The energy Dustin Lynch left the SunFest crowd with last night clearly carried over into the final day of the festival. Despite the sunny skies ramping the temperatures even higher today, the crowds were noticeably larger in anticipation for the Day 4 final line up of James Barker Band, Midland and the Chief, Eric Church. For some, music is a religious experience and how fitting it was to be going to Church on Sunday.
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
Hangin’ with Drake White
So a couple weeks back I had the chance to catch up with one of my favourite “Emerging Artists”. To be honest Drake White has been workin’ the clubs for awhile now but he is about to release his debut full length album Spark. Check out what Drake had to say about putting the new album together, and playing the festivals this summer. And don’t be shy, be sure to pre-order Spark HERE.
Bury Me In My Boots – Cadillac Three Track Listing
Looks like August 5th will be the release date for the Cadillac Three’s new album to hit the street. Bury Me In My Boots will have 14 songs on it and the boys were involved in them all. However, they may have had some of Nashville’s heavy hitters join in for the ride.
Florida Georgia Line – H.O.L.Y.
So Florida Georgia Line just released their new single. And in typical FGL fashion… Have NAILED IT. Big fan of these boys and this song again just shows how good these boys are. H.O.L.Y. is the 1st single off the soon to be released Dig Your Roots Album.
Thomas Rhett on The Voice…
Did you see Thomas Rhett perform on The Voice the other night? We did and he rocked it. Take a look for yourself.
Rascal Flatts Smoke Out The Joint in Vegas…
First thing you think about Vegas sure isn’t Country Music. But let me tell you after Wednesday nights performance by Rascal Flatts at The Joint, I think Country should own Sin City.
Eli Young Band not a Gamble at Casino Rama….
A little bit of Texas came to Canada! The Eli Young Band took a right turn into southern Ontario for a couple of shows this week. So glad they did.
Hangin’ with Tara Thompson..
When you think of Eastern Tennessee you definitely wouldn’t think spunky hillbilly that has more talent in her baby toe than a lot of the current folks being played on the radio these days. Oh and did I mention beautiful and a sassy sense of humour to? I had the chance to sit down and chat with the feisty but very sweet Tara Thompson when she rolled through Toronto last month on the CMT Next Women of Country tour that stopped in at Casinorama for a great night of music. Here is that chat with Tara, enjoy. Oh ya and don’t be shy grab her current single Someone To Take Your Place here. Also we did a Mason Jar Session with Tara that she nailed. We can’t wait to share that in the coming weeks.
And don’t be shy.. Head over to Tara’s FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM and give her a follow.
Oh and check out her just released video for her single.
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
Corey’s Barn Burners – Feb 19th
So I thought I would start a new FRIDAY tradition where I post 2 or 3 of what I would recommend everyone hear / download / obsess about over the next week. There is so much GREAT music out there and with a lot of it not making its way to terrestrial radio I thought this just might be a perfect opportunity to introduce some of you to some new artists / music. So here is my inaugural post… And these four songs are currently on heavy rotation on my stereo…
