Following a successful first day of Newport Folk Festival we jumped right back to the Fort with a set from the indie super-group Offa Rex, the newly formed project of The Decemberists and English singer Olivia Chaney, who released their debut album The Queen of Hearts earlier this year via Nonesuch Records.
After catching performances from Robert Ellis and Nikki Lane, it was time for Angel Olsen, who continues to elevate her game, dazzling and impressing on every level. She’s come so far and it seems like she’s only getting started.
I caught a bit of the beautiful harmonies from Joseph’s set, before catching some solo Jim James and an energetic performance from The Avett Brothers, who surprised us with a rather great cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.”
After a hearty folk set from the duo of Billy Bragg and Joe Henry, we finished day 2 in strong fashion with sets from Drive-By Truckers and Wilco. Both bands were as locked in as always, delivering solid festival-friendly sets that had all of Newport rocking with them. Of course Wilco invited former collaborator Billy Bragg on stage to perform “California Stars,” giving day 2 a rather fitting a proper finish.
Stay tuned for our recap of Day 3, and find more photos from Day 2 posted in the gallery below.
Offa Rex:
Robert Ellis:
Nikki Lane:
Angel Olsen:
Joseph:
Jim James:
The Avett Brothers:
Billy Bragg and Joe Henry:
Drive-By Truckers:
Wilco:
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