George Wein's Folk Festival (aka Newport Folk Festival) is marking its historical 50th year in 2009. One of the longest running and most historically important American folk and roots music festivals, everyone of any import in contemporary folk music has graced that stage at some point in their career.
The 2009 line-up is a sampling of the best artists of the past 50 years, from legends like Joan Baez and Pete Seeger to newcomers and those just starting to make their mark. If you're heading out to the festival, you'll want to be absolutely sure you don't miss these five artists.
1. Pete Seeger
photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
For many years from its inception, Pete Seeger was a staple at George Wein's festival at Newport, Rhode Island. It only makes sense that he's back in his 90th year to help the festival celebrate its 50th as his influence on American folk music remains strong. Seeger may not pick and sing with the same prowess he did 50 years ago, but he still knows how to get a crowd singing along with him. Be sure to catch him on Sunday when he'll be joined by the legendary Judy Collins. No doubt he'll have others onstage with him throughout the weekend.
2. Joan Baez
Dana Tynan
Joan Baez was another fixture on Wein's Newport stage back around its inception. It was there that she introduced the festivarians to a young Bob Dylan, among other things. While Dylan won't be taking the stage this year, Baez is back to lend her exceptional voice to the landmark year.
3. Neko Case
© Dennis Kleiman, courtesy Anti- Records
Neko Case has long been a favorite on the under-the-radar alternative country scene. But, her recent release Middle Cyclone (easily one of the best Americana albums of 2009) earned her a place in the Billboard Top 20 and on the iPods of a much wider audience. Her live shows are charming and impressive, and her performance in Newport is sure to be one of the weekend's most memorable.
4. Ben Kweller
photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Ben Kweller has been a favorite on the indie pop circuit for some time. His live show is incredibly energetic and infectious, and his latest album Changing Horses has been endearing him to the Americana crowd. No doubt he'll pull largely from that for his performance this weekend, and you don't want to miss it. There's a reason he's among a swath of young songwriters who have fallen under the "Next Bob Dylan" umbrella.
5. Langhorne Slim
photo: Kim Ruehl/About.com
Another artist frequently likened to a young Dylan, Langhorne Slim's music marries soul, indie rock and traditional folk music for a sound completely all his own. Live, he's an animal jumping and thrashing about the stage, backed by his incredibly astute War Eagles band. If you want a good time at Newport, you won't want to miss his shows.
