Wapiti - Fernie's Music Fest Night One Recap
photo by Rory Hinds, MINE Films
Opening night of Wapiti - Fernie's Music Fest was a complete success and had all in attendance impressed. From picking up your tickets, to perusing the vendors, to hanging in the beer gardens and watching the band, it ran seamlessly beginning to end (less a minor electrical problem during Erin Frances, but if that's the growing pain we'll take it).
The crowd was probably the most diverse I've seen at a festival - ages 1-70 of all walks of life, with everyone enjoying themselves. There was even a point in time when a group of six year old b-boys hopped on stage and danced with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, who changed the beat of the song he was playing to match their moves! Now that's entertainment.
The energy was palpable as Fernie band Shred Kelly took the stage in probably one of their best performances on home turf. "They could have played all night," I overheard someone say as they left the stage. A little break from dancing with a beautiful acoustic set by Erin Frances (wow, her voice is stunning) and then crowd rallied once again as Fitzgerald and his entertaining and dynamic band took the stage. What a way to end the evening, finishing with an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen's popular song "Fire" in a much demanded encore.
Other bands to take the stage were Fernie's Big Bubba Tres and Mobina Galore, along with Jesse Dee and Jacquie B of Wells, BC whom will be taking the stage again today.
Day two of Wapiti is currently underway, with big names in the lineup including Library Voices, Said the Whale, Elliott BROOD and Yukon Blonde. One day tickets are available at the entrance, I have a feeling it's going to be busier and even better (if possible) than last night! See you there.
