The Newport Folk Festival puts a high value on artists who speak truth to power. The best of this year's lineup features musicians with messages, who challenge popular perceptions of folk music.
The band confirms it has a new album called Schmilco coming in September and shares a song called "If I Ever Was A Child." Last week Wilco released another song called "Locator."
Watch an entrancing set by the decorated soul singer, who'd visited NPR on a difficult day. Porter's music can be serious and heartwarming, but it never loses its sense of wonder and delight.
Much of the music on Cray's new album stems from a year he spent teaching at the University of Nevada in Reno. Critic Kevin Whitehead says Outside In is a reminder of the power of open spaces.