In years past we have given everything from a “catch this act” to a minute by minute break down of which stage you should run to for each set. It is near impossible to catch a small amount of every set…ok, it is completely impossible with pop-up performances, Late July tent and surprise sit ins, but there are always a few artists we have an eye on, in the sea of immense talent that Newport Folk curates ,every year we feel as though need some special attention and time when you are on site. I find myself catching 4 songs here and 5 songs there, running around like a mad man to document all I can and experience as much as I can.

Now, I’m not one to tell you what to do with your life but here are the 10 acts that we feel you should adjust your schedule for at The Fort later this week.

J.P. Harris 11 AM / Friday / Harbor Stage

Kicking off the entire festival comes with its prestige, as well as the nerve wracking effects it may instill, but the twangy country stylings of Harris will have no problem setting the pace for the weekend. The man’s voice could move mountains with its deep rumble and the two stepping good times sure to ensue in the aisles will get the blood flowing and good vibes ringing throughout the fort. Last year he and the band blew the roof off of the Museum Stage and with the move to the Harbor this year, well, the ceiling may be a little higher but I am sure the fellas will have no problem bringing the house down.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones 1:55 PM / Friday / Fort Stage

My only concern is that even as the largest stage, the Fort stage is not big enough to hold all the energy that is St. Paul and the Broken Bones. I will put this on the list now for the set of the weekend with the most fire and passion. Lead singer Paul Janeway has a golden voice and is as charming as they come. Even in the summer’s heat of July I expect these fellas to be dressed to the nines, suited up and sweating something fierce all over that stage.

Aoife O’ Donovan 2:25 PM / Friday / Harbor Stage

It seems almost unnecessary to put Aoife on this list if you have ever read this publication before. We adore this gal and her music, but the band she is currently on tour with as a trio is out of this world as well. When we caught them back at The Sinclair earlier this year the harmonies were soul shaking and the band was super tight with chemistry pouring out all over the stage. Don’t miss this set. Just don’t do it.

Motel Song Swap Friday 4:30-6 PM & Saturday 5:25-6:10 PM / Museum Stage

I don’t even know exactly what this is, but I can guarantee its going to be good. Given the timing, expect some big names to get in on an old fashioned songwriter’s circle. Newport always throughs one of these wrenches where some of the larger acts are performing and then having one of these unassuming type sets that turns huge scheduled around the same time. Plant your behind up front early for this one because its guaranteed to hold some special moments.

Rayland Baxter 11:25 AM / Saturday / Fort Stage

A few years back I missed Rayland Baxter’s set. This year I will not make that same mistake. Baxter just has a way about him. This aura that puts you at ease and allows you to really enter into his music. He has a wit and humor that is so natural and his songs are beautiful portraits of characters. I have probably listened to the NPR stream of his last Newport set over 200 times, I can’t wait to be there for it live and in person this year and so should you!

Sam Moss (Converse Rubber Tracks winner) 3:15 PM / Saturday / Museum Stage

Just yesterday we announce Sam Moss’s “Fable” was one of our favorites of 2016 so far. We were so incredibly excited to see him announced as a Rubber Tracks winner and can’t wait for the rest of the Newport Folk crowd to fall in love with his voice and playing. If Kenneth and Joey of the Milk Carton Kids were morphed into one brilliant artist, well thats what you would get with Sam. He has a delicate and lilting voice but plays guitar like a monster. Exciting and calming all at the same time. Get to see him in this intimate setting. Trust me.

John Moreland 1:15 PM / Saturday / Harbor Stage

Folk music is all about the story and the sharing of tales between people. Well, John Moreland is one of the finest songwriters to ever craft a song. This will be the “bring tears to your eyes” set for the weekend. John’s songs are brilliant and beautiful and honest. There are not many songsmiths out there like this today and well, thats what folk is really all about. The stripped down truth and deep meaning of songs and how they affect you as a listener.

Margo Price 1:40 PM / Saturday / Quad Stage

Margo Price and her borrowed band (from that other honky tonk hero, JP Harris) nearly tore the Museum Stage down last year with their set and then lit the remains on fire. This gal is breaking out in a huge way this year and to see her up on a Newport stage is quite an honor. Get your dancing shoes on for this one, I have a feeling Price will be getting feisty in the festival spirit and bringing the big guns to her set. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her again in 2017 on the Fort stage.

Ian Fitzgerald w/ Smith&Weeden 11:00 AM / Sunday / Harbor Stage

Of all the sets, this is THE set for us. We have witnessed the growth of Ian as a performer. The songs have always been good, but as an entertainer he has sprouted his wings and with the fellas from Smith&Weeden behind him for his set on Sunday morning, well, its going to be a regular ole rock n’ rolling good time. The arrangements they put to his pensive songwriting are pretty rowdy and really hit the words home. This set time has historically been a big one with fellow friends and artists Christopher Paul Stelling stealing the entire weekend last year with his set and Brown Bird’s introduction to NFF years ago. Look for me up front center, I’ll be crying with pride and smiling ear to ear.

Hayes Carll 3:40 PM / Sunday / Harbor Stage

As a journalist it was wonderful to review Hayes’ latest, as a songwriter Hayes has been “one of my guys” since day 1 and  was giddy as hell to hear new songs from one of the best songwriters I have ever heard. The artists you look to for inspiration and have always respected and appreciated above all else, those folks hold a special place. Carll’s songs always hit this deadpan humor that equally had a serious message. “Lovers and Leavers” sees him opening up even more and abandoning a lot of that humor for a more straight forward edge. A true poet and a pleasure to see him at the Fort. Do you like great songs? Good, then I’ll see you during his set.