Rockin’ in Hagersville

What do you do in the middle of rural Norfolk County on a summer night? You throw a party in a park that was once a gravel pit and you call it, “Hagersville Rocks”, and rock it did.

It was a great line up mixed with rock and country, and the folks from Hagersville know how to party. From the moment I got there, Ty Baynton was rippin’ up the stage with his brand of country and the crowd was singing and dancing under the blazing sun.

After Ty was done getting the crowd fired up, it was time for some U2.  “Desire”, an incredible U2 cover band, brought the rock to Hagersville with a great set of all the U2 favorites. They had the entire U2 act down to a tee and played it all, from classic to newer hits.

After a quick break, local favorites, “Dry County”, ripped the roof off the stage with their energetic show. These guys are local, but have played all over North America with their country rock sound. It’s hard to describe their sound but gritty country rock is pretty accurate. A must see band if they come to your area. They are the ultimate outdoor party band.

The night kept rolling back towards the rock side of things, although I would call them more Celtic Rock then anything. “The Mudmen”, bring a sound that is very distinct complete with bagpipes, guitars and rocking sounds from these guys  that kept the energy of the crowd in high gear.

Canadian icon, Alan Frew, was the next to take the stage. He is on tour, promoting his 80-2-90 mix tape with all the hits from the 80’s. The man still has it in him to rock the stage. Singing all the classics from the 80’s, he kept my head bobbing the entire show. If he comes somewhere near you, don’t miss this show. Be ready to take a trip down memory lane if you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s.

After the party was in high gear, I honestly thought it couldn’t get any better, but at 10:30 p.m., the star of the show walked on stage. Gord Bamford rocked the crowd with hit after hit. I honestly think this is where Gord plays best, outdoors under the stars. It seemed to be his place and he had the crowd singing right along with old, sing- long songs, and new tracks from his latest release, “Tin Roof”. The whole band seemed to be on fire and having a good time.

What a night in Hagersville!  It was my first time going to, “Hagersville Rocks”, and I hope next year gets even bigger for these folks. The community spirit was alive and it seemed everyone in town was excited to have this family friendly event in the park.  I hope to be a part of,  “Hagersville Rocks 2017”!

Bill Woodcock / @BillWoodcock

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