Newport Folk Appoints Nathaniel Rateliff To New Stewardship Program
Rateliff is the “first artist appointed to such a role since Pete Seeger.”
By Nate Todd Oct 3, 2024 • 3:47 pm PDT
The Newport Folk Festival announced the Newport Folk Stewardship Program. The historic institution selected Nathaniel Rateliff as the program’s inaugural steward, the first artist in “such a role since Pete Seeger,” as per a press release.
Legendary folk artist Pete Seeger co-founded the Newport Folk Festival with Newport Jazz creator George Wein in 1959. Rateliff will now continue Newport Folk’s legacy as the first appointee in the Stewardship Program.
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Rateliff’s three-year term will see the Night Sweats bandleader focusing on artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship. In the final, transition year of the term, Nathaniel will advise the next recipient.
“I have always held the Newport Folk Festival in high regard historically, but once I finally attended as a performer, it felt life-changing,” Rateliff stated. “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.”
Executive Producer Jay Sweet also weighed in on Rateliff’s appointment:
“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.”
The Newport Folk Festival returns to Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island July 25 – 27, 2025.
Festival At-a-Glance
Scroll down for Nathaniel Rateliff’s tour dates and ticket info.
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