For over 65 years, Newport Folk has been one of the most storied American cultural institutions in music. Audiences and artists alike return each year to its hallowed ground to experience the joy of this Festival’s long running tradition of diversity, discovery and artistic virtuosity. Inspired by its founders, Newport Jazz creator George Wein and musician Pete Seeger, Newport Folk will bring its cherished community to the forefront with the creation of the Newport Folk Stewardship Program. At its core, the program hopes to identify remarkable individuals with a demonstrated history of enriching and supporting the legacy of Newport Folk. The Newport Folk Stewards will pledge to continually challenge and celebrate the “Folk Family” by pioneering meaningful initiatives that impact the future of the Festival in significant and collaborative ways.
Its first appointee is acclaimed artist and band-leader Nathaniel Rateliff. Chosen for his artistry, perseverance and continued allyship, the position holds a three-year term, which will see Rateliff serving as Steward actively for two years and advising the next recipient during a third transition year. As the first Newport Folk Steward, Rateliff has chosen to devote his term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond.
“We spoke to people in and outside the organization about who would be best for the position and there was a clear consensus that Nathaniel should be the first. Not only is his indefatigable nature best suited to help us establish what it means to be a steward of Newport Folk, but mostly because he truly embodies what it means to be ‘Folk Family’. He has always answered our call to help a cause, played every stage and has been a force behind some of our biggest musical moments including the 2022 star studded Paul Simon tribute set (Simon’s first appearance in four years). If that’s not enough, he’s also one of the kindest and most considerate people I know. Basically, I see him as being our ‘Human in Residence’ as we embark on this new endeavor,” says Newport Festivals Foundation Executive Producer, Jay Sweet. The long-time executive producer will continue to helm the festival, while supporting Rateliff in his additional advocacy initiatives.
The creative communion between the Newport Folk audience and the artists who play it has long been one of the most unique and prized relationships in music. The openness and receptive nature of the Newport crowd allows new and legendary artists alike to step out of their comfort zone, debut new projects and collaborate at the highest level. Rateliff aims to recognize the traditions while working to cultivate new ones that honor this rapport.
"I have always held the Newport Folk Festival in high regard historically, but once I finally attended as a performer, it felt life-changing,” says Rateliff. “I was immediately drawn into the community of musicians and fans. There is a general feeling of family among everyone present, and I consider it an honor to help curate, cultivate, and expand the spirit of Newport and the community that exists there. I view this as a valuable opportunity to learn from the talented performers who return each year, as well as from the dedicated fans and individuals who help shape the festival into what it has become today.”
Raised in Hermann, Missouri, Nathaniel Rateliff began his music career playing drums in his family’s church band. In seventh grade his father was killed in a car crash, forcing him to drop out of school to provide for his family. At 19, Rateliff moved to Denver, working night shifts at a bottle factory and trucking while testing songs at open mics. In 2002, Rateliff formed Born In The Flood, who quickly garnered a local following—their debut LP If This Thing Should Spill landed in 2007. Rateliff then shifted his focus to a more stripped-down, intimate effort, releasing Desire and Dissolving Men under the moniker Nathaniel Ratleliff & The Wheel on Public Service Records, Memory of Loss, another folky solo album on Rounder Records, followed by 2013’s Falling Faster Than You Can Run on modyvi records and the Closer EP. Rateliff then formed the rock outfit Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Since their 2015 self-titled breakthrough album, the band has established themselves as generational talents through their dynamic live performances and growing catalog of essential studio recordings. The band has released three LPs, two EPs, and a live album, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and their first arena tour will include performances at Chicago’s United Center and Madison Square Garden. Their new LP South of Here is another mighty leap forward.
“Kudos to Jay Sweet and his team at Newport Folk Festival. You continue as a beacon of inclusivity, imagination, curiosity and kindness in our troubled world,” says longtime supporter of the festival Fiona Prine. “How lucky are we to experience the open arms of this beloved community you have shepherded so well. I can’t think of a more perfect candidate than Nathaniel Rateliff to carry the torch for this new program. Of course, he is a dear, dear, friend to me and my family. In addition to being a respected and renowned artist, he exemplifies the best of humanity in his advocacy work and his love of people. I can’t wait to witness what Nathaniel will bring to this program. George Wein and Pete Seeger are most happy.”
Sweet continues, “It is our great hope that the Newport Folk Stewardship Program will add to the creative fabric of our institution's history while continuing to serve the needs of our entire community for years and years to come.”
More about Newport Festivals Foundation
Newport Festivals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create moments of hope through the power of music and community. Best known for producing the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals, the Foundation spends the rest of the year working to create the next generation of musicians through music education and artist relief programs.
Thanks to the support of our community, NFF offers music programs in our own backyard of Newport, Rhode Island, including free private music lessons, instrument donations to public schools, assembly programs, and summer camps.
Nationally, NFF partners with festival artists to support music education programs they’re passionate about. Since 2018, the Artist Gives initiative has provided over 197 grants to music education programs in over 35 states, including instruments for public schools, funding for music instruction workshops for Veterans, Girls Rock Summer camps, after-school music lessons for children with learning disabilities, and more.
In response to the pandemic, the foundation established the Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund (MRF) to provide financial relief to musicians in our Folk & Jazz communities experiencing a loss of income as a result of COVID-19. Resources from NFF and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations have allowed the MRF to help over 602 musicians since April 1, 2020.
For more information on the education initiatives of Newport Festivals Foundation, please visit www.newportfestivals.org.
