Music isn’t the only thing heating up at the Calgary Stampede

The first “official” full day of the Calgary Stampede could be summed up with one word … H O T! … literally, and musically … as well as a day of firsts for all the artists photographed (Elijah Woods & Jaime Fine, The Banners, Elle King, and Petric) … they all had their first show at the Calgary Stampede July 6th … and the first thing they ALL commented on was the heat!

Temperatures on the Stampede grounds reached 42 degrees according to weather reports.  Most people opted for the dog bowl indoors rather than try to brave the elements outdoors …  So much so that it was at capacity for all the shows during the day.

On the Coca-Cola stage, which has the misfortune of having its audience need to stand outside in the sun, Elijah Woods & Jaime Fine didn’t have as big a crowd as expected in front of the stage.  The Launch contestants from season 1 developed quite the following from their time on the show. The heat didn’t stop their fans from catching the show however!  Groups were huddled in the shade and hundreds could be seen watching their set from within the BMO centre right next-door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The UK-based Banners were next in the line up.  They seemed to be enjoying themselves – and the Stampede experience – as much as the audience was enjoying them.  They were also amazingly aware of everything that was going on past the crowd and the music – noticing a helicopter with a Canadian flag, the zip line, the boomerang ride, and so on.  I’m quite certain there was also an offer of marriage to be able to stick around to anyone – and everyone!

 

Elle King closed out the night on the Coca-Cola stage. By that point some clouds and wind had rolled in so it was standing room only around the stage … with the BMO virtually empty.  Even the walk ways were heavily congested with onlookers.

Elle sang, danced, played banjo, and told jokes throughout her set.  Her collection of tattoos has grown since seeing her opening for the Dixie Chicks.  It’s such an eclectic collection.  I’d love the opportunity to sit down and get the meaning behind each of them!

The latest start to a show was on the Nashville North stage. Petric started their set at 10 p.m.  The band, led by two brothers played an interactive set for the crowd.  They encouraged the crowd to sing along, high-fived those they could reach in the front. They even had a “sing-a-long” competition amongst themselves with each brother starting off with a classic rock song and the winner was the one that had the crowd shout out more during the chorus.

The audience at Nashville North were turned the back and sides of the venue into make shift dance floors.