Weekend Winner: Ben & Jerry's Folk Festival Newport
Dateline: 08/04/98
The Newport Folk
Festival has been a musical tradition in Rhode Island's best-loved vacation
destination since 1959. If you're looking for a getaway retreat this weekend, you'll be
sure to enjoy two seaside days of stellar performances, crafts, food, and more.
Sponsored by Ben & Jerry's for the eleventh consecutive year, the Festival actually kicks off Friday, August 7, with a special Club 47 performance at the Hotel Viking. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, the Festival moves to Fort Adams State Park, where featured performers will include Lyle Lovett, Marc Cohn, Alison Krauss, the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco. A complete schedule of the weekend's events is available at the official Festival Web site.
In addition to spectacular folk music, the event also features food and crafts. Attendees are only allowed to bring in one small, hand-held cooler per person, so a number of food vendors, including Ben & Jerry's of course, will provide a variety of culinary goodies. At the craftsmarket, more than 50 artisans and folk related exhibitors with wares ranging from clothing to jewelry to pottery to musical instruments will be featured.
It's best to purchase tickets in advance. Prices for tickets at the gate are higher. Tickets may be reserved through Ticketmaster online, or by calling Ticketmaster at (401) 331-2211. For more information on tickets, call the Festival Office at (401) 847-3700.
If you're going...Directions and parking information are available at the Festival Web site, along with other practical information to help you plan your trip. The Visit Newport Web site offers other helpful information for travelers, including lodging and other places to visit while you're there.
And, if you go, be sure to drop me a note and let me know which performers you most enjoyed!
Also this weekend...
The Great 1998 Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival, an annual family event at Sunrise Resort in Moodus, Connecticut, runs August 7 through 9 and features 15 jazz bands under five tents, a Friday Night Food Festival, and a "Rhythm on the River" Jazz Breakfast Cruise. Camping and resort accommodation packages are available. For festival details, call toll free: 800 HOT-EVENT. For festival packages, call toll free: 800 888-5275.
The Nashoba Valley Winery hosts the Taste of Massachusetts Food Festival. This gourmet event is Saturday, August 8 and features specialty foods prepared by Massachusetts' master chefs, the vineyard's own fine wines, jazz, and the chance to pick your own fruit. For details, call (978) 779-5521.
...Enjoy!!
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