Author Archives: Laura Kilgus Jenkins

MOSTON, MA | Maren Morris’ “Dreamsicle” tour is an ode to turning the page. It’s this new chapter that she brought to her performance at Leader Bank Pavilion, a popular sea-side outdoor venue outside of Boston.

The show opened with 21-year-old pop singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jade LeMac. Lemac is a rapidly rising star who has received praise from Rolling Stone as well as a GLAAD Award nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist. She has built a devout fanbase by being true to herself as a Queer Vietnamese Canadian. With “It’s Always At Night,” her highly anticipated EP set for release on November 7, she positions herself as an exciting pop-artist to watch.

The stage setup for Maren Morris was both intimate and impressive; a carefully crafted combination of modern production and nostalgic design, with dynamic lighting. Her performance of many “Dreamsicle” tracks were a journey through every emotion, and her own self-discovery resonates throughout. This album and the accompanying tour is a testament to Morris’ artistic and personal growth. Along with her skilled vocals, her openness in discussing many songs offered fans an intimate experience.

Morris lets her fans in. She’s warm, but no-nonsense, vulnerably embracing where she’s at and where she’s been—and the beautiful, messy process of healing and rebuilding after divorce, dating and exploring her bisexual identity, all while balancing career and parenthood.

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NEWPORT, RI | “How can a man, born of soil and sorrow, begin to speak of treading the sacred boards of the Newport Folk Festival?” asked folk-singer Josh Okeefe of Derby, England, who shared that having the opportunity to play Newport brushed the edge of his soul.

He offered his gratitude to Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová of The Swell Season, whose own set was full of magic, a duo that balances each other flawlessly with a blend of rock and poignant musicianship. “They lent me their world with three minutes of belief, the way one offers a flame to another’s candle. And all I could do was burn true for them. For this, I am forever grateful. Thank you so much. If the curtains’ to fall and the guitar goes back in its case, I’ll meet the end content. I’ll die with Newport air in my breath and a quiet knowing in my bones,” said Okeefe.

At its heart, gratefulness and collaboration are the cornerstones of the Newport Folk Festival. Artists, fans, volunteers, and all involved consider themselves incredibly lucky to be present on such iconic musical grounds. Sunday’s lineup was a mix of genres, from the indie rock styling of Dehd—a unique trio with incredible stage chemistry—to Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Women were at the forefront of Sunday’s sets, showcasing skillful, emotional performances, including Lucius, who always exceed expectations with their loveliness and enchanting harmonies. Very few people can touch your emotions with song the way Holly and Jess can. Mary Chapin Carpenter took to the Fort stage with a heartfelt performance, returning to the festival after 30 years. She shared that the passage of time was emotional for her.

Sammy Rae Bowers, of Sammy Rae and Friends, brought such energy and awe to the Quad stage. Looking out to the crowd with both gratitude and wonder, she shared, “There’s something so special about this festival. I’ve never seen anything like it in my travels, anything we’ve ever played before. Imagine if this were the picture of the world at large. Why can’t it always be like Newport Folk?”

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NEWPORT, RI | The fans returned for the second day of Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams, eager for what the day had to offer.

There was great anticipation for Remi Wolf (& Friends), who returned to the Quad stage—this time with some surprises. Many artists joined the charismatic performer on stage, including Saya Gray, Jeff Tweedy, John C. Riley, and Maren Morris, to name a few. Morris told Wolf, “I go to heaven singing with you.” Wolf is so dynamic and gifted, you don’t want the performance to end, and the collaboration between friends new and old just made it sweeter.

I’m With Her, composed of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins, offered an awe-inspiring set. The blend of their three voices is magical, with lyrics that speak to your heart. The trio just released their sophomore record Wild and Clear and Blue, which comes seven long years after their breakout debut. The result is stunning and showcases a close-knit alliance of three highly esteemed musicians, graced with a deep understanding of folk tradition and unbridled passion for expanding its possibilities.

I’m With Her has been touring with Iron and Wine, who also performed on Saturday with a sound both beautiful and lulling. The harmony was so peaceful, and the crowd watched and enjoyed it like they were all long-lost friends.

