Get ready for a night filled with legendary performances and fresh, boundary-pushing music on JamFest! Tonight, we have two incredible shows lined up that promise to transport you through the realms of folk, soul, and new interpretations of bluegrass music.
First up, All Things Considered Live will take you through the unforgettable performance of Richie Havens at the Newport Folk Festival on August 2, 2008. Following that, we’re diving into the dynamic world of NewGrass Radio, where the spirit of traditional bluegrass collides with innovation and genre-defying music.
All Things Considered Live: Richie Havens at Newport Folk Festival (08/02/08)
Richie Havens’s performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2008 remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the festival. A seasoned artist known for his soul-stirring voice and masterful guitar work, Havens’ set demonstrated not only his musical brilliance but also his ability to connect deeply with his audience.
Havens, whose career spanned decades, was a key figure in the folk music scene, and his presence at the Newport Folk Festival was always highly anticipated. In 2008, he performed a mix of his timeless original songs, like the iconic “Freedom”, along with well-loved covers. His unique interpretation of these songs, blending folk, soul, and rock, gave them a fresh spin while still honoring their roots. You could expect to hear his powerful rendition of “Freedom/Motherless Child”, the song that launched his career into legendary status after his unforgettable performance at Woodstock in 1969.
This particular Newport performance is significant not just because of the music, but because it encapsulates Richie Havens’ dedication to both artistic expression and activism. His concerts were always more than just performances—they were experiences, often laced with messages of unity, peace, and social justice. The Newport audience in 2008 was treated to a moment of collective spirit and musical magic, reminding us all why Havens’ legacy continues to resonate today.
Tune in tonight for a live listening experience that will immerse you in the passion, soul, and activism of one of folk’s greatest legends.
NewGrass Radio Show: Traditional Artists & ‘Music Without Rules!’
Next up on JamFest, prepare to be inspired by the NewGrass Radio Show. If you’re a fan of bluegrass music, this show is where tradition meets innovation, bringing you the classic sounds of bluegrass while showcasing the exciting evolution of the genre.
The roots of NewGrass can be traced back to the 1970s when bands like New Grass Revival began reimagining the possibilities of bluegrass. This movement, which blends traditional bluegrass with elements of jazz, rock, and other genres, paved the way for the modern bluegrass sound. The band New Grass Revival, with its legendary lineup—including Sam Bush, John Cowan, Béla Fleck, and Pat Flynn—was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the genre. Their progressive approach to bluegrass earned them a devoted following and helped shape the future of the genre, proving that bluegrass music wasn’t confined to its roots but could grow and evolve into something entirely new.
Tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show will feature the very best of both worlds: the classic, time-honored sounds of traditional bluegrass, and the modern, rule-breaking artists who are defining what bluegrass means today. You’ll hear the energetic and virtuosic performances of today’s trailblazing artists alongside the timeless, soulful sounds that made bluegrass a staple of American music culture.
If you love the spirit of bluegrass but are excited to hear what’s next for the genre, this show is for you. It’s a celebration of “Music Without Rules”—a genre where creativity and innovation collide with respect for tradition.
It’s a packed night on JamFest, starting with Richie Havens’ soulful and stirring performance at the Newport Folk Festival, and continuing with NewGrass Radio’s vibrant mix of traditional and progressive bluegrass sounds. Whether you’re a fan of folk music, soul, or the next wave of bluegrass, tonight’s lineup has something special in store for every listener.
Don’t miss these two powerful shows as they take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of music! Tune in tonight on JamFest for an unforgettable evening of live music that honors legends and welcomes new voices in the world of folk and bluegrass.