Out Without The Kids: Newport Folk Fest 2010

Posted by Jeff on July 26, 2010 at 2:40 pm

The Bear has experienced 4 Newport Folk Fests in her 6+ years. Her fifth is going to have to wait until at least 2011.

The Bear at 5 months, enjoying her 1st Newport Folk Fest (2004).

The Mrs. and I, thanks to my folks taking our girls for a long weekend, are flying up to Newport, RI sans children early this Saturday morning. I’d be lying if I told you we’re anything less than flipping-out-excited. Yes, the artist lineup is once again stellar, but more important is the chance to have a few fun days to ourselves, something that hasn’t happened in nearly 2 years (Levon Helm was involved in that getaway as well – Woodstock, NY for a Helm Midnight Ramble).

For this Folk Fest excursion, we weren’t able to build in much non-music time, but that’s okay. We’ve got a dinner date at Trio Rhode Island in Narrangansett on Saturday night after John Prine finishes up day 1 of the 51st annual Folk Fest and we’ll find someplace else nice to unwind after Levon Helm brings the weekend to a close.

There are always tough choices to make when attending a music festival, and this year is no different. We’ll be missing some good ones, for sure.

Interested in the bands we will be checking out? Good, ’cause here’s the official OWTK Newport Folk fest schedule:

SATURDAY

Blitzen Trapper
Brandi Carlile
O’Death
Yim Yames (Jim James of My Morning Jacket)
Dawes (!!!!!) – gotta miss Doc Watson & Andrew Bird to see my fave band, which sucks, but whattya gonna do?
John Prine

SUNDAY

Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons – gonna miss David Wax Museum (who are very good, we saw ’em open for the Avett Bros. last year in Harrisburg PA).
April Smith & The Great Picture Show – probably most excited to see this band.
The Avett Brothers – gonna miss all but the last 15 minutes of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band set (major bummer).
The Felice Brothers
The Swell Season
Levon Helm Band’s Ramble on the Road (with special guests – hopefully that means Scott & Seth Avett!)

We’re not bringing any kids to the 2010 Newport Folk Festival, but you may be. If so, check out this post from a few years back. Most of the info should still be accurate and helpful when packing up for the fest with little ones in tow.