SunFest Day 2 saw the ideal festival weather with cloudy but sunny skies and moderate temperatures, a perfect back drop for another great Canadian line up.
Canyon Rocks the Valley at SunFest Day 1
Thursday night kick off at SunFest saw 8 artist hit 3 separate stages getting the crowd warmed up for a long weekend of music to celebrate the beautiful province of British Columbia in the mountains of the Cowichan Valley.
We had the chance to sit down with the winner of Project Wild, Brad Saunders, to stage an exclusive interview and acoustic version of his new hit summer song Play It By Beer. Brad was a true rockstar and hit the mainstage and the Saloon stage all in one night covering hit country songs and treating the crowd to his own music. Stay tuned for the interview and song in the coming days.
We were also fortunate enough to say Happy Birthday to Aaron Pritchett before he hit the mainstage tonight. The crowd wished Aaron a happy birthday with signs and enthusiastic cheers. He played to them in his signature energetic style a mash up of his hits and 90s classics like the Back Street Boys and Vanilla Ice and the crowd belted them right back. Take a peak at our brief interview and more photos on the interview page.
SunFest Photo by Jeremy Mac Knott
Finally we finished the night with George Canyon who put on an amazing set with his Big Ass Kitchen Party as he called it. George played to the crowd through out the show as he gave insight into his songs, particularly beaming with pride over his children and his country. George was extremely personal as he shared his East Coast roots and his role in the Canadian Army. George also showcased his Canadian pride as he covered Stompin’ Tom’s Good Old Hockey Game and spoke of the honour he had of covering the song for a 50th anniversary record.
SunFest Photo by Jeremy Mac Knott
The crowd loved his hits and soulful voice throughout his entire set and of course he came back out to treat his fans with a two song encore.
Both Aaron and George raved about Jim Cressman and Invictus Entertainment Group with George going so far as bring Jim out on stage to take a selfie with the crowd. It was great to see such a solid bond in the cutthroat entertainment industry.
Overall, the first night of SunFest has the crowd ready for the next 3 days featuring 30+ artists and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Rockin River floats into Merritt with Joe Nichols headlining
The Rockin River Music Festival in Merritt kicked off today with a roller coaster of emotions – and weather! The day started off hot and lacking any sort of breeze but by the time evening rolled around the tables had turned. The clouds and wind came in full force – making the bathing suit wearing crowd scramble back to their campsites for hoodies and blankets.
I’ve always wondered, why, with a strict zero tolerance ban on all fires – including propane – though people were still smoking and throwing their butts around so why not let them cook their dinner?!
Glorious Sons, Not Just White Noise In Belleville!
Last Friday night was the last show of the Empire Rockfest Series for this year. The Glorious Sons, from Kingston, Ontario rolled in to perform their third year in a row. This marked the first time they have headlined, and it was a sold out show to boot!
Arkells Light up Bluewater Borderfest
Bluewater Borderfest embarked on it’s second year with 3 nights of stellar entertainment in Sarnia’s Centennial Park. Thursday’s country lineup featuring Corey James Mitchell Band, Drew Jacobs and Headliner Drake White which drew a crowd of about 1,250 to the festival grounds. Friday night’s classic rock night saw the crowds grow to 2,600 with The Guess Who and Honeymoon Suite taking the stage. Closing out the festivals very successful 3 day run was the new rock night featuring Dear Rouge, Matt Mays and Headliners the Arkells. Saturday night had the largest crowd of the weekend with 3,649 in attendance.
Kemptville Live, Day 4. Jann Arden Leaves People Happy
Day 4 finally came, but it was different. I awoke Sunday morning and looked out the window…..rain. It had rained during the night but it was still coming down then. The schedule for Sunday was earlier than the other days so they could wrap up at 5 or 5:30. I packed up my belongings and got ready for the day, not knowing what to expect. I got to the site early, sound checks were just finishing up it was still coming down quite hard. I went onto the stage, the front and the back of the stage floor was wet. All that was dry was an area in the center of the floor. I didn’t know what or if I would be shooting.
Kemptville Live Day 3, Everybody was Surfin’
Well, Day 3 of Kemptville Live Music Festival was kind of electric. We saw tie-dye clothing, brightly coloured hats of all kinds and peace signs galore. This was all in anticipation of the headliners for the evening, The Beach Boys!
Kemptville, Day 2. Record Crowds For Loverboy
Friday evening was a big night in Kemptville, the lineup was supposed to feature Kim Mitchell as one of the bands, but Organizers got word Thursday afternoon that Kim was having some health issues and wouldn’t be making an appearance. There was a scramble that the fans weren’t even aware of happening backstage. Organizers were trying to find another band that could step in and replace Kim. One of the biggest considerations was not only finding an available band, but finding one that could logistically make it to the venue in less than 24 hours. Enter Honeymoon Suite. They agreed to come and replace Kim Mitchell and made it up to the fans the best way they knew how, like the pros they are.
Logan Staats story tells from the soul
The Islands Folk Festival in Duncan, BC was set on a picturesque farm outside of town.
Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott
Small popups danced across the grounds with festival goers shopping items and clothing that matched the easygoing, flowing vibe of the festival.
As sound check started with Logan Staats, most recently featured on the Launch, the audience settled into the their politely tiered seating while young ones ran and danced in front of the open air stage.
Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott
Despite his recent mainstream presence, Logan has been a part of folk scene for the past decade and it showed with his comfort and crowd interaction from the stage. As Logan’s set progressed his story telling ability became very apparent as he shared a new untitled song written while recently in Nashville that highlighted his reflective nature as he was inspired by a series of interactions in his youth that put meaning to what the lasting quality of love is for those left behind. The simple narrative followed by the moving performance left the audience in tears.
With each passing song Logan shared his story with the crowd, one that he described to feature all but two sad songs. One of the happy ones he shared written in mear minutes on the side of a hotel bed, inspired by his current partner. As the sunset, the open air stage became more and more reflective of Logan’s soulful writing and powerful voice. It truly was a an emotional experience respected and enjoyed by festival goers.
Photos by Jeremy Mac Knott
Review by Haley Campbell
Rock the Park Celebrates 15 years with a double dose of Rock!
This years festival marked the 15th Anniversary of Rock the Park and what better way to celebrate 15 years than with a double dose of Rock! Kicking off the festival on Wednesday night was Bobnoxious, The Lazy’s, Machine Gun Kelly, Chevelle and Shinedown. Closing out the festival Saturday night with the second night of rock with London’s own Texas King, Pop Evil, Theory, Three Days Grace and Rise Against.
