I haven’t touched this blog in almost a year and my brother
asked why it died, so here I am starting it back up again…
This past weekend I had the privilege of spending my third
year in Newport, Rhode Island for the historical and magical Newport Folk
Festival. I am well aware of how corny I sound when I use the word “magical,”
but there’s no other way to describe it. I cannot compare Newport Folk Festival
to any other festival because I really haven’t attended any other, but I know
for sure that Newport is the most amazing. It is full of genuine people of all
ages from infants to the elderly and everyone is there for one reason only –
they’re appreciation for music. Whether it be discovering new music or
remembering music from the past, they’re there for an unforgettable experience.
This year was specifically about remembering music, Bob
Dylan to be more specific. It marked fifty years since Bob Dylan went electric
at Newport. I was not alive then, but being an old soul born in the wrong
generation I feel a deep connection to this event. Bob Dylan is a god to me – a
unique musician and poet who always forged his own path and never looked back.
Much to my disappointment, he did not look back this year to celebrate that
event 50 years ago. Rumors swirled Fort Adams, but he was a no show. The event
closed with his Fender Stratocaster and set from 50 years. It’s almost better
he didn’t show up – even though the closing performance was about him, it wasn’t.
It’s about today’s artists who are forging they’re own path.
