Artists to Watch at Newport Folk Festival 2008

Hardly an up-and-comer, Gillian Welch has established herself as one of the most admired and respected contemporary American folk songwriters. Together with David Rawlings, her live performances are absolutely infectious. And, if at least one of her songs doesn't make you cry, you need to check your pulse.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 3
Purchase/Download: "Revelator"
For fans of: Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Dar Williams

The Avett Brothers are one of the most exciting bands coming out of the vibrant roots music revival down in North Carolina. If you're still unfamiliar with their work, there's no better place to become acquainted with it than at Newport Folk Festival, where they'll be hitting the stage fresh off the release of their latest disc, The Second Gleam.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 3
Purchase/Download: "Souls Like the Wheels"
For fans of: Bombadil, Infamous Stringdusters, Bob Dylan

What's not to like about Brandi Carlile's music? She could sing the Happy Birthday song and make it a chills-inducing statement of vocal artistry, as her dexterous backup band plays impressively along. Besides, word has it they've been working in a Nashville studio on their follow-up to 2007's T Bone Burnett-produced The Story, which means their Newport set this year will likely be sprinkled with some of those new songs.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 2
Purchase/Dwonload: "Downpour"
For fans of: Indigo Girls, kd lang, Patsy Cline

The Felice Brothers are another one of those acts coming up these days, garnering a whole lot of attention. Keeping attuned to the roots of contemporary American folk music, the Felice Brothers are also clearly influenced by bluegrass, country, and modern rock. They'll be showing off their stuff this year at Newport, and you may as well hop on the train.
Performing: Saturday, Aug. 2
Purchasel/Download: "Take This Hammer" (Live)
For Fans of: Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, the Avett Brothers

I came to know of Kaki King as an innovative, mind-blowing guitarist. Since then, however, she's released a couple of albums full of original music with vocals. Arty and esoteric, her music is nothing if not exquisitely creative.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 3
Purchase/Download: "Legs to Make Us Longer"
For fans of: Janis Ian, Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan