The Newport Folk Festival will bring Trey Anastasio to the stage for a solo acoustic set and his first full performance in 17 months. This will be Anastasio's first-time playing Newport and his first-ever full solo acoustic show. Additionally, folk-funk pioneer Richie Havens will make a historic return to the festival after seventeen years, while alt-country rockers Son Volt and Red Rooster will make their debut. These artists join the already stellar 2008 line-up which pairs rising stars like Cat Power and Jim James of My Morning Jacket with venerated stalwarts such as Jimmy Buffett, The Black Crowes and Levon Helm. (See below for complete line-up.)

Anastasio's Newport Folk appearance will mark his return to the live stage with his first full solo set since March 2007. "Newport has such an amazing heritage," said Anastasio. "It will be a true honor for me to play on the same historic stage as my heroes like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and so many others."

Anastasio's new live album, Original Boardwalk Style, will be released May 13th on his label, Rubber Jungle Records. Proceeds from each sale will benefit the Seven Below Arts Initiative, established to foster artistic development and support arts education in the state of Vermont.

This year's line-up is a modern take on the festival's original premise. From its Friday evening show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino to its three-stage weekend layout at Fort Adams State Park, the 2008 Newport Folk Festival promises to bring the original essence and spirit that the fans have come to expect through a carefully curated approach.

Created in 1958, the Newport Folk Festival is steeped in 49 years of tradition and woven into the fabric of American musical history; indeed, it has become an institution, renowned for presenting well-known folk stars alongside the best new talent of the day in one of the most beautifully intimate settings America can offer. From Joan Baez, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, to The Pixies, Bright Eyes and Wilco, the Newport Folk Festival continues to present nationally known performers as well as traditional folk and roots artists alongside new artists from a wide variety of genres including folk/rock, indie rock, bluegrass, country, alt-country, blues, grassroots and world music.

The 2008 Newport Folk Festival line-up to date follows: