There ain’t no party like a Country party!
And this past weekend, that party was in Cavendish.
The Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2019 was incredible. The site was packed with music, vendors and fun. For me, I had some work to do. (I guess that depends on your definition of “work”, right?)
I had the opportunity to talk to many amazing artists on site, some for the first time and others; well it seemed like a reunion of sorts.
Friday was a busy one. And a HOT one. The venue is huge and plays host to a number of interesting and delicious vendors. In the interest of not sweating my make-up off, I skipped out on touring the grounds. What I did instead was much more fun anyway.
I met artists Cory Gallant and Ben Chase. Funny story about Ben – I offered to take a picture of a nice couple in front of the iconic CBMF sign. It’s a festival rite of passage. Seeing my Country 94 shirt, the woman said, “Do you know Ben Chase?”
“Yes, I’m about to interview him.”
“That’s our son!”
Prouder parents you will not find! It was nice meeting them and Ben got a kick out of seeing my selfie with the ‘rents.
Friday was a sizzling day filled with highlights from Frankie Ballard, High Valley and headliner Hunter Hayes. I had an opportunity to speak with all of them as well as watch them perform. A busy, steamy and musically fulfilling day!
Saturday’s excitement ramped up with interviews from Shawn Austin and one of my faves, Chad Brownlee. His Mom and Dad were there and it was great meeting them as well.
Saturday was also about Star Power! And the power was noted in Carrie Underwood’s voice. Talk about “Blown Away”.
I was able to have a short conversation and yes, she is as sweet as she looks. Unfortunately, standing in the pouring rain did nothing to make me look presentable for the picture. But who am I kidding? It’s Carrie Underwood. You show up.
Now, let’s talk about Russell Dickerson for a moment. I had a nice backstage chat with him. He was sincere, gracious with his time, very engaging and really friendly. It was a true pleasure to meet him.
Now, do you trust me? I mean REALLY trust me? Good.
Go see Russell Dickerson live.
In Cavendish, he was on fire. He was fun. He was fabulous!
From my perch in the VIP area, I watched with great anticipation. All conversations stopped. The crowd was dialed in to Dickerson. Everyone. Completely. When his set was over I was left HOPING it wasn’t. He left the stage and all I could do was look around, in awe, occasionally locking eyes with other people who had also just had their socks knocked off.
I wanted an encore, a repeat; sing the ABC’s…anything to watch him on that stage again. New bucket list entry – “See Russell Dickerson in concert – again.”
Put it on your list, too. Trust me.
Sunday was a fun day. The heat from Friday and rain from Saturday were replaced by sunshine, a cool breeze and comfortable temperatures.
On my list for the day were Nova Scotia’s Witchitaw, Jade Eagleson, Jason Benoit and the always-engaging The Washboard Union. (Dare you to find a nicer group of guys.)
I interviewed The Washboard Union four years ago, my first year at the festival. During that chat I actually played their washboard. It was a great moment for me when I asked if they had brought my washboard back, and they laughed recalling that day.
After their main-stage performance, it was time for Cam to entertain the masses. She put on a great performance with touching and beautiful moments.
But Sundays are for Church.
I went to the pit for this one and didn’t look back. In the end I was perhaps 10 feet away as he performed. It was the one artist I have been waiting to see for years. He did not disappoint.
FUN STORY: A girl I did not know asked if I would help her hold up a checkered flag she had brought for Talladega. My answer, “Of course!”. What a great idea. We waved that flag and when he saw it he moved so he could see us. Then he pointed right at us and smiled.
Weekend. Made.
I think it’s fair to say he sounded even better live. I took very few pictures because all I could do was watch. I was in the moment and loving every second.
Although I wrote this in the first person, I have to thank one person who was by my side the whole time. A lot of the time my stories are also her stories. Lori Logue, Account Executive at Acadia Broadcasting does more behind the scenes to get this weekend ready than anyone. She makes sure we have what we need to make the weekend happen. Thank you, Lori.
There wouldn’t be a weekend at all without our sponsors at Leisure Time Sales. For the past four years they have provided us with RV’s at the KOA. I mean great RV’s. If you are getting started, upgrading, or looking for a rental – again trust me, Leisure Time.
KOA in Cavendish is an amazing spot to visit anytime. The staff is the same year after year. They feel like extended family, they make our stay easy and worry free.
Whitecap Entertainment makes sure we have the passes we need to bring the festival to you. We are always grateful.
Daniel at Sony, John at Warner, Kirk at Universal and all the many artist reps, without you we’d have no one to talk to. We appreciate what you do for us.
Strut Entertainment…what can I say? They are the most organized, professional group I’ve ever worked with. They know their jobs and make ours look easy.
Organizers, volunteers, staff and security at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival deserve a tip of the ol’ hat. This is an extremely well-run festival. If you don’t think weekend-long festivals are for you, I say give this one a try. It will surely change your mind.
Thanks to you, the Country 94 listeners who tuned in, watched along and sent messages. We do what we do for you, to share our experience and we’re happy you enjoy that.
Trish@Work (Sort of)
