Newport Folk Festival Lands Levon Helm, John Prine, Swell Season

Last year, the Newport Folk Festival celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary, with performances from folk music legends Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Arlo Guthrie. This year, the venerable festival turns 51, and will welcome Levon Helm’s Ramble on the Road, My Morning Jacket’s Yim Yames, The Swell Season, John Prine, Andrew Bird, The Avett Brothers, and Steve Martin to the stage.

The Festival will run from July 30 to August 1; July 30 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at Newport Casino and July 31 and August 1 at Fort Adams State Park. Tickets go on sale today at their official site. Rounding out the bill are Doc Watson, Richie Havens, The Felice Brothers, Justin Townes Earle, Calexico, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Check the site for the full lineup.

“Newport is like a second home to me and I always look forward to the next visit,” says Festival founder George Wein. “After celebrating the 50th anniversary with Pete and 17,000 fans, I can’t wait to see the magic unfold over the three days.”

“There is something so perfect about being in Newport near the water and that old stone fort – all gathered in to sing with family and friends – that keeps me wanting to come back year after year,” says Yim Yames. “It’s like the walls of the fort are arms, and I feel secure when I am near them, protected by the spirits there – past, present, and future. And, I like to hear our voices bouncing off those old stone walls as my eye drifts to the sailboats on the seashore and the people just smiling and taking it all in.”