J.J. Sheffer Wins Best Tattoo of the Newport Folk Festival (Again)

In the four years that we’ve been tracking the Best Tattoos of the Newport Folk Festival, we’ve had two artist winners and one fan winner. This year, those numbers don’t change. The same fan who won in 2013, J.J. Sheffer of York, PA, re-entered the competition this year with a new tattoo of Pete Seeger’s banjo. And she again won by a landslide, becoming the Joey Chestnut of our ridiculous (and traffic-driving) contest. 

“I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to share some of my permanent tributes to my heroes, including Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, with people who share my reverence,” she said.

In 2013, J.J. defeated Langhorne Slim, Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Alynda Lee Segara, Rayland Baxter, Chris Funk of The Decemberists and John McCauley of Deer Tick. This year she knocked off Cory Chisel, all of The Ballroom Thieves, Stephen Weinheimer of Spirit Family Reunion, Miguel Brisneo of Lord Huron, J.P. Harris and Christopher Paul Stelling. She will again win a Cracker Barrel Gift Card.  

“Thanks to grass clippings for this fun way of getting to know the Folk a little better. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go bask in the glory of taking the title for the second time in this contest. Turns out victory tastes LIKE PANCAKES,” J.J. said.

If you haven’t already, checkout this year’s tats here.

Thanks to everyone who participated and voted. Look forward to celebrating that thing that disappointed your parents next year!