Lukas Nelson and his band put their souls into their performance on the main Fort stage. His unique voice conveys so much, and his range of music styles covers everything imaginable, not to mention his phenomenal guitar playing.

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BOSTON, MA | Usher brought his magnetic stage presence, gifted vocals, and sex appeal to the first of two sold-out shows at the TD Garden in Boston, Tuesday night. With an undeniable charisma, Usher delivered for fans during his Past Present Future Tour, an homage to his upbringing and early success, and an exciting look ahead at what is to come.

Usher spent the night connecting with the crowd, whether flashing his infamous grin during a high-energy dance routine, or making eye-contact during a soulful ballad, greeting female fans in a slow, soulful saunter around the stage perimeter. The performance showcased both his captivating stage presence and gifted vocal abilities.

Brittany Lee of Londonderry, NH, and her girlfriends were so excited to hear about Usher’s tour not long after his Super Bowl halftime show. “We’re all ’90s babies and grew up on his music and this show brought us right back to the good times,” she said. “I have distinct memories of learning a dance to the song ‘Yeah!’ when I was a little girl with my close family-friends up at our lake house—we were so excited to perform it for our family. So, when that song came on last night all I could think about was that moment. The best, most nostalgic show. I loved seeing the stage setup like it was the set of a music video back in the day, too.”

The theatrics were a major component of the show. For “U Got It Bad,” “Climax,” and “Burn,” Usher performed front and center, with singular spotlight, while a striking and sensual routine executed by gifted dancers took place in the background, bringing his songs to life through a dramatic performance.

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MANSFIELD, MA | New Kids on the Block proved they still have “the right stuff,” with a homecoming performance that was dynamic, loud [cue the screaming girls] and full of a shared devotion between the “kids” and their fans.

When asked if it was their first New Kids on the Block show, Ashley Surber of Newport, RI, said “Oh good God, no!” adding that what keeps her coming back is that, “They’re just so much fun. It’s the nostalgia; it’s just everything.” “It’s the sincerity of how they love their fans,” said Pamela Onges of Easton, Mass. “They’re just so genuine. It’s a really good show.”

The packed crowd at the Xfinity Center outside of Boston was filled with neon pinks and greens, many donning bright outfits that paid homage to some beloved ’80s/’90s fashions. The evening was an opportunity for some fans to relive a bit of their youth, as opener DJ Jazzy Jeff warmed them up with a dance party featuring some TV show highlights—the theme from The Fresh Prince drew a particularly excited roar from the crowd.

Paula Abdul followed with a dazzling performance of dance and song. “This is 62, folks!” Abdul said, jokingly inhaling from an oxygen tank after an impressive dance number. Her talent, enthusiasm, and humble personality shined, with her incredible dancers in support. The beautiful choreography, costumes and props only enhanced a packed 30-minute set, leaving the crowd energized for NKOTB.

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NEWPORT, RI | The bottom line is: It’s a privilege to see these performers sing out across the sea in such a unique space, full of music history and cherished tradition. With two full days of music behind them, fans still had one more day to soak up the sun and sounds at the 65th Newport Folk Festival.

Colorado-bred, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter Jobi Ricco returned to Newport after winning last year’s John Prine Songwriter Fellowship Award. Ricco was all heart, getting a little emotional at this opportunity to play upon the historic stages of Newport. The pride and loving looks from bandmates and a standing ovation from the crowd only brought more joy-filled tears.

“Half of this band grew up as festival kids, running around and playing guitars,” said Ricco. “There’s a festival that is very close to my heart that happens during this exact same weekend—Rocky Grass Festival—and I always said the only reason I would ever miss Rocky Grass is if I got to play Newport Folk Festival.”

They may look like brothers with their uncanny resemblance of red hair, but it’s a visible musical bond that the Briscoe boys showcased that was amplified to the audience. Their folk-rock dynamic is “raw, rugged,” and the clear fun that the band has is incredibly contagious.

