Newport Folk Festival Lineup Announced

Posted on Mar 24th 2010 12:30PM by Emily Tan
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It may be over 50 years old, but George Wein's historic Newport Folk Festival doesn't disappoint. This year, a full list of music veterans and fresher faces join the lineup, including Dawes, the Swell Season, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Brandi Carlile. Andrew Bird is also scheduled to perform at the event, which is his only scheduled US festival appearance this year.

"Newport is like a second home to me and I always look forward to the next visit," said Wein in a statement. "After celebrating the 50th anniversary with Pete and 17,000 fans, I can't wait to see the magic unfold over the three days."

Comedian and actor Steve Martin will be picking up a banjo to play with his band, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, during the festival's pre-show on July 30. Meanwhile My Morning Jacket's Jim James (aka Yim Yames), who'll be performing in Newport solo on July 31, is pretty excited to be part of a festival that has so much history.

"There is something so perfect about being in Newport near the water and that old stone fort -- all gathered in to sing with family and friends -- that keeps me wanting to come back year after year," said James in a statement. "It's like the walls of the fort are arms, and I feel secure when I am near them, protected by the spirits there -- past, present, and future. And, I like to hear our voices bouncing off those old stone walls as my eye drifts to the sailboats on the seashore and the people just smiling and taking it all in."

The Newport Folk Festival will take place from July 30 to Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale worldwide on Friday, March 26 at 10AM ET online or by phone. Fans can also buy single-day passes at the Newport Visitor Information Center.