The famed American festival where Bob Dylan went electric in 1965 has played host to countless legends in its 65 year history, more recently Joni MItchell’s return to the stage in 2022, so this season it was a bit of a surprise when former television host and comedian Conan O’Brien with “real musicians” was announced as the main headliner.
Given Sunday night’s headlining spot at Newport Folk Festival has gained a reputation for paying tribute to past legends with an expectation for star-studded guest sets, with a bench as deep as Conan’s, speculation was rampant who would be joining him.
Of course his musical chops as a comedian are unquestioned, he’s responsible for “The Monorail Song” from The Simpsons, he’s played Chicago blues to school kids in a skit on his show, and he’s also recorded tunes at Jack White’s Third Man Records. If anything, the set could have benefited from more of Conan’s original comedic compositions.