On Newport Folk Festival’s Fort Stage, Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham performed a full-length rendition of Buckingham Nicks, live for the very first time. Billed as Cunningham/Bird, the two artists presented their own take on Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ cult classic. The reimagined production showcased stunning vocals by Cunningham, in particular and skillful violin by Bird.

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NEWPORT, RI | Next to sunscreen, kindness tops the list of what to bring to Fort Adams. And that is the palpable pulse within the Newport Folk Festival. For the past 65 years, the iconic Rhode Island festival has drawn crowds from all over the world—now up to 10,000 people daily—eager to see brilliant artists and surprise performers in a gathering unlike any other. This festival has a divine element that is hard to describe without setting foot at the Fort, but it’s the skilled artistry, the deeply passionate fans, and a common love of music and community that keeps people repeating, “It’s the best weekend of the year.”

Some wise words from a veteran folk fest attendee: Don’t sleep on the Bike Stage. Adjacent to the much larger Quad Stage, is a small, informal space for artists to perform—with some vital audience participation. Fans hop on bikes and pedal enough energy to power the performances, creating an incredibly memorable—and sustainable—experience. Hey! Next time Dylan goes electric at Newport, maybe it will be purely on pedal power.

And the talent that unfolded here Friday was definitely electrifying. Standouts Glitterfox drew “the largest crowd we’ve seen at the bike stage,” said Illiterate Light guitarist Jeff Gorman, whose band also performed that day, as well as MC’d the stage.

Glitterfox channeled a magnetism in their melodies. It was infectious in the best way. The Portland based band has released five singles in just six months under their new record label Kill Rock Stars which leads me to think they will soon outgrow the Bike Stage.

Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway brought their spellbinding strings and songwriting to the Fort Stage and the band smiled the whole way through. Tuttle shared that this is her third time performing at Newport over the years and reflected on the honor of gracing the historic stages.

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BOSTON, MA | As cold harbor breezes blew through the Leader Bank Pavilion outside of the city of Boston, Dustin Lynch heated up the night with a warm smile and his “party-mode” mentality.

Lynch showcased his catalog with his high caliber band in support, performing his hits such as “Seein’ Red”—casting the arena in a dark red haze—and “Stars Like Confetti” to “Thinking ’Bout You” and concluding the night with “Small Town Boy.”

Fans commented on Lynch’s great stage presence, keeping the crowd energized and engaged the entire night. The cold didn’t hold back fans, many wrapped up in blankets, from dancing and singing a setlist filled with favorites and a few special covers of country classics including Joe Diffie’s “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die).”

In the midst of “Cowboys and Angels,” the artist paid tribute to the decades-long relationship between his grandparents, who last year celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary and joined their grandson on the Opry stage.

Making a quick-change into a Bruins shirt, Lynch expressed how proud he was to perform in Boston. “Our goal is to put on the best show we’ve ever put on tonight in Boston, Massachusetts. That requires us to give every ounce of energy on stage,” said Lynch. “But I’ll tell y’all this, I want you guys to feed into that so if you feel like singing and dancing tonight—be yourself Boston.”

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BOSTON, MA | Bringing their “Might as Well Be Us” tour to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Brothers Osborne’s performance was electrifying from start to finish.

Newcomer Jackson Dean opened the show with a powerful set, commanding the stage with his gritty, outlaw drawl, and a skilled band supporting him. The Maryland native’s single, “Don’t Come Lookin’” was the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented Dean as the youngest solo male Country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut.

With the stage warmed up, The Brothers Osborne kicked off their set with “Might As Well Be Me,” followed by “Nobody’s Nobody” and “Shoot Me Straight.” The boys traversed the stage with high energy, treating fans to songs they have been recently longing for, said TJ Osborne, giving lovers of the Brothers a memorable evening they will not soon forget.

“It was a phenomenal show! Acoustics were perfect! Love this place and love this band,” said Jean V. Lisa W. shared that it was a “Fabulous show that rocked from start to finish. “’It Ain’t my Fault’ blew the roof off the house. I want to see them every weekend.” Playing a great selection from their catalog of hits, The Brothers Osborne’s skilled solo shredding and harmonies connected them with the audience and had people on their feet throughout the entire show.

