Newport Folk Festival today announced the creation of its Stewardship Program, appointing Nathaniel Rateliff as its inaugural steward.
The program aims to identify individuals who enrich and support the festival’s legacy, challenging and celebrating the “Folk Family” through meaningful initiatives.
Rateliff, chosen for his artistry, perseverance, and allyship, will serve a three-year term. He plans to dedicate his time to artist advocacy, fellowship, and mentorship both at the festival and beyond.
Jay Sweet, Newport Festivals Foundation Executive Producer, explains the choice: “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.”
Sweet cites Rateliff’s “indefatigable nature” and embodiment of the “Folk Family” spirit as key factors in the decision. He adds, “I see him as being our ‘Human in Residence’ as we embark on this new endeavor.”
The Stewardship Program builds on the festival’s 65-year history as a cultural institution in American music. It draws inspiration from founders George Wein and Pete Seeger, aiming to bring the festival’s cherished community to the forefront.
Rateliff expresses his enthusiasm for the role: “I have always held the Newport Folk Festival in high regard historically, but once I finally attended as a performer, it felt life-changing.”
He adds, “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.”
The Missouri-raised musician began his career playing drums in his family’s church band. After moving to Denver at 19, he worked night shifts while pursuing his music. Rateliff’s journey led him from local bands to solo projects, culminating in the formation of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
The band has since established itself with dynamic live performances and studio recordings. Their achievements include three LPs, two EPs, a live album, and an appearance on Saturday Night Live. Their upcoming arena tour will feature performances at Chicago’s United Center and Madison Square Garden.
Sweet hopes the Stewardship Program will “add to the creative fabric of our institution’s history while continuing to serve the needs of our entire community for years and years to come.”
The Newport Festivals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, produces both the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals. Beyond these events, the foundation focuses on music education and artist relief programs.
Locally, the foundation offers free private music lessons, instrument donations to public schools, assembly programs, and summer camps in Newport.
Nationally, the Artist Gives initiative has provided over 197 grants to music education programs in more than 35 states since 2018. These grants support various programs, including instruments for public schools, music instruction workshops for veterans, and after-school music lessons for children with learning disabilities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation established the Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund. This fund has assisted over 602 musicians since April 1, 2020, providing financial support to those experiencing income loss due to the pandemic.
The Newport Folk Stewardship Program marks a new chapter in the festival’s history, with Rateliff at the helm as its first appointee. His term promises to bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to the long-standing tradition of musical diversity and discovery at Newport Folk.
