The Kingston Trio, having recently played a folk music program at the Newport Jazz Festival were originally slated to be the final act on Sunday night, but were later moved up one slot to allow Earl Scruggs to close the show.

"[1] Peter Dreier of Occidental College observed that "Purists often derided the Kingston Trio for watering down folk songs in order to make them commercially popular and for remaining on the political sidelines during the protest movements of the 1960s.

English folk revivalist Shirley Collins was critical of many of the acts, including Odetta and Bob Gibson, but especially the Trio, stating "I despised them.

"[1] Three LPs by Vanguard and a two-volume set by Folkways of the festival performance were released, though none included The Kingston Trio, most likely due to contractual arrangements.

[1] Allmusic music critic Richie Unterberger wrote of the release "it's a good-sounding and well-executed performance, but only necessary for major fans.