What’s to be said about the 2014 Cavendish Beach Music Festival? This year was definitely an interesting one! It was a weekend of great music, great artists, as an even better experience.
The festival started off like any other these past few years. A gorgeous sunny, hot day in rural Prince Edward Island. Country music fans flocked to the site of this annual festival excited to see their favorite artists of the day leading up to the night’s main act, Lady Antebellum.
The day started off with the Maritimes’ own Makayla Lynn. She’s been a favorite to the festival for the past few years and notably this year after the tragedy in Moncton, had written a beautiful tribute to the fallen RCMP Officers. As the day progressed, news of Hurricane Arthur getting closer caused Friday night artist, David Nail to be unable to attend, unfortunately. This, however did not dampen the spirits of the fans that day as more great artists followed us has Juila Sheer, the weekend’s MC and CMT personality, Beverly Mahood who performed some of her personal hits as well as hit with her all-girl group, Lace. Up next was a big fan favorite, Brett Kissel who, I must stay stole the show with his high energy and high octane performance! Gord Bamford soon followed up with his never disappointing performance of songs such as “Is it Friday Yet?”, “Put Some Alcohol On It”, and “My Daughter’s Father.” The last and highly anticipated act of the night was Lady Antbellum. Their power vocals and performance of hit after hit including their new song, “Bartender” as well as incredible covers such as Fleetwood Mac’s song, “Rhiannon,” kept the audience on their feet for an almost 2 hour set, including an encore!
Unfortunately with the power of Hurricane Arthur, and the sad announcement of both Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton’s inability to attend Saturday night, the festival was cancelled for that day. That, however did not stop fans from enjoying some great country music in Charlottetown that night! Notably, artists Kira Isabella, Sam Hunt and Tebey provided entertainment to fans at both Fishbones and The Factory Cookhouse and Dance Hall! Also, on a high note, ticket holders of that day’s event were given the option to make use of their Saturday passes to go toward Sunday’s show, or receive a full refund. Weekend pass holders are to be given a discount on tickets for next year’s festival! The event staff and promoters sure pulled out all stops to make sure all festival goers were taken care of and happy, as always.
Sunday was certainly a nice change of pace. It was beautiful, and sunny with some wind. All in all, I think it’s safe to say we were all glad to back and taking in some great music! The day started with a great up and coming artist by the name of Jordan McIntosh who performed a wide range of songs from his own to covers of great rock anthems from artists like Guns n Roses and Def Leppard! Unfortunately because of Hurricane Arthur, The Grascals were unable to attend but again, goers attending the festival were not disappointed! CBMF fan favorite, The Rik Reese band were up next followed by Tebey (ACR exclusive interview to follow!!). Tebey’s electric and high energy performance had the crowd in the palm of his hand! He even shot a music video during his time in Cavendish for his new song, “Now I do!” Blackjack Billy soon followed and their edgy rock style country all of the crowd, myself included singing, clapping and stomping their entire set! The crowd there definitely loved them! The second last act of the night was CBMF alum and CCMA Male Artist of the year, Dean Brody just fresh off his “Crop Circles and Tractor Beams” Cross-Canada sold out tour. This was his third time performing on the main stage. This was clearly evident in the fact that the crowd flocked immediately to the stage, and sang along with the lyrics to every hit song he sang! I don’t think We’ve seen the last of him by a long shot! Last but not least Hunter Hayes was the night’s and the festival’s last act to grace the main stage! This multi-talented artist from the moment he hit the stage, did not stop. He was the boost of positive energy that everyone needed for sure. He made it his mission to ensure the crowd was happy and entertained to the fullest!
All in all, CBMF this year, despite Hurricane Arthur, was a great success! Artists, fans, vendors and all event staff and promoters came together to make this an incredible year for all! As with fans, the ACR team cannot wait to expereince CBMF 2015 from July 10th-12th.
Peace, Love, and Music!!
Sarah MacDonald
—