TVD Live Shots: Newport Folk Festival, 7/26

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.

In May, Luke Combs told Rolling Stone that he knew he’d have to work harder to win over the non-country crowd of Newport. What I don’t think he realized was that the folks still know how to party, and these days they are very suited to embrace all genres of music. It’s the folk spirit that just needs to be present in a performance for them to give you a forever seat at the family table.

Combs’ set gave great respect to the “listening crowd” atmosphere of this historic festival. He started with a simplified acoustic performance, sitting on a stool, belting out soulful songs and speaking from his heart, even breaking down in tears in a song dedicated to his children. The folk family applauded his openness and his nods to folk fest greats, performing Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin.”

His second set gave the audience a glimpse into who he is, moving to electric and performing his hits “1, 2 Many,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” And he definitely shotgun a beer up there.

There was no question that the crowd longed for Tracy Chapman to make an appearance for Comb’s rendition of Chapman’s, “Fast Car,” for which he closed the evening. Even still, its lyrics rang out along the Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, a beautiful and heartfelt closure to Saturday’s lineup.

EVAN BLIX