Geting to work with my friends at SOPA productions (Ryan, Adam and Colleeen) on the 2011 Newport Folk Festival was one of the best musical experiences of my life.

Nestled between the looming stone walls of the old fort and the cooling waters of the Newport Harbor, the festival lives and breathes its music and heritage in a way that is really unique. The presence of folk legends (like 92 year old Pete Seger), the intimate space which the festival inhabits, and perhaps something of the nostaligic feel of the festival all contribute to foster an environment of creativity, colaboration and a multi generational understanding of what it means to make folk music.

I left with a huge appreciation of the artists and organizers who make the festival the experience what it is, and I'm excited to get to share our video of it before too long. In the meantime, put on Gillian Welch's Hard Times and kick back and enjoy some of the images. Oh, and don't forget to check out the real maestro's work as well...

*If you've got the folk bug, check out a few more of these awesome artists from the festival*

Middle Brother

David Wax Museum

Pokey Lafarge

The Devil Makes Three

Trampled By Turtles