Jack Antonoff made a notable appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, showcasing his Ally Coalition Talent Show, which intermingled a typical Bleachers concert with a collaborative superjam. A standout moment was the surprise appearance of Paramore’s Hayley Williams, who performed her new track “Mirtazapine” for the first time live. Although previously aired on Nashville Public Radio, this marked the first opportunity for many fans to hear the song in person.
Despite its sharp ’90s vibe, “Mirtazapine” resonated well with the festival’s crowd, thanks in part to a more stripped-down acoustic arrangement that allowed Williams’ vocals to shine. This modern adaptation of Newport Folk’s traditionally acoustic sound complemented the festival’s evolving atmosphere, where more dynamic performances are increasingly welcomed.
Adding to the vibrancy of the evening, Williams participated in a duet with Antonoff on Modern English’s beloved “Melt with You.” Her on-stage presence was facilitated by her enjoyment of the festival, as she was seen taking in other performances, including Geese’s Cameron Winter and Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Hidden in Pieces,” from the side-stage.
Antonoff’s set was teeming with other surprises as well. Notable guests included Maren Morris, who joined for “Don’t Go Dark,” and Jeff Tweedy, who performed a medley of Lana Del Rey’s “Margaret” and Wilco’s “Kamera.” Festival-goers were delighted when Waxahatchee and Dan Reeder brought out the unlisted guest Weyes Blood for renditions of “You Got It” and Reeder’s “Maybe,” along with a hauntingly beautiful performance of “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”
Rufus Wainwright also made an unexpected appearance, performing Bleachers’ “45” along with Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet,” expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share a stage for a Dylan song at such a prestigious venue.
The setlist for Bleachers featured fan favorites like “91,” “Rollercoaster,” “Goodmorning,” and an acoustic twist on “I Wanna Get Better.” Although the balance of original songs and cover collaborations may not have aligned with typical Newport Folk headlining expectations, the surprise factor of having Hayley Williams perform left a lasting impact on attendees of this year’s festival.
Overall, the Newport Folk Festival continues to embrace innovative collaborations, making for a vibrant and unforgettable experience for all present.