Newport Folkfest Saturday Picks: An 8-Pack of Great Music

Today’s lineup is full of conflicts. There are at least 8 artists I would like to see today, and this doesn’t include tonight’s headliner Jack White. Ah, what the heck, I’ll list all 8 recommended acts, although those with videos in their profiles could be considered my Pick-3.

The Haden Triplets – 11:05 to 11:55 on the Quad Stage – Sisters Petra, Tanya, and Rachel will inspire and impress with their musical talent and gorgeous voices. A perfect way to start the morning.

Pokey LaFarge – 12:25 to 1:25 at The Fort – The St. Louis-born LaFarge brings old-school, southern, swampy blues to Newport Folkfest. He’ll have the audience clapping and dancing early in the day.

J. Roddy Walston & The Business – 1:15 to 2:05 on the Harbor Stage– Formed in Cleveland and now based out of Baltimore, J. Roddy Walston & The Business have slowly gained a loyal following for their energetic live shows and their catchy, fist-pumping blues-rock. Like Reignwolf the previous day, the tent over the Harbor Stage won’t be able to contain the energy of the four-piece band. And while J. Roddy resembles Chris Cornell, don’t expect Soundgarden to be unleashed.

Shovels & Rope – 1:50 to 2:50 at The Fort – There is a chemistry between Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent that is unequaled among many of the two-piece bands these days. Their bond is demonstrated in the blues-folk they play and their banter on stage, and they’ve wowed and entertained crowds throughout the year.

Shakey Graves – 2:25 to 3:45 on the Quad Stage – Soothing, spine-tingling blues-rock is the mantra of Alejandro Rose-Garcia – a.k.a. Shakey Graves. Like a great storyteller, Rose-Garcia has the ability to capture his audience’s attention with subtle details before roaring towards the climatic ending.

Deer Tick – 3:15 to 4:15 at The Fort – I think the only reason they have an early time slot is so they could get ready for their after show. While the local favorites continue to put on one of the best live shows around, their songwriting and musicianship have matured and been refined.

Lucius – 3:40 to 4:35 on the Harbor Stage– Fresh off some memorable performances, including two at the Ottawa Bluesfest, the Brooklyn-based quintet’s lush harmonies, electrifying guitars, and pulsating percussions will have the audience roaring and asking for more once their 55-minute set is finished. They could be this year’s Lord Huron, where the crowd asks for an encore and the festival organizers oblige. This might be the last time one may get to see this rising indie band in such an intimate setting.

Kurt Vile and The Violators – 5:30 to 6:30 on the Quad Stage – The Philadelphia-based Kurt Vile is an indie god, and that’s not an exaggeration. From his own solo work to helping to found The War on Drugs and his multiple collaborations with fellow musicians like Sore Eros, Vile is constantly working and perfecting his craft. He’s an expert guitarist and banjo player, so expect something special during his evening set. His album, Waking on a Pretty Daze,was among the best of 2013.