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Saturday at Newport Folk 2016 in Photos

Saturday at the Folk Fest…

Remember our Friday Folk post where the discussion of cloning oneself so that you could catch all the acts came to life. Well Saturday’s lineup had me tossing and turning trying to figure out how to pull off something of this magnitude for perfect Music Savage coverage. In hindsight I should have gotten a few hours more sleep but that’s neither here nor there. Let’s get to the folkin’ amazingness that was Day 2 shall we?

What we saw on the Fort Stage.

Nashville troubadour Rayland Baxter kicked off the day’s performances here to an enthusiastic crowd who had gathered early to catch the festival veteran’s first time on the main stage. Baxter’s latest album, Imaginary Man, sounded simply incredible and provided a soothing soundtrack for those of us who may have been up a tad too long the night before. Meaning all of us. His voice filled up the harbor while the fantastic backing band added the extra auditory fuel. Another Newport veteran, Norah Jones, looked cool as a cucumber in the later afternoon sun as she played songs from her extensive catalogue. We caught Jones in 2014 with her band Puss N’ Boots (fantastic set) and it was amazing to listen to her and her piano fill up the expansive stage with gorgeous sound. Jones stuck around to play the Jazz Festival the following weekend because she’s that damn good the organizers just couldn’t let her leave. Last but most certainly not least on the big stage was the one and only Patti Smith. How does one one talk about a set like the Smith delivered? It was a powerful rally cry to unite in peace to stand against aggression and let love overwhelm the tide of hate. A message needed now more than ever.

What we saw on the Quad Stage.

We had a killer set from the Nashville-based Banditos to kick our sleep deprived asses into motion and make us all dance along with wild abandon, while front-woman Mary Beth Richardson jumped into the crowd to keep the momentum going strong. The description on the Newport Folk App for the Texas Gentlemen and Friends set simply read “Be Sure to check this set out.” We heeded that app’s almighty advise and stayed put. True to their moniker the gentlemen brought out friend after friend to join them on stage, much to our good fortune those friends include Terry Allen, Joe Ely, and Kris Kristofferson. The latter would be joined by Margo Price for a rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee” that had most in attendance weeping. Speaking of the Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, Miss Price took to the stage following the gents and gave a superstar worthy performance that gained her a standing ovation. Playing shit-kickin’ country, and having a blast during her festival debut, the Nashville musician’s set is the one people will say “Remember when we saw her when” about for years to come. Rounding out our time at the Quad was the always entertaining (despite the artist’s instance that we not be entertained) Father John Misty. Playing songs rightfully full of contempt for the current state of affairs, Tillman’s songs seemed to have more weight attached to every word as the musician dissected society’s shortcomings. It was an amazing set even if we left feeling a little worse for the wear.

Meanwhile at the Harbor Stage…

The writing and photography duo here at Music Savage were only able to catch one set, one freaking set, but what a set it was folks. Tulsa, OK’s very own John Moreland took to the stage with guitar in hand, sat down at the microphone, and poured his heart out to an audience so quiet it was as if Moreland was the only living being in that tent. Pain and loss and redemption and regret were all on hand has the musician gently played the strings and slowly mended his soul, as well as ours. It was something to witness. I suggest you never miss a performance from John Moreland if he is ever in your town.

Saturday on the Fort with great friends and amazing music. That is truly how life is meant to be lived.

Take a look at our first day in photos from our photographer, Jamie Reiley,  and let us know which show you most enjoyed.

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