Through the Lens – The Newport Folk Festival 2026
July 24-26, 2026
“We are still stronger when we sing together”. Pete Seeger’s words greeted all who arrived at Fort Adams for this year’s Newport Folk Festival And, yes, it felt like the world hung in the balance more than ever.
Newport Folk is where I find my joy every last weekend of July, and those three days amongst the 200+year old walls of Fort Adams and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay were magic. Sparkling conditions in the 70s throughout helped.
It’s what happens off the stage, behind the stage and all over the Fort that matters as much as any new to me musical discovery. From the photographers who have become dear friends, to the nicest pit of any event I’ve covered, to staff I see year after year who greet me with a “welcome home” and a hug that first day. It’s the world as it can be, just more oyster fueled.
Portrait sessions this year included Chris Pierce (truly a voice for this time), Jorma and Jack, the Goldsmith Brothers and Morgan Nagler, an L.A. songwriter I should know, and now do.
Shots and words are featured in this Through the Lens column, where I was also lucky to tag team with the uber talented Anthony Mulcahy. A much deeper archive is available to view on request.
