Newport Folk: Top Friday Acts

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Ken Abrams, GoLocalWorcester Music Critic

The Newport Folk Festival got off to a great start on Friday at Fort Adams State Park. Some exceptional performances and a few surprises made it a day to remember. Check out our slide show from Music Critic Ken Abrams and Photographer Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography.

Related Slideshow: Newport Folk Festival 2015: Friday Highlights

The Newport Folk Festival got off to a great start on Friday at Fort Adams State Park. Some exceptional performances and a few surprises made it a day to remember. Check out slide show from Music Critic Ken Abrams and Photographer Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography.

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Haunt the House

Rhode Island band Haunt the House opened the festival to an overflowing crowd at the Harbor Stage. HTH leader Will Houllihan (pictured) urged those assembled to "Help us sing, we're nervous up here!" They were a big hit, and later played a set on the Children's Stage. Keep an eye on this band.

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Leon Bridges

R&B Soul sensation Leon Bridges is the real deal. His set on the Quad Stage saw the most enthusiastic fans all day. His neo-Soul sound is clearly in demand these days - he's another one to watch!

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Joe Pug

Maryland native Joe Pug played a roots inspired set at high noon on the Harbor Stage. He was joined on several tunes by Morganeve Swain of Brown Bird, a popular Rhode Island band.

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Calexico

Calexico brought their unique Tex-Mex sound to the Quad Stage mid-afternoon. Leader Joey Burns (pictured) brought his smooth vocals and the horn section led by Valenzuela rocked the Fort. In their third visit to Newport,the band was joined on two songs by Sam Beam and Ben Bridwell

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My Morning Jacket

Rumors were flying all day about the surprise unannounced act. It turned out to be festival favorites My Morning Jacket. Jim James (pictured) and the band didn't disappoint, capitalizing on the positive vibes in the crowd.

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Roger Waters

It was a special moment when Roger Waters took the stage backed by My Morning Jacket and guitarist G.E. Smith. Waters played a set of classics including WIsh You Were Here, Lunatic/Eclipse and Forever Young. He was joined on several trunes by Sara Watkins and Amy Helm.

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The Tallest Man on Earth

The Tallest Man on Earth returned to the Festival, this year playing the main Fort Stage. Swedish born Kristian Matsson brought some new songs along with favorites "The Gardner" and "The Wild Hunt."

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Angel Olsen

Angel Olsen played a great set on the Harbor Stage featuring orignals and covers. Her songwriting was on display with "Hurt to Be Around You" and "White Fire." Fans loved her cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Tougher Than the Rest."

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Elephant Revival

Elephant Revival got the crowd rocking on the Fort Stage Friday afternoon. The Colorado band played a set of "transcendental folk," featuring "Birds and Stars," "Over the River" and "Grace."