George Wein started the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954. The Newport Folk Festival began in 1959 after George Wein and Pete Seeger kicked off the festival with folk as a focus. Having come to my first Newport Jazz Fest in 1969 largely for the rock acts and just before going to Woodstock, I knew when I moved to Newport that I wanted to be a part of this production. After reopening in 1985 after a long hiatus since 1971 the Festivals were set up at Fort Adams. In 1986 after getting a call from a friend I started working for the festivals, first selling ice cream during folk and then driving musicians for jazz the following weekend. I have been a driver every year since thus making this my 37th year completed.

In 1987 I began taking photos of the festivals and was supported in the early years by Marguerite Jones, the producer’s wife who assisted me in making photo opportunities. I have continued to photograph this event at every opportunity that I am not driving. The policy adopted some 10 years ago of allowing photos only during the first 3 songs has made it more challenging as I may be returning from a run but arriving a couple minutes late to get in the pit. I take the chips where they fall and consider myself very fortunate for the opportunity. I am happy with the archive that I have amassed.

Newport Folk 2022 became world news as Joni Mitchell stunned and delighted the crowd by her unannounced presence on Sunday and then completely overwhelmed everyone, without exception, with her remarkable vocals and guitar work that she had only begun working on in the last couple of months. Her delivery of Summertime literally stopped me in my tracks and Both Sides Now was received as if for the first time - so powerful, poignant and moving. Tears all around. I’m sure there are many factors involved in her having decided to travel 3000 miles at 78 while still recovering from a brain aneurysm after 7 years. I consider Brandi Carlile to single handedly be the prime factor and motivation for considering it and doing it. This one is truly for the record books.

As if that weren’t enough, the scheduled bill was filled with stellar talent and there were some last minute substitutions as Covid impacted the plans of some and offered opportunities for others. A huge surprise happened on Saturday as well as Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats did a set dedicated solely to Paul Simon songs and featuring various guest vocalists for the delivery. After a half dozen songs Rateliff introduces Paul Simon, now 80, for his first appearance at Newport Folk. This is even more remarkable given that Simon announced several months ago that he is finished with touring any longer.

The whole weekend was without rain and with much heat. The festival had Sold Out moments after tickets went on sale in November and everyone was beyond satisfied looking for ways to secure tickets for 2023. The vibe continues to carry this fully invested crowd and Newport Folk Festival is the place to be.

Enjoy some of my highlights from Friday.