In March, the GRAMMY-Award winning duo released their “Break Mine” EP via EMI Records Nashville. The new, four song EP includes two new tracks, “Break Mine” and “Get To Movin’ Again,” as well as two songs included on their GRAMMY-nominated 2023 self-titled album.

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LEDYARD, CT | Just one day after the release of her new album Along The Way, Colbie Caillat made a very special visit to the Cedar Showroom of Foxwoods, performing before a packed theater of some of her most devoted fans. “Colbie was so humble and sweet,” said Kristen Palazzo Salvato, of Coventry RI. “She just has such a cool laid-back vibe about her. We could not have asked for a better show. Truly amazing.”

Caillat kicked off the night with fan favorites right off the bat—”Fallin’ for You;” “Realize;” “I Never Told You;” “Lucky” — many off of her early albums. “You know what’s so interesting about songwriting is that I wrote these songs—a lot of them like 15, 16 years ago or even longer—and I can find new meaning with them today in what I’m experiencing in life and who I’m hanging out with. And it’s really cool to get to sing these lyrics and just have new feeling and new meaning with them.”

Caillat added that a rewarding aspect of her career is the connection fans continue to have with her music. “They feel like they’re not alone in what they’re going through, whether they’re falling in love or going through a loss or just living life. And I know music does that for me. And then when I get to write. It’s very therapeutic. And then when I hear that my songs are helping other people with what they’re going through in life, I’m like, ‘you too!’”

Throughout the night, Caillat reminisced and engaged the audience with a glimpse into the history behind her music. As much as she is a gifted artist, she is equally a gifted and genuine storyteller. She recalled her experience working with Jason Mraz on her their duet “Lucky.”

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BOSTON, MA | It was a Big Night Out in Boston as the Goo Goo Dolls filled Leader Bank Pavilion, a popular sea-side outdoor venue in the historic city, with contagious energy.

The Big Night Out tour welcomed O.A.R. as an opener on this leg of their travels and they did not disappoint in more than warming up the crowd as the band brought both their talent and immense energy to the amphitheater. They could have played all night.

The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their set with those familiar first strums of “Broadway.” As the drums kicked in, so did the excitement of fans. The Goo Goo Dolls really connect with the crowd, many of which are long-time devoted fans, playing one song right into the next with a transition of just a few seconds. With their hits mixed in with brand new songs, this and their band longevity proved they are certainly not stuck in the ’90s. The evening was full and gave everyone a thorough performance.

Fans were loving every minute of it, especially Sabrina Curtis of Dracut, MA. “My boyfriend and I thought the show was amazing! We’ve been fans of the Goo Goo Dolls forever. My boyfriend has seen them live before, but this was my first time. I bought these tickets as a Christmas present for him—it was his ‘big’ gift! They sounded incredible and I was on my feet all night!”

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NEWPORT, RI | Hundreds of boats bobbed in the water alongside the festival’s perimeter, many paddling over to catch an earful of the sweet sounds of the final day of the Newport Folk Festival. The storms that were teased held off until after Saturday’s performance concluded, but brought a welcome break in the weekend heat, a reprieve to keep everyone going and wrap the weekend.

The distinct sounds of the festival only persisted in Sunday’s performances. From bluegrass to gospel and blues, Black Opry Revue showcased alternating artists, storytelling, and song, highlighting Black Americana musicians “working to reclaim their place in the American musical cannon.”

In her set on the Quad Stage, Remi Wolf stood out as a fireball come to life. Equally rebellious and tremendous, her set stretched the limits of the Folk Fest umbrella and might have made traditional folk-ers raise an eyebrow or two. Remi Wolf is a tornado of funk, indie, soul supported by an infectiously fun band.

In celebration of 50 years as a band, the Fort welcomed Los Lobos, whose melting pot of sound shone on the festival’s largest stage. The gentlemen were joined by a friend on this one: alt-folk wonder Neko Case.

