"So You're Going to Play Newport 2024 ..."

Whether you're a first-timer ticking off your festival bucket list, or a ardent fan who has been trucking to Fort Adams for decades, the sold-out Newport Folk Festival (July 26-28) and Newport Jazz Festival (August 2-4) are always reminders that there are few things as pleasurable as a spectacular summer music festival.

[Check out our Newport Folk Fest 2024 recap and photo slideshow]

Your magical Newport experience is just as resonant and meaningful for all of the musicians on this year's very impressive lineups for folk and jazz. In both 2022 and 2023, FUV reached out to artists and bands and asked what playing Newport meant to them. The "Class of 2024" is an even bigger mix of those making their Newport debuts — and others returning to tread on the storied stages again, some proudly claiming multiple appearances over the years.

Packing your bags for your Rhode Island getaway? Don't forget to include five Newport essentials: sunscreen, water, a hat, good vibes — and your serendipitous sense of infinite adventure.  Discover bands and artists you never knew about before (and check out links to each of those artists, along with their Newport thoughts):

"As a history buff, I'm always aware that Newport Folk Festival has a great tradition of protest music and that this is where Dylan went electric, but I also enjoy the fact that it takes place within Fort Adams. At most festivals, you spend much of your time in prefabricated spaces that all look the same inside, no matter where you are in the world. At Newport, some of the architecture is 200 years old. Last time I was there, I did a photo session in a counter fire room with embrasures and loopholes. You don't get to do that at Punk Rock Bowling." - Billy Bragg

"As a band from New England, we've been lucky enough to accomplish a lot of our hopes and dreams — from playing at Fenway to the TD Garden, etc. Newport is definitely on that bucket-list level for us, and we couldn't be more excited. Buckle up folks, it's gonna be loud!" - Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys

"I’m most anticipating that feeling you get watching your friends do what they’re born to do on a stage in front of people who come from all over the world all united in their love for music. There’s nothing like it." - Tré Burt

"I’m looking forward to the crafty booths. I need some new socks, a hat and a wooden spoon." - Steve Poltz

"I'm so excited to return to this festival and play on the same stage as so many of my idols did before me." - Laufey

"The revitalizing feeling that comes from returning to that community. Anyone that joins the Newport Universe becomes a part of its journey for however long you stay on the ride — as a fan or an artist — and it means so much to reconnect with the people that know how special, how supportive and how joyful that place and that music can be." - Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes (playing with Conan O'Brien & Real Musicians)

"For Michael and I, returning to Newport Folk represents a reconnection with our musical peers in a place that celebrates tradition and builds community. There are always new faces and old friends to conspire with and I believe the fan experience is egalitarian, even if its hard to get tickets to it. In a world where the VIP experience takes such a piss out of your average fest, we find that refreshing." - Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent of Shovels & Rope

"The Newport Jazz Festival has a specific significance for me growing up hearing Live at Newport records and discovering video performances. One such performance was the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine in 1990, where he also did an interview. He was asked about the electronic influence on jazz; Elvin said he was a "dyed in the wool acoustic man." He also said he hasn't heard anyone that has came along yet, who knew enough about electronics to make it a significant thing. When I saw my biggest hero in all of music express this sentiment, it simultaneously broke my heart and inspired the hell out of me. It made me want to push my own creative limits and see if I could do something new and significant with electronics. So to be playing at Newport, and bringing my sound and my acoustic/electronic concept, it feels very full circle. Even though Elvin has moved on from this planet, I'm still studying with him everyday, and I hope he can appreciate what we bring to this historical Newport stage." - Kassa Overall

"We are most eagerly anticipating simply being a part of such a legendary festival. We have heard nothing but amazing things about it, and we look forward to meeting new people, exploring the area for the first time ever, and watching so many incredible and inspiring performers." - Jon Middleton of Ocie Elliott

"The most meaningful part of playing Newport is feeling all the history that has been made at the festival. Growing up watching footage of my heroes — from Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell, Sister Rosetta Thorpe and Pete Seeger — will always make stepping onto the Newport stage myself a magical experience." - Molly Tuttle of Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

"'Community' is the word most associated with the Newport Folk Festival. We’ve always admired how Newport seemed to be built on the idea that bands are family and we’re thrilled to be invited into to the party this year." - Ryan Miller of Guster

