Monday, May 4, 2009

George Wein's Folk Festival 50

50 years of folk music will be celebrated in Newport, RI, August 1 - 2. Legendary producer George Wein has once again put together a stellar line-up for the festival that has provided music history with many memorable moments. The infamous moment when Bob Dylan plugged in springs to many a mind when you mention folk festivals and Newport. While Dylan won't be in attendance, many other great artists will, including festival co-founder and legendary folk beacon Pete Seeger who will take the stage both nights of the festival. Folk luminary Joan Baez, who was on board for the first festival in 1959, will once again take the stage this year. For all of the hipster indie lovers out there, there's a bevy of "new kids" on the bill carrying the torch and representing the future of folk music. The tradition of bringing many musical styles (gospel, blues, bluegrass, alt-country and Cajun) continues as well. Tickets for George Wein's Folk Festival 50 go on sale this Wednesday.

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The Line Up ...

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 ~ 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue
  • Pete Seeger
  • The Decemberists
  • Fleet Foxes
  • Gillian Welch
  • The Avett Brothers
  • Billy Bragg
  • Iron & Wine
  • Mavis Staples
  • Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
  • Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
  • Ben Kweller
  • The Low Anthem
  • Tift Merritt
  • Brett Dennen
  • Tao Rodriguez Seeger
  • Langhorne Slim
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 ~ 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue
  • Pete Seeger with special guest Judy Collins
  • Joan Baez
  • Arlo Guthrie
  • Neko Case
  • The Campbell Brothers
  • Josh Ritter
  • Elvis Perkins in Dearland
  • Tim Eriksen & Shape Note Singers
  • The Del McCoury Band
  • Guy Clark
  • David Rawlings Machine
  • Balfa Toujours
  • Dala Girls
  • Deer Tick
  • Joe Pug
www.folkfestival50.com