Folk Fest Executive Director Jay Sweet spoke of a change in the festival’s mission statement, short and simple declaration, “To create moments of hope through the power of music and community. That’s it,” said Sweet. Over at the Harbor Stage, before introducing M. Ward, a recent add-on as of July 22, Sweet reiterated how important these moments of hope have been for this event.

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NEWPORT, RI | With the dips of the Newport Bridge in the distance, Danielle Ponder sang out across the sea from the biggest stage of the renowned folk fest: an acapella version of Radiohead’s “Creep.” This moving moment with Ponder sending her song out across the waters is a prime example of the Newport Folk phenomenon of living with goosebumps all weekend, the body’s response to the event’s musical magic.

The foot traffic at the Newport Folk Festival increased on Saturday, with more folks continuously navigating to and from the 4 stages situated in Fort Adams, along the Atlantic Ocean. The mid-weekend shows brought out a variety of talents in genres ranging from the indie-rock shredding of The Backseat Lovers to the speedy honky-tonk foot stompin’ of Turnpike Troubadours—who welcomed special guest Tyler Childers for a few songs.

Newport seems to bring out the best in almost everyone, from the attendees to the artists themselves. But, nobody had a bigger smile on their face than Pete Anspach of Goose, whose magnetic grin could be seen from the Fort to the Foundation stage. Goose is a band with buzz and an unmatched chemistry apparent throughout their performance.

John Oates took to the Harbor stage in an acoustic set, using his first Newport Folk performance to pay homage to the festival’s roots, picking Doc Watson’s “Deep River Blues” with Guthrie Trapp accompanying. The passionate lyrics of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” rang out at the fort, opening a much anticipated and powerful set with his 400 Unit rocking out alongside him.

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MANSFIELD, MA | Country legend Shania Twain brought her electric energy to a deeply fan-centric evening at Xfinity Center, outside of Boston, Sunday, July 9.

There is no question that Twain’s focus of her tour is on the fan experience. The show began with her own surprise reveal from the center of the amphitheater, emerging in a dark dress and studded sunglasses, in the midst of a sea of fans who were simultaneously smiling, screaming, and snapping photos—face-to-face with the (man I feel like a) woman herself.

To add to the otherworldly energy, her futuristic, alien-outlaw themed visual effects only enhanced the magic of the night. The vibe was wonderfully weird, and very joyful, filled with hits—both decades beloved and brand new.

Throughout her performance, Twain offered a handful of fans a more personal experience. For one number, she welcomed select couples from the audience to the stage to watch from dimly lit high-top tables, transforming the space into an elegant and intimate experience for these individuals beaming in awe of Twain: stunning in every sense of the word.

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BOSTON, MA | With pints in the air, the crowd welcomed Los Angeles-based band Dawes to Boston on one of the city’s most festive days of the year: St.Patrick’s Day.

It was a wave of emotion for fans as the rock storytellers brought a mesmerizing show to Roadrunner, showcasing their musicianship on one of those magical nights where the band and audience unite in song (and dance) to make for a shared and unforgettable experience.

As Dawes prepares for a bittersweet sendoff of bassist Wylie Gelber who will soon step away from the lineup for other ventures, there’s no doubt the change will lead to “some kind of newfound strength,” said Taylor Goldsmith, adding a reassuring, “Dawes isn’t going anywhere, I promise.” “I don’t know what being a musician is without him. He has set the bar for what great bass playing sounds like to me,” he said.

This was the 10th show for longtime fan Todd Ferillo of Westford, MA, who enjoyed the performance from the front row with his daughter Charlotte. Charlotte said she was looking forward to hearing “All Your Favorite Bands” which Dawes’ wrapped up their second set with, concluding before Taylor Goldsmith’s acoustic encore of “Things Happen.”

“The most interesting thing about them is that they have evolved so each record has been different from the next and it keeps you interested in what’s going on. It’s not a repetitive thing,” said Ferillo. “It’s a new experience for each record and you kind of want to get that vibe every time they go on tour.”

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