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An Interview With Newport Folk Producer Jay Sweet All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen recently spoke with festival producer Jay Sweet about what's in store for the Newport Folk Festival.
Newport Folk Festival

Newport folk festival

Listen to concert recordings from the original weekend music festival

An Interview With Newport Folk Producer Jay Sweet

An Eclectic Mix Of Artists Celebrates Festival's 50th Anniversary

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When the legendary Newport Folk Festival started in Rhode Island in 1959, organizers sought to bring together a diverse mix of artists who represented the far-reaching branches of folk music, including gospel, protest songs and the pop music of the day. Half a century later, the festival is celebrating its 50th birthday with another eclectic mix of artists, from towering figures like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez to Neko Case, The Decemberists and Mavis Staples. NPR Music will be there to webcast and broadcast the full slate of concerts, with dozens of live performances starting at noon ET Saturday.

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen recently spoke with festival producer Jay Sweet about what's in store for the weekend celebration.

An Interview With Newport Folk Producer Jay Sweet

Hear An Interview With Newport Folk Festival Producer Jay Sweet

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Iron & Wine

  • Song: Belated Promise Ring
  • from Around the Well

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Elvis Perkins in Dearland

  • Song: Chains, Chains, Chains

Easy

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Deer Tick

  • Song: Easy
  • from Born on Flag Day

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Mavis Staples

  • Song: Freedom Highway [Live]
  • from Live: Hope at the Hideout

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Joan Baez

  • Song: God Is God
  • from Day After Tomorrow

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The Avett Brothers

  • Song: I And Love And You
  • from I and Love and You

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Billy Bragg

  • Song: I Keep Faith
  • from Mr. Love & Justice

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Gillian Welch

  • Song: Look at Miss Ohio
  • from Soul Journey

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Fleet Foxes

  • Song: Mykonos
  • from Sun Giant EP

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Ramblin' Jack Elliott

  • Song: Richland Women Blues
  • from Stranger Here

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Pete Seeger

  • Song: Shenandoah
  • from American Favorite Ballads, Vols. 1-5

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The Low Anthem

  • Song: To Ohio
  • from Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
Newport Folk Festival

Newport folk festival

Listen to concert recordings from the original weekend music festival