Newport Folk Festival returned for its first full proper year since the pandemic after the 2021 edition uniquely was split into two separate editions of the festival.
It felt warm and comforting to be back at Fort Adams with a packed edition of concertgoers, eager to once again take in a full weekend of music under the sun.
Headlining Day 1 was The National, who was set to headline the 2020 edition of the festival. They made good on their promise and took the reigns for an impactful closing set that was as breathtaking as ever.
They kicked things off with a stripped-down performance of a new song entitled “Space Invader (Threaded Gold)” and “This Isn’t Helping”. From there they took us on a journey through a handful of greatest hits, which saw them joined by various performers to help on tracks, with Cassandra Jenkins’ on “I Need My Girl”, Anaïs Mitchell on “Rylan”, Hannah Georgas on “I Am Easy To Find” and Adia Victoria on “Fake Empire”.
They gave us some more new tracks, fan favorites, an even a few surprises such as old favorite “Wasp Nest.” The highlight of their set came when Matt Berninger descended into the crowd during “Terrible Love”, sharing moments with fans taking a snooze on a blanket, and even singing in an unoccupied beach chair.
It was a rousing moment that truly signified the return of live music but also the power of sharing this joy with such a great crowd as the best festival in America.
Below, find a full set of photos from the rest of the Day 1 performances we caught, including Courtney Barnett, Dinosaur Jr., Faye Webster, and new Sylvan Esso-related project, The A’s.
The Dead Tounges:
Lee Fields:
The A’s:
Faye Webster:
Arooj Aftab:
Cassandra Jenkins:
Dinosaur Jr.:
Taj Mahal:
John Moreland:
Courtney Barnett:
The National:
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