"We have wanted to play this festival since we started the band. I have been emailing NFF since 2018 when we formed the band. We even started our own music festival in our hometown, slightly modeled off of Newport, we bring emerging artists to our hometown from all over North America. There is no question that this year’s performance at NFF will be a VERY special moment for us." - Mike Belazis of Oliver Hazard

"We are definitely excited to return back to Newport to share our new music with this historical music festival.” - Sput Searight of Ghost-Note

"Returning to Newport Jazz Festival with a brand new sound and record. Peace, Love and Funk will be shared with all!” - Nate Werth of Ghost-Note

"I’m so excited to be a part of Newport folk festival this year. It’s been a dream come true ever since I watched Bob Dylan go electric at Newport Folk Festival. There are so many amazing musicians, songwriters, and bands, that I just can’t wait to walk around and watch everybody perform. To be a part of something that’s been so magical for so many years is a very special ❤️" - Donovan Frankenreiter

"Thrilled to be back at the Newport Jazz Festival this year! Every year it has been so amazing to be surrounded by so many inspirational musicians, legends, friends, and family members. I can’t wait to return to the iconic festival grounds and take part in this historic festival." - Makaya McCraven

"I always look forward to playing at Newport. Seeing all of the inspired performances and enjoying the camaraderie among musicians and music aficionados." - Jeff Parker

"It’s an honor to play Newport, such a storied festival with great curation and a history of amazing artists, and to be invited back to play two years in a row is a privilege. Last year we had everyone up and dancing and even got a decent part of the crowd up on the stage at some point — it was electric. I’m most excited about connecting with the fans and enjoying music together." - Cimafunk

"My favorite part of the festival is reconnecting with old friends from the road and meeting new ones! It always leads to magical collaborations." - Kelsey Wilson of Sir Woman

"I have never played Newport Folk Festival before, so I am honored to be part of such an incredible lineup! I’m looking forward to just being able to play my part in such a fantastic event!" - Samm Henshaw

"I’ve always seen pictures, but have never gotten to be at Newport. I’m excited to spend my first time at the festival as a performer. And to be so close to the ocean! When I’m not singing and watching performances, you will probably find me swimming somewhere." - Alisa Amador

"We’re always honored to get invited to play our music for anyone but to get the invitation to play at Newport means a great deal. To be a part of a lineup that has included countless greats is an honor we can’t wait to make good on!" - Zac Sokolow of LA LOM

"The folks that organize and curate Newport Folk Festival do such an incredible job, and as an artist, it’s hard to articulate the power of the atmosphere backstage. It’s a gift to get to share space with artists of such a high caliber; we get to meet, hang out with, and play with some of our heroes. It doesn’t get better than that!" - Sasha Landon of Palmyra

"For us, Newport Folk Festival is a homecoming of sorts. We've attended many times and have been fortunate to be included in lots of the 'pop-up' festivities, be it the family stage, singing with friends during their sets, or at the after-parties. As such, we return year after year when we can to what feels like a family reunion, one that everyone is eager to return to. This year is different: for our new project Golden Everything to be included on the lineup, and to bring our new music to the Fort. is sheer magic. Getting the chance to see other incredible artists play with the ocean at our back is the icing on the cake." - Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt of Golden Everything

"This is our fourth year playing Newport Folk Festival and we have the great privilege of both performing and hosting different artists on our bike-powered stage. For our performance, we're most excited to debut a ton of unreleased music from our forthcoming record. Additionally, this year we're hosting the legendary Joan Baez for a poetry reading. To witness such a musical icon on the bike stage, baring her heart for all to see, is a huge honor for us." - Jeff Gorman of Illiterate Light

"Looking forward to being inspired by some of the greatest contemporary jazz players in the world." - Adrian Younge of Acid Jazz is Dead

"We’re just so excited to catch the other acts playing this year. The lineup is incredible and we’re also very excited to try the food (especially seafood) at the fest!" - Niko Kapetan of Friko

New Thing at Newport comes to mind immediately,
recorded in 1965, released in 1966 - John Coltrane,
Archie Shepp, that red album cover . . .
We are journeying our inner-depths, sonically reporting in the moment . . .
It's always a New Thing and I celebrate the continuum, the communion, the aliveness . . .
Feeling honored and heart-fire stoked to be in Newport.
Thanks for having us!
Until soon
- Carlos Niño (with André 3000's New Blue Sun Live)