Newport, RIs famed Folk Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary from July 31-August 2. Festival founder George Wein has taken the reins once again after last years producers, The Festival Network, experienced financial problems earlier this year. Though several title sponsors and producers have come and gone over the years, Newport Folk has flourished under Weins watchful eyes, and the festival has run continuously since 1985.

Similar to the likeminded Clearwater Festival, Newport Folk will update its lineup by mixing traditional folk and indie rock artists including The Decemberists, Arlo Guthrie, Fleet Foxes, Joan Baez, Neko Case, Billy Bragg, Campbell Brothers and The Avett Brothers. In addition, festival co-founder Pete Seeger will appear as part of his extended 90th birthday celebration. Other arts scheduled to appear include: Josh Ritter, Gillian Welch, Judy Collins, Del McCoury, Iron & Wine, Joe Pug, Tao Rodriguez Seeger,Balfa Toujours, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Tim Eriksen & Shape Note Singers, Langhorne Slim, Ben Kweller and Low Anthem. Several additional artists will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Newport Folk is best known as the festival where Dylan went electric in 1965. After several successful appearances at the already established festival, Dylan shocked folk purists by playing a series of electric tunes with a now all-star band that featured Mike Bloomfield (guitar), Sam Lay (drums), Jerome Arnold (bass guitar), Al Kooper (organ) and Barry Goldberg (piano). Joan Baez, who will return to the festival this year, also credits Newport folk with her discovery.