The Best Folk Music Festivals in Rhode Island
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Looking for a great folk music festival in Rhode Island? Check out our list of the best ones happening in the state this year!
Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival is an American annual folk-oriented music festival in Newport, Rhode Island, which began in July 1959 as a counterpart to the previously established Newport Jazz Festival. The festival is often considered one of the first modern music festivals in America and remains a focal point in the ever-expanding genre of “Americana” music. It features many leading folk musicians from across the United States and occasionally from abroad.
The Newport Folk Festival was founded in 1959 by George Wein, who also founded the similar Newport Jazz Festival two years earlier. The first Newport Folk Festival featured a lineup of mostly traditional folk artists such as Lead Belly, Joan Baez, and Josh White. Since its initial inception, the festival has evolved to include a greater variety of musical genres beyond just folk music, such as blues, country, rock, and world music. As such, it is now considered one of America’s most important musical events.
Each year, the festival attracts a wide range of musical talent from across the United States and occasionally from abroad. well-known acts that have played at the Newport Folk Festival include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, Fleet Foxes, Arcade Fire, and Mumford & Sons.
Block Island Folk Festival
The Block Island Folk Festival is an annual event that takes place on the island of Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. The festival features a wide variety of folk and traditional music, as well as dance, arts and crafts, food and drink, and other family-friendly activities.
The Block Island Folk Festival is one of the largest and most popular folk music festivals in Rhode Island. The festival attracts thousands of people from all over the world, and has been held every year since its inception in 1978.
Charlestown Seafood Festival
The Charlestown Seafood Festival is one of the best folk music festivals in Rhode Island. The festival features a wide variety of seafood, as well as a variety of traditional and contemporary folk music. The festival takes place in Charlestown, Rhode Island, on the first weekend in August.
Wakefield Folk Festival
The Wakefield Folk Festival is held every year on the last weekend in August. The festival features two stages with a wide variety of folk music, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of food vendors, crafts, and activities for kids.
East Greenwich Clam Festival
The East Greenwich Clam Festival is one of the best folk music festivals in Rhode Island. The festival features traditional New England clam chowder, live music, and crafts. The event is held annually in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
