The Newport Effect covers the history of the legendary Newport Folk Festival and its profound impact on the world of folk music and social activism. Infamous as the place where Bob Dylan 'went electric' in 1965, the reach of the festival goes far beyond that iconic moment. The festival brought its audiences roots music from around the world, resurrected the dying art of Cajun Music and introduced the world - on its New Folks stage - to newcomers like James Taylor, Arlo Guthrie and Joni Mitchell. Narrated by Joan Armatrading and featuring segment narrations by Rosanne Cash, Michael Doucet, Steve Earle, Angelique Kidjo, Pokey LaFarge, Tom Morello, Mavis Staples and Lucinda Willimas, all artists who have played the Newport Folk Festival.