The 2018 2nd Annuall Country Wild Music Festival was held on Saturday, June 2, at Cobourg’s Victoria Park bringing everything country fans could ask for in an event.

This all Canadian line-up brought with it all the country music a country fan could ask for along with flavors of good o’l rock ‘n roll. This being the 2nd annual event I’d say organizers are on the right path. The Country Wild Music Festival location was the perfect venue allowing for large crowds,  was easily located with plenty of parking nearby and a breathtaking view of the water and beach that is there for you to just grab and blanket, relax and take it all in.

The live music kicked off with Robyn Ottolini giving us an acoustic performance that warmed up the crowd and ready to dive right into the festival. Having played the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase along with several other live events, Robyn is no stranger to the stage. Rebekah Stevens followed next with her full band and delivered a strong performance which included her originals Better in the Past and Liar Liar. Up next was Jesse Slack who wasted no time keeping the performances moving along smoothly.  A crowd favorite was I Wish I Never Met You which is his latest release. Sawmill Road was up next performing covers including Dust in the Bottle which the crowd erupted into song and dance.  Based out of Northumberland county, their country rock sound was a big hit today with beautiful sung harmonies and honest vocals that seemed to just flow.

Ben Hudson from Uxbroidge, ON walked onto the stage next with his band mates, one which included his wife Brooke.  Opening with Ain’t My fault and closing with his newest song Deja Vu he brought his husky vocals and guitar playing out and dazzled the fans. Throughout the festival you could find him mingling among the crowds taking selfies and chatting.

Up next was Kansas Stone and they brought everything they had to the stage and left nothing behind.  This is their 2nd year at the festival and if it was up to the fans today they’ll be back next year.  I’d describe these guys as a solid country rock band filled with enthusiasm and excitement. Hailing from Barrie Ontario, this is a prime example of the musical talents we have right here at home.

Following the high energy performance of Kansas Stone was Alyssa Morrissey who picked up right where they left off. Alyssa drew the crowd into her performance with her smooth, confident vocals and dance moves.  Although I thoroughly enjoyed her set and everything she brings to her performance I was really impressed with her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way .  She covered this song incredibly well and nailed it.

Crowd favorites and Cobourg’s own Gentlemen Husbands followed Morrissey saying that it felt good to get back on stage as they hadn’t played live in six months.  If that was the case I can say they showed no signs of rust and were a tight well oiled machine playing their more of a rock ‘n roll riff driven sound and rich vocals than country but that didn’t seem to matter.  They had the crowd up on their feet the entire set and right into the music.  These guys will not soon be forgotten.

And 2nd last up in the schedule was the highly anticipated Marshall Dane. I saw him walking throughout the crowds earlier and wherever this guy went the crowds followed.  Dane is about as natural a singer/songwriter/entertainer as there is out there today.  From the moment he strapped on the guitar and walked to the mic and breathed his first notes there was something special about his performance.  He took the audience of a musical ride and at the end no one wanted to get off. Why would they – this guy has it all and can’t wait to see what the future brings for him. Strong vocals and guitar playing with crafty songwriting skills. He is only going upward from here.

The headliner of the night, and what a great choice for the job, was Jess Moskaluke. Juno winner for Country Album of the Year with Kiss Me Quiet , Muskaluke stepped onto the stage and the crowd erupted.  Singing and dancing along with her to each song, they were all in for this performance.  I really enjoyed her smooth vocals and strong performance and kept my full attention as she rolled effortlessly through her songs.  Maskaluke is a gifted performer who gives her all in each song and in doing so grew her fan base exponentially  Such a talent and we got to witness it tonight.  In closing I’d like to give a shout out to everyone who put together this event.  The day rolled nicely with the weather cooperating, a great crowd of people and some of the best musical talents Canada has to offer.  I’m so glad I was part of this festival and look forward to the next one.