I only caught a little bit of the Shine on Music Festival at the University of Lethbridge stadium, Saturday, Sept. 2.
The grounds were beginning to look a little apocalyptic as thick smoke descended, and turned the sun a sinister shade of red. They were running an hour late, so I waited an hour for Washboard Union to take the stage. The B.C. based trio were worth waiting for. They played a couple of their hits including their most recent “Shine,” and they went a little old school country with “Riding the Midnight Train.”
Aaron Grain thanks the audience for singing their songs back to them and lead the band through a brand new song.
The three main members, David Roberts, Aaron Grain and Chris Duncombe grinned ear to ear and took turns singling lead vocals.
They had tight vocal harmonies to die for, which stood out especially on a phenomenal cover of Alabama’s “Mountain Music.”
Their hearts really were in Alabama, as a cover filled set later included another Alabama cover of “I’m in a Hurry and I Don’t Know Why.”
David Roberts beamed as he swung his washboard around his head.
Musically they played a variety of styles of music with a bit of rock, a lot of country, a touch of bluegrass and even a touch of funk.
A big hit “Head Over Heels” came near the end of the set which they followed up with a medley including “I’m in A Hurry,” Tom Petty’s ”American Girl” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” including the meaningful guitar solo part of the song.
Vancouver indie rock band Mother Mother added to the apocalyptic air with a loud, bass heavy set of sinister indie pop music.
Their usual synth heavy pop music featured more of Ryan Guldemond’s guitar with the keyboards of Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin staying in the background though their vocal harmonies rang through the smoky air.
They began their set with a few of their more popular sings including “Love Stuck” and “Let’s Fall in Love.”
“Monkey Tree” came a little later in the set.
They even added a loud Led Zeppelin cover of “Dazed and Confused” as I was wandering over to CKXU for my radio show, so I missed headliners Corb Lund and Dallas Smith.
I got to the excellent battle of the bands at the Stadium the next day, Sept. 3.
They had a diverse line up of local bands beginning with the Awd Fellows featuring local fun rock band Adequate, but featuring Shael Pezderic playing bass instead of the usual Scott Mezei joining band mates Keenan Pezderic on drums and vocals and guitarist Josh Thorlakson, who ended up winning first prize a package from hosts Cottonwood Records, with their set of tow tapping, funk and rap music.
Local rock band Scotch Whiskey Limousine only gave a brief taste of what they could do with their three song set, which abandoned keyboards and saxophone for a set of straight ahead, soulful rock and roll. They ended up taking second place in the competition.
Alyssa McQuaid and Coyote junction added a dose of country music with a quick set of covers and originals.
A new young band, Nevada Place played two songs of soulful pop and even some Fleetwood Mac.
Another young band Diversified showed their rock side in a set w
hich included a boisterous version of Guns N’ Roses ‘“Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
Local pop punk band the Youngbloods, finished the night with a third place show of hyperactive, energetic and super tight pop punk / emo music.
It was great to see them in the daylight as they always perform an entertaining show, but usually in the wee hours of the morning.
