Tonight’s All Things Considered Live on JamFest: Calexico – Newport Folk Festival 08/03/08

Tonight on All Things Considered Live on JamFest, we take you back to a standout performance by Calexico at the Newport Folk Festival on August 3, 2008. Known for their fusion of Americana, desert rock, and Latin influences, Calexico’s performance was a vivid display of their genre-defying sound, blending cinematic atmospheres and intricate musical textures that captivated the Newport crowd.

As the sun set on the historic festival grounds, Calexico opened their set with a medley of “All The Pretty Horses,” “Frontera,” and “Trigger.” The trio of tracks, featuring Joey Burns’ soulful vocals and impeccable guitar work, set the tone for the evening. John Cupertino’s dynamic drumming added a pulse that pushed the music forward, while the band’s seamless transition into “Across The Wire” showcased their ability to merge indie rock with traditional Mexican folk music—creating a soundscape that was uniquely their own.

Next, “Not Even Stevie Nicks” and “Woven Birds” continued to highlight the band’s versatility. Jacob Valenzuela’s trumpet, Martin Wenk’s vibraphone, and additional percussion brought a rich, layered quality to the performance. Their ability to shift from moments of atmospheric reflection to energetic and rhythmic passages was on full display.

With “Two Silver Trees” and “Inspiracion,” Calexico further explored their connection to the Southwestern desert landscapes, evoking a deep sense of place through music. These songs captured the beauty and desolation of the desert, bringing those emotions to life with haunting melodies and vivid instrumentation.

The performance took an introspective turn with “Slowness,” a reflective ballad that allowed Burns’ poignant lyrics to take center stage. The song’s delicate instrumentation created a mesmerizing atmosphere, letting the emotional depth of the track resonate with the audience.

A standout moment came when Calexico covered “Alone Again Or,” originally by the band Love. The rendition featured intricate guitar work and a captivating trumpet melody, adding a new layer of emotional intensity to the already beloved track.

As the set progressed, the band brought a fresh energy to the stage with their collaboration with Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Performing “Going To Acapulco,” James’ powerful vocals melded perfectly with Calexico’s rich sound, infusing the performance with an added intensity and dynamic chemistry that electrified the crowd.

The set closed with two of Calexico’s most beloved tracks: “Crystal Frontier” and “Guero Canelo.” “Crystal Frontier” merged mariachi elements with indie rock, while “Guero Canelo” brought infectious rhythms that had the entire audience clapping, dancing, and singing along. It was the perfect conclusion to a set that seamlessly traversed a range of emotions and musical styles.

Calexico’s 2008 performance at the Newport Folk Festival stands as a testament to their ability to blend diverse influences into a sound that is both unique and timeless. Through evocative lyrics, lush instrumentation, and an undeniable stage presence, they delivered a show that showcased why they are regarded as one of the most innovative bands in contemporary Americana music.

Tune in tonight for this unforgettable performance on All Things Considered Live on JamFest!