Dolly Parton, Judy Collins & More Join Brandi Carlile’s Collaboration Set At Newport

Brandi Carlile led the final set on Saturday at the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. Billed as “♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration,” Carlile was joined by an all-star collection of female musicians, including the legendary Dolly Parton and Judy Collins.

Carlile addressed the audience at the start of the set. According to Billboard, she said:

The Newport Folk Festival has had a habit of being on the right side of history for all of its 60 years. It never wavered on that. In 1963, Newport joined the Civil Rights Movement led by the Freedom Singers for a march through Newport, and made its way to the March on Washington. In 1965, as you all know, Bob Dylan famously plugged in here to a mixed reception. In 1967, Judy Collins curated a set over on the Harbor Stage, where she introduced Joni fucking Mitchell to Leonard Cohen. In 1969, Johnny Cash introduced the world to Kris Kristofferson. We all know these things; this is why we’re here. But today, on its 60th anniversary, Newport Folk Festival is going to have its very first all-female headlining collaboration. It’s time.

Collins and Carlile came together for a performance of “Both Sides Now.” Parton’s appearance included joining The Highwomen – Carlile, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby on an a cappella version “Eagle When She Flies” along with “Just Because I’m a Woman” and “Jolene.” Dolly and Brandi teamed for a duet on “I Will Always Love You” and Parton’s “9 to 5” served as the finale with all of the set’s participants onstage. The Highwomen’s backing band, made up of Carlile’s band mates bassist Phil Hanseroth, guitarist Tim Hanseroth and drummer Chris Powell, Shires’ husband Jason Isbell on guitar and Peter Levin on keyboards, was also part of the finale.

Sheryl Crow, Carlile and Morris teamed up for “If It Makes You Happy” and Maggie Rogers and Yola joined a performance of “Strong Enough.” Crow also acconpanied The Highwoemn and Yola on “Highwaymen.” Linda Perry led a take on 4 Non Blonde’s “What’s Up” with the aid of Lucy Dacus, Jade Bird and Carlile. Other collaborations included Carlile covering Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” with Rachael Price and Bridget Kearney of Lake Street Dive, Molly Tuttle and Courtney Marie Andrews and Amy Ray leading a rendition of “Go.”

Watch audience-shot video of ♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration at Newport below:

Both Sides Now Capturecd by theschulerchannel

9 to 5 Capturecd by rac3m

Eagle When She Flies Capturecd by Dale Martin

Jolene Capturecd by Dale Martin

Just Because I’m a Woman Capturecd by Anna Ballantyne

I Will Always Love You Capturecd by Dale Martin

Highwaymen Capturecd by Chris Willman

What’s Up Capturecd by Dale Martin

Go Capturecd by Anna Ballantyne