Photography by Leslie Kalohi

There was no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than an evening at the Palace Theatre with Courtney Barnett and some extremely talented friends.  The sold out benefit for the Newport Festivals Foundation was a special night showcasing Barnett’s delicate side with some of her impressive friends and musical colleagues. The Foundation’s mission is to foster the legacy and expand the impact of their festivals through educational initiatives that celebrate innovation while preserving the deep traditions inherent in Jazz and Folk music.

In addition to Courtney Barnett’s first foray into acoustic guitar “on stage while standing,” the show included covers of “Peace, Love and Understanding” with Sharon Van Etten and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Lucius, and a solo Father John MIsty bringing the “diversity” as being Barnett’s sole male friend. Other friends included Waxahatchee, Vagabon and Bedouine. Each friend received a V-day rose from Barnett.

The setlist included plenty of Barnett’s own songs, from “Sunday Roast,” “Avant Gardener,” and “Depreston.”