Photos by Orest Dorosh, Review by Anna Wood – After a long delay caused by storms moving across the skies, we sat in anticipation, eagerly waiting for the green light. Finally, the word came that we could enter the festival, and the excitement immediately returned. Despite the weather delays and schedule changes, the crowds were ready for a night filled with country music, powerful performances and unforgettable moments.
Unfortunately, not every artist was able to take the stage. Carolynn Dawn Johnson’s performance was sadly cancelled because of the storms and the resulting schedule changes, leaving many disappointed fans heartbroken. Johnson has built a reputation for bringing a true singer-songwriter approach to her music, with rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and a clear emotional connection that allows audiences to relate to every word. Her smooth, sweet voice and honest songwriting do not require elaborate lights or glamour to make an impact. She has the ability to captivate an audience simply by standing behind a microphone and sharing her stories through song. For many fans who had gathered hoping to see her perform, missing that opportunity was one of the evening’s biggest disappointments.
When Waylon Wyatt walked onto the stage, he immediately brought a relaxed, almost effortless presence. Dressed simply in a grey T-shirt and black jeans, Wyatt looked completely at home in front of the crowd. His music carried a strong old-country feel, with the warm, soulful sound of the fiddle and the smooth twang of the steel guitar filling the air.
The energy quickly changed when he launched into the fan favourite “I’d Be Delighted.” The crowd erupted, singing along and showing just how deeply his music has connected with his growing audience. Among the fans at the front of the stage was a very young girl and her sister, who appeared to know every word to every song. Wyatt noticed them, tossed a guitar pick into the crowd, and security made sure it reached the young fans, creating a moment they were unlikely to forget.
Wyatt’s appeal comes from his raw vocals, storytelling lyrics and unmistakable honesty. His voice has a textured quality, carrying deep emotion through every lyric, while his performances often feel less like a major festival show and more like an intimate gathering where the audience has been invited into his world. He remains focused on the narrative, allowing the music, lyrics and stories to do the heavy lifting rather than relying on spectacle.
At one point, Wyatt thanked the crowd for coming, and the response was deafening. Fans screamed, with one person even shouting, “I love you!” His ability to create that kind of connection is part of what makes his performances so compelling. His storytelling and hometown sensibility brought to mind artists such as Owen Riegling and Sully Burrows, artists who similarly understand the power of making a large crowd feel like a small-town gathering.
Wyatt shared a story about his hometown in Arkansas and how much he missed it before performing “Arkansas Diamond.” The song became another personal connection between the performer and the audience. In one of the evening’s more unexpected moments, Wyatt even made his way down onto the stage floor, lying there while continuing to play his guitar. It was a spontaneous moment that perfectly reflected his relaxed approach to performing.
His connection with the fans did not end when the set was over. Later in the evening, Wyatt returned to spend time with the crowd, taking selfies and signing hats, T-shirts and just about anything else fans put in front of him. It was another example of an artist who understands that the relationship between musician and audience extends far beyond the stage.
Jesse Murph brought an entirely different energy to the festival. On the big screen, we watched as she walked toward the stage with her band, and from that first moment until she delivered her final lyric, she held the audience completely captivated. There was something mysterious and theatrical about her presence, with an almost eerie quality that made the performance feel unlike anything else happening that night.
Murph possesses a powerful voice filled with soulful grit, but it was her intense stage presence that truly commanded attention. She made eye contact with people throughout the crowd, creating an intimate connection despite the size of the audience. When she smiled, it seemed to light up the entire stage.
Even for those who might not have known all of her songs, it was nearly impossible not to be drawn into her performance. She had a magnetic quality that kept everyone’s eyes fixed on the stage. The crowd responded by screaming along to every word, creating an atmosphere that grew more intense with each song.
One of the most memorable moments came during “Dirty,” when Murph brought a tall, dark-haired shirtless man onto the stage and began painting his face and chest with blue paint while continuing to perform. It was theatrical, unexpected and perfectly suited to the mysterious world she had created onstage.
Then came The Chicks, and the response was immediate. Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer walked onto the stage together in sparkling white outfits, and the crowd erupted. Maines jokingly referred to Maguire and Strayer as her “side Chicks,” setting the tone for a performance filled with personality, humour and undeniable star power.
Maines’ voice was every bit as commanding as expected, cutting through the night air with incredible power. Her vocals were matched by the fierce instrumental work of Maguire and Strayer, creating a sound that effortlessly moved between country, bluegrass and roots music. Fiddles, banjos and guitars filled the stage as the trio delivered a performance that demonstrated exactly why they have remained such an influential force in country music.
Adding an especially personal touch to the performance, Natalie’s son joined the band onstage, playing guitar and keyboards. At one point, they were together strumming their guitars, creating a memorable family moment within an already powerful performance.
The Chicks have never been a band to shy away from their beliefs, and that unapologetic spirit was evident throughout the show. They commanded the stage with confidence while delivering emotional vocals, powerful musicianship and songs that have become anthems for generations of fans.
When the opening notes of “Goodbye Earl” rang out, the crowd exploded, singing along to every word. “Not Ready to Make Nice” brought another massive response, with thousands of voices joining Maines in one of the night’s most emotional and powerful moments.
From the intimate storytelling of Waylon Wyatt to the theatrical intensity of Jesse Murph and the legendary star power of The Chicks, the festival delivered a remarkable range of country music experiences. The weather may have forced delays and even cancelled performances, but once the gates opened and the music began, the night proved that nothing could keep the fans away from the artists they had come to see.
(Due to photo restrictions we were not able to photograph The Chicks)
