Paddlefest has always been special. It’s thought of as the festival to kick off festivals and for me is the first official sign that summer is finally just around the corner.
It didn’t even take 5 minutes of being in the most gorgeous town in the whole universe for all the reasons to come flooding back to me of why Saint Andrews, NB is so amazing. The welcoming waves from the strangers in the street, the scent of the salt water gently floating in the air, and of course seeing friends that you haven’t seen since this time last year.
Heading to The Red Herring Pub for supper, