Oh lovely Newport, how I do miss you. Yes, I know, you believe not, for I’ve been gone several years, but please believe it true, I do miss you.
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Between the frigid temperatures and biblical rains of late March upon my return from Africa, I decided a summer trip back to Newport was necessary to enjoy all it has to offer under more favorable conditions. And after hearing of Nneka’s attendance at this year’s folk festival, it was confirmed – Newport, Folk Festival, AND Nneka on her first North American tour – what could be better?! (For those of you who aren’t familiar … Nneka’s a Nigerian/German singer/songwriter of a deeply conscious and political nature … a bit similar to the equally wonderful Erykah Badu. Highly recommend (both).)
It was great to be back and the weather couldn’t have been more cooperative this time around. I saw old friends and new, wandered the downtown wharfs taking photographs, and gained entry to the three day festival with media passes from Newport’s very own GoNewport publication and visitor center. Steve Martin kicked off the festival Friday night at the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame and wow’d the audience with his brilliant bango-stylings, interspersed with characteristic hilarious comedy between each song. Nneka was the first artist to wake-up and energize the noon crowd on Saturday. Wrapped up in a debatable “Africa is the Future” sweatshirt, she delivered an emotionally powerful set, introducing tracks off her recently released debut American album “Concrete Jungle”. Following her set, the day surely saw no lull as bands cycled over the three unique stages around and (for the first year) inside the historic Fort Adams! Food and craft vendors were a-plenty, boats and booze-hounds lined the coast, and the iconic Newport bridge sat quietly, majestically, off on the horizon. Ah, it was great to be back . . . and this year with a media pass with access to a fine spread of free food, drink, and the most comfortable couches! Other Saturday artists that made a personal impression were the beautiful Brandi Carlile, the eclectic Low Anthem, and the charming Liz Longley. Sunday was no different – sunny skies, wonderful people, and more beautiful music sailing abound. And dare I say, and an even stronger line-up including the soulful sensation Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, the king creole New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the bluesy Avett Brothers, the age-old folk icon Richie Havens, and the well-dressed swingin’ Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three. And not necessarily my cup o’ tea, but if I’ve ever seen the girls lose their panties and the boys question their own orientation, it was there on the Harbor Stage as Edward Sharpe delivered quite the dose!
Anyway, yes, I know, photos . . . coming right up! Although first I just wanna say that while the music was undoubtedly fantastic, after many years of photographing live music, I’m growing a bit tired of it (for it never quite goes anywhere). This year I took a slightly looser and more enjoyable approach and focused just as much on the crowd as I did the musicians. These are the moments of the 2010 Newport Folkfest . . . I hope you like! (See the full set here!)
Early Friday evening as the boats were docked and the wharfs were flooded . . .
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And kicking off the festival at the International Tennis Hall of Fame . . .
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Tim O'Brien
News-Flash: Newport once again wins the Most Picturesque Festival Location award!! Ok, fine, so I made this up . . . you got nicer??
Festival scene from the heights of the mighty Fort Adams
Mmmm... crepe?
Nneka
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What Cheer? marching brigade - a fine addition to this year's fest!
HBO artist scout breaks for a Henna tattoo
Lenny's wife shears his out-of-control eyebrows mid-festival. They must have been cramping his otherwise dapper appearance.
Levon Helm, ex-drummer of the Band
A final applause for all the weekend's wonderful acts!
Another year and another fantastic festival comes to a close . . . Ferry-master, we’re wharf-bound, will you please?!
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Newport, in closing, it was a great pleasure and so nice to see you in all your beauty once again. I do hope you can forgive me and I do hope to see you again very soon!
Best wishes,
Seth
And for many more images from Newport and the Folk Festival, click HERE!
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