Festival Review: Day 3 of the 65th Newport Folk Festival

As early as 8 a.m., dedicated fans filled the parking lot, eagerly waiting two hours for the gates to open. While in line, they made new friends, shared food and memories, and speculated about which special artists might make unannounced appearances.

When the gates finally opened at 10 a.m., fans hurried to secure their favorite spots, setting up chairs and blankets. Families with young children erected canopies for shade, while others flocked to the unique "Bike Stage," powered by fans riding bikes during open mic sets and various performances throughout the day.

Though "folk" is in the festival's name, the music celebrated on Day 3 spanned a wide range of genres. The traditional folk sounds of Mighty Poplar, the hip hop beats of De La Soul, and the punk energy of the Dropkick Murphys demonstrated Newport's broad musical embrace.

The day began on a high note with Palmyra, a band familiar to festivalgoers for running the Bike Stage in previous years. They opened the Harbor Stage, receiving a warm welcome from both new and longtime fans. Their set was punctuated by a thrilling moment when a representative from John Prince Records offered them a recording contract on stage, marking a milestone in their career.

On the main stage, The Oh Hellos from Texas brought their brand of folk-pop to life, getting fans up and dancing with their infectious tunes. Their vibrant energy set a joyous tone for the day.

A deeply moving highlight was the performance by 82-year-old blues legend Taj Mahal, returning to the stage he first graced in 1968. Joined by Joan Baez and Rhiannon Giddens, his set was a testament to the enduring power and timeless appeal of blues music.

As festivalgoers moved from one stage to another, the festival's motto, "Be Kind, Be Open, Be Present, Be Together," was palpable in the air. The sense of community and shared love for music was evident everywhere.

The festival closed with a unique set by comedian and guitar player Conan O'Brien, backed by the band Dawes. Their tribute to the late Allman Brothers' guitarist Dickey Betts, performing "Ramblin' Man," was heartfelt and resonant. The set continued with appearances by Brittany Howard, Lantern Slime, Nick Lowe, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Nathaniel Rateliff, and a surprise performance by Jack White. This eclectic mix of artists provided a fittingly diverse and memorable end to the festival.

For 65 years, Newport Folk Festival has brought together an eclectic mix of musicians and introduced new music to fans while pushing the boundaries of collaboration and genre. As we look forward to the 66th edition, the spirit of Newport promises to continue its legacy of musical magic and community. See you next year!