2016 Newport Folk Festival - Friday Highlights

Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic

2016 Newport Folk Festival - Friday Highlights

Kris Kristofferson Made a Surprise Appearance at the Newport Folk Festival Friday
It was a hazy, hot and folky Friday as the Newport Folk Festival got off to a spectacular start. Indie acts ruled the day until a surprise guest, legendary songwriter Kris Kristofferson arrived for a full set on the Museum Stage. While the multi-talented Ray Lamontagne was rocking the Fort Stage, Kristofferson strummed the folk rock classic "Me and Bobby McGee" creating new memories for Folk Festival diehards. Other highlights included a stunning set from Case/Lang/Viers and the Violent Femmes opening with their classic "Blister in the Sun." GoLocal Music Critic Ken Abrams and Mojo Photography's Rick Farrell bring you all the highlights.

2016 Newport Folk Festival - Friday Highlights

J.P. Harris

J.P. Harris and his band opened the Festival with a country flavored honky-tonk throwdown. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Wild Child

Kelsy Wilson of Austin,TX based Wild Child on electric strings. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson surprised the Folk crowd with a full set on the Museum Stage. (Photo: Rick Farrell)

Fruit Bats

Eric Johnson leads the Chicago band Fruit Bats. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Flight of the Conchords

Flight of the Conchords reunion at Newport was a major crowd pleaser. (Photo: Rick Farrell)

Freakwater

Janet Beveridge Bean of Freakwater, an alt-country band with a sweet southern gothic vibe. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Matthew Logan Vasquez

Delta Spirit's Matthew Logan Vasquez positively rocked the house. (Photo: Rick Farrell)

Martin Guitar Stage

The Martin Guitar stage gives future stars a chance to play at Newport. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Case/Lang/Viers

The trio of Neko Case, K.D. Lang and Laura Viers provided a special moment for fans. (Photo: Rick Farrell)

Good Vibes

Good vibes ruled the Fort on Friday. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne rocked the Fort Stage in the late afternoon. (Photo: Rick Farrell)

Jay Sweet

Festival Producer Jay Sweet intoduced several acts. (Photo: Ken Abrams)

The Arcs

Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys led The Arcs through a rocking set.

Raury

Atlanta's Raury Deshawn Tullis got the crowd dancing with his mix of soul, folk and R&B. (Photo: Ken Abrams)  

Rock the Vote

"Rock the Vote" was there continuing the Festival's long tradition of political action. 

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