folk Festival. Joined by the Imposters, he opened with an absolutely electric version of "So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star."
    Shantel Mitchell for NPR
  • Emmylou Harris closed the Newport Folk Festival with a fan's dream set list, ranging from "Six White Cadillacs" and "Luxury Liner" to a beautiful cover of fellow Newport performer Gillian Welch's "Orphan Girl."
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    Emmylou Harris closed the Newport Folk Festival with a fan's dream set list, ranging from "Six White Cadillacs" and "Luxury Liner" to a beautiful cover of fellow Newport performer Gillian Welch's "Orphan Girl."
    Mito Habe-Evans/NPR
  • Sunset at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I. You can see more photos on our Facebook page.
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    Sunset at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I. You can see more photos on our Facebook page.
    Mito Habe-Evans/NPR

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Recent Newport Folk Festival

The Civil Wars play the Harbor Stage at The Newport Folk Festival on Sunday.

The Civil Wars, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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August 1, 2011 Hear the duo perform their sweet, harmony-rich folk-pop songs with loving chemistry at Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Colin Meloy of The Decemberists performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

The Decemberists, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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July 30, 2011 Hear The Decemberists' members reach back into their rich catalog live at Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Pokey LaFarge performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Pokey LaFarge, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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July 30, 2011 In slicked-back hair and vintage clothing, hear Pokey LaFarge perform old time music at Newport.

ListenPlaylist

The Head and the Heart performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

The Head & The Heart, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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August 1, 2011 Hear the impeccable, sweet-voiced folk-pop songs of The Head and the Heart in concert at Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Emmylou Harris performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Emmylou Harris, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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August 1, 2011 Hear the Country Music Hall of Famer bring sweetness, joy and mourning to the Fort Stage at Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Tegan and Sara perform at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Tegan and Sara, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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July 30, 2011 Hear the fizzy, punky pop duo translate its spiky music into acoustic arrangements just for Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Freelance Whales performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Freelance Whales, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

()  

July 30, 2011 With eclectic instrumentation, hear the lustrous pop-rock band's sunny songs in a live concert.

ListenPlaylist

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Gogol Bordello, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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July 30, 2011 Hear one of the most demented and infectious live bands in the world in a concert from Newport.

ListenPlaylist

Wanda Jackson performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Wanda Jackson, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

()  

July 31, 2011 The Queen of Rockabilly was a forceful presence at the Newport Folk Festival.

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Typhoon performs at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival.

Typhoon, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2011

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July 30, 2011 Hear the 17-member indie-folk band bring its soul-stirring beauty to the Harbor Stage at Newport.

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About George Wein's Newport Folk Festival

George Wein's Newport Folk Festival celebrates fifty-one years of live music in picturesque Newport, R.I. The Festival celebrates folk traditions and innovations from all generations. For information on attending this year's Festival, visit their official website.

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