Bleachers Unite with Hayley Williams, Waxahatchee & Jeff Tweedy at Newport Folk Festival

Valeriy Bagrintsev Music News
July 26th, 2025 4 minute read

Bleachers Unite with Hayley Williams, Waxahatchee & Jeff Tweedy at Newport Folk Festival

Experience the unforgettable Newport Folk Festival as Bleachers and special guests light up the stage with iconic covers and fresh hits.

A Star-Studded Night at Newport Folk Festival

Bleachers, led by Jack Antonoff, took over Rhode Island’s Fort Adams State Park on July 25th, 2025, delivering a show packed with excitement and surprise guest appearances. The lineup featured powerhouse artists such as Hayley Williams, Waxahatchee, Jeff Tweedy, Weyes Blood, Rufus Wainwright, Maren Morris, and Dan Reedy, making the event a memorable celebration of music and collaboration.

Bleachers performing live at Newport Folk Festival 2025

This special set was a Newport edition of Bleachers’ annual The Ally Coalition Talent Show, which raises funds for the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. The event is known for blending incredible talent and heartfelt causes, and this year was no exception.

A Night of Soulful Covers and New Music

The show kicked off with a touching cover of "Dream A Little Dream Of Me," performed by Bleachers alongside Weyes Blood’s Natalie Mering. Soon after, Waxahatchee joined the stage, and the trio delivered an enchanting rendition of Roy Orbison’s classic, "You Got It."

Rufus Wainwright lent his voice to Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet,” capturing the raw emotion of the legendary song. Meanwhile, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy took the spotlight for a heartfelt performance of Lana Del Rey’s “Margaret” and his own track “Kamera,” showcasing his versatile artistry.

Weyes Blood performing live

Hayley Williams Shines with New and Classic Tracks

Fans were thrilled as Paramore’s Hayley Williams debuted her latest song, "Mirtazapine," live for the very first time. She also treated the audience to a spirited cover of Modern English’s “I Melt With You,” blending nostalgia with her unique style.

Bleachers themselves performed a vibrant cover of The Waterboys’ “The Whole Of The Moon,” rounding out an eclectic setlist that balanced fresh originals with timeless classics.

Watch Highlights from the Show:

Complete Newport Folk Festival Setlist by Bleachers

‘91’
‘Rollercoaster’
‘Goodmorning’
‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me’ (with Weyes Blood)
‘You Got It’ (with Waxahatchee and Weyes Blood)
‘Maybe’ (with Dan Reeder, Waxahatchee and Weyes Blood)
‘I Wanna Get Better’
‘Don’t Go Dark’ (with Maren Morris)
‘45’ (with Rufus Wainwright)
‘Not Dark Yet’ (with Rufus Wainwright)
‘Margaret’ (with Jeff Tweedy)
‘Kamera’ (with Jeff Tweedy)
‘Mirtazapine’ (with Hayley Williams)
‘I Melt With You’ (with Hayley Williams)
‘The Whole Of The Moon’
‘Modern Girl’

Supporting a Worthy Cause

The Ally Coalition Talent Show, which celebrated its 10th edition in New York last December, continues to be a beacon for LGBTQ+ support. In 2024, the coalition successfully raised around $450,000 to aid at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. Fans can support this vital cause by purchasing merchandise designed by Rachel Antonoff, with all proceeds going directly to the organization. Donations can also be made to help further the coalition’s mission.

“Music brings us together, but it's the heart behind the cause that truly unites us.”
— Jack Antonoff

Conclusion

Bleachers’ performance at Newport Folk Festival wasn't just a concert—it was a heartfelt gathering of incredible artists sharing the stage, blending their voices, and highlighting the power of music as a force for good. Are there any guest collaborations you’d love to see in future festivals? Share your dream lineup!

FAQs

Who joined Bleachers on stage at Newport Folk Festival?
Hayley Williams, Waxahatchee, Jeff Tweedy, Weyes Blood, Rufus Wainwright, Maren Morris, and Dan Reedy all joined Bleachers for special performances.
What was the significance of this show?
It was a Newport edition of Bleachers’ annual Ally Coalition Talent Show, supporting LGBTQ+ youth charities.
Did Hayley Williams perform new music?
Yes, she debuted her new song “Mirtazapine” live for the first time.
What covers did Bleachers and guests perform?
They performed classics like “Dream A Little Dream Of Me,” “You Got It,” “Not Dark Yet,” “I Melt With You,” and “The Whole Of The Moon.”
How can fans support The Ally Coalition?
Fans can buy merchandise designed by Rachel Antonoff or donate directly to the organization to help at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

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