Comments on: The Rev. Frank Newsome at FloydFest’s folklife stage

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:41:15 +0000

I had to miss FloydFest this year, and reading this, it sounds like it might have been the performance that I most regret not hearing. Thanks to Jon and FF for arranging to have Rev. Newsome appear. I suspect like many others, I have to overcome some self-conciousness in order to approach listening to such intense testimony, especially in person. Putting Rev. Newsome at FF gave more folks the chance to do so. The emotional involvement of gospel performers such as Rev. Newsome can easily surpass the postured “feelings” of most pop music, making it a good way to reset one’s perspective on lyrical sincerity. In a world full of trite lyrics for sale, it never hurts to occasionally consider that “there’s a fire down yonder, and I don’t want to go”.

By: Tad Dickens

Tad Dickens — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:03:21 +0000

Jon, thanks for jumping in here. You do a great job presenting stuff at the FloydFest folklife stage. Great selection again this year, capped off (for me, anyway) by the great interplay among Hot 8 and Zydeco Cha Chas members!

By: Jon Lohman

Jon Lohman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:49:41 +0000

Reverend Frank is easily the most riveting siner I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard a lot of them. His presence was nothing short of a blessing at Floydfest.