Tag Archive for 'Newport Folk Festival'

JAY SWEET’S Q&A WITH BEN KWELLER DURING FOLK FESTIVAL 50

Published by KB@OS on August 5, 2009 in Artist Feature and Q&A. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Fifty years ago the Newport Folk Festival founder George Wein set out to create a festival that embraced both commercial and noncommercial artists representing the totality of the folk world. In 1959, the festival showcased an open spectrum of performances—from the immensely popular five-time Number 1 record-releasing artists The Kingston Trio to an obscure singer songwriter named Joan Baez, who emerged as the event’s breakout talent. To celebrate the annual Rhode Island festival’s Golden Jubilee, organizers dubbed the event “Folk Festival 50”. This year, the festival commemorated its heritage with folk legends Baez, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie and Judy Collin as well as the genre’s future with “newcomers” such as The Decembrists, Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine and Ben Kweller.

Folk Festival 50 producer (and Editor-at-Large for Paste and the OurStage blog) Jay Sweet caught up with Kweller to discuss the weekend’s fest, the current state of the music industry and life as a do-it-yourselfer. View the video of the Q&A and hear Ben Kweller’s sage advice to indie artists.

SUNSHINE, MUSIC, AND MEMORIES: FUN FROM DAY ONE OF FOLK FESTIVAL 50

Published by Rainy on August 4, 2009 in Editorial and Festivals. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

The first day of Folk Festival 50, the golden anniversary of this Newport staple, did not disappoint. Though the day’s magic was thanks to the wonderful acts that played throughout the event on three stages, not enough can be said about how well the weather worked out. It was hot and sunny for long enough that the refreshing breeze that moved when Pete Seeger took the stage was welcome and appreciated. Read on for a recap of Day One. If you’ve been reading our tweets lately, you’re already ahead of the game.

"That's meee, after my gig!" ~Ben Kweller, when he saw this photo of himself.

"That's meee, after my gig!" ~Ben Kweller, when he saw this photo of himself.

The Fort Stage, the center of the festival, featured some of the most well-known acts including the bands I was most excited to see— Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists. Gillian Welch also played a wonderful set here, despite having a five-hour delay at LAX airport that nearly thwarted her showing up at all if the Newport police hadn’t escorted her in through traffic. It was also here that Pete Seeger, one of the original founding members of the festival back in 1959, finished up the day with a huge all-star sing-along. Not only did a diverse group of musicians fill the entire stage to participate in this memorable moment, but the audience was into it as well. Listening to thousands of people sing “This Land is Your Land,” after hearing Seeger retell the story of the song’s origin made everyone feel like this was a simpler time. The sun went down within 30 minutes of the end of Seeger’s set. What a perfect way to end a day!

Don’t let this fool you into thinking all the excitement happened on the Fort Stage. Some class acts joined Kweller on the Harbor stage, notably solo act Iron & Wine. The turnout for his set was so big that it was nearly impossible for anyone who didn’t find a spot early to get through the dense crowd. What the Waterfront Stage, the smallest at the festival, lacked in numbers (only 4 acts) it made up for in quality. If you haven’t already, check out Waterfront band The Low Anthem.

All in all the day really couldn’t have been better. Want more proof? Check out our Folk Festival 50 photo set. Coming soon we’ll be posting a video of Editor-at-Large Jay Sweet’s interview with Ben Kweller!

50 STATES IN 50 WEEKS… WEEK 8: RHODE ISLAND

Published by BethanyLeavey on August 4, 2009 in Playlists. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

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Home of: H.P. Lovecraft, Throwing Muses, Monty Are I, Zox, Sage Francis, Billy Gilman, Family Guy, Debra Messing, Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Wizard rock bands Draco & The Malfoys and The Whomping Willows.

Fun Facts: State colors; blue, white, and gold, state song; “Rhode Island, It’s for Me,” state bird; Rhode Island red hen

The Venues:
This past weekend saw one of Rhode Island’s best-known events—the annual folk festival in Newport, RI— mark it’s 50th year. George Wein’s Folk Festival 50 featured performances by Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Neko Case, Mavis Staples and Iron & Wine. This years’ festival also marked the 90th birthday of co-founder, folk legend and Saturday night headliner Pete Seeger.

