ELVIS COSTELLO, THE DECEMBERISTS HEAD NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL 2011Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The line-up for this summer's historical Newport Folk Festival in Newport, RI was recently released upholding the reputation of past, legendary line-ups. George Wein's Newport Folk Festival line-up was announced by fans turning over cards showcasing the artists' names. The Decemberists, Emmylou Harris, and Elvis Costello in a solo acoustic set all return to the Fort Adams Park as headliners.
Gillian Welch, Amos Lee, Earl Scruggs, M. Ward (with special guests), The Felice Brothers, and David Wax Museum, who won a spot on last year's bill, all return to the festival.
Justin Townes Earle fortunately returns this year to perform after he had to cancel his set last year from an injured hand. An acoustic set from Gogol Bordello along with performances by Tegan & Sara, Mavis Staples, and Ramblin' Jack Elliot are also planned.
Even bigger acts like Delta Spirit, Freelance Whales, The Civil Wars, The Secret Sisters, and the Wailin' Jennys made it on the bill. Delta Spirit's lead singer Matthew Vasquez's side-project Middle Brother, which consists of members of Dawes and Deer Tick, is also set to perform.
Other bands who make up the line-up are What Cheer? Brigade, Devil Makes Three, Typhoon, Brownbird, River City Extension, and even the PS 22 chorus.
In more recent rounds of the festival there has been a special Friday night show, but it is still "under consideration" for this year. Stay tuned for more announcements of added artists.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 31st at 10 AM EST and can be purchased online, by phone, or by mail. Single-day GA passes can even be obtained in person at the Newport Visitor Information Center, and a festival office is set to open in the area soon.