Located in downtown Providence, Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel hosts acts of all genres that are too small to play the Dunkin Donuts Center but too large for other local clubs.  The 1,200 capacity venue is currently located on Washington St., but the locals all know that the original, smaller Lupo’s used to be located two blocks over on Westminster Street.

Also in Providence is AS220, a non-profit community art space with the goal of providing Rhode Island artists a chance to exhibit or perform their work in a judgment- and censorship-free environment. In addition to live music of all genres, AS220 boasts living, working and exhibition space for artists, a youth arts program, a bar and a taqueria! Stop by AS220’s annual Foo Fest on August 15th for a total sensory overload. The street outside the venue is blocked off to make for interactive art installations, food from local restaurants and 12 hours of original music featuring Providence noise rockers Lightening Bolt and the Sun Ra Arkestra.

The Music:

santamambaSanta Mamba – With influences ranging from The Beatles to Ruben Blades, the members of Santa Mamba combine salsa, son, rock and reggae to create a truly genre-defying sound. Their song “Aroma” earned four Top 20 finishes in the OurStage Latin Channel this year.

jesseminute2The Jesse Minute -Female-fronted punk rockers The Jesse Minute have opened for the likes of The New York Dolls and Peelander-Z. “MILO” features lead singer Missa’s strong vocals over rocking guitars.

jeffbyrd1Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch – Alt. Country group Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch have been keeping themselves busy playing all over the Northeast and winning praise from Nashville publishers. Lead singer and songwriter Jeff Byrd has been compared to Ryan Adams and Paul Westerburg. Take a listen to “Raining Somewhere” and see if you agree.

ras3

RAS – Husband and wife duo RAS (Riders Against the Storm) might just be the next big thing in hip hop. Their song “Speak The Truth” won the Lennon Award in the hip hop category in last year’s John Lennon Songwriting Competition.

Check out these acts and other great Rhode Island artists in the playlist below!

Who are your favorite OurStage Rhode Islanders? Where do you like to see live music in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments!

THE NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

Published by Rainy on May 6, 2009 in Festivals and In the News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

It seems like it was just yesterday that Bob Dylan riled up a lot of die hard acoustic fans by switching to an electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival. In reality, this memorable event took place 44 years ago in 1965, six years after the very first Festival in 1959.

Pete Seeger and His Banjo

Pete Seeger and His Banjo

A lot has changed since then but as the Festival celebrates its 50th year this summer, much remains the same. Renowned folk artist Pete Seeger, one of the original founding members of the Festival, will take the stage once again. (Seeger recently hit another milestone himself: his 90th birthday!) Joining him will be fellow folk classics like Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Arlo Guthrie.

This year the full lineup says “In with the old, but in with the new too.” Folk fans of all ages are sure to find something they’ll love with the addition of popular current artists to the classic event. Neko Case will be there, along with Ben Kweller, The Decemberists, and Iron & Wine. You can see the full lineup at folkfestival50.com.

The Newport Folk Festival has a rich history filled with hugely famous names. It helped get Bob Dylan off the ground; his 1963 Newport appearance is widely regarded as his first major national performance. Dylan returned the next year with singer/songwriter Joan Baez, who had performed back at the very first Festival in 1959. So many huge names have performed in Newport over the years, the list would make any summer concert event tremble. Try Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, Emmylou Harris… if you’re looking for classics, this New England staple has got your number.

Ben Kweller with His Guitar

Ben Kweller and His Guitar

This year it all takes place July 31st through August 2nd at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Tickets go on sale TODAY at 10 AM! You can go just one day or multiple days. Don’t miss your chance; more information about purchasing tickets is available here. There will be arts and craft vendors selling their products at the Festival, plenty of open air space to enjoy and surely some good food and drink. 

We hope to see you there for a weekend of great music and memories to last a lifetime. Fifty years from now when the 100th anniversary rolls around, you’ll want to be able to say you were there.

Interview with Calexico’s Joey Burns

Published by ejalyssa on August 14, 2008 in Artist News. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .
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Discover indie idols Calexico. We sat down with the incredibly talented Joey Burns at the Newport Folk Festival down in Rhode Island. Hear how they came together, see some clips from their new music video and hear what inspires their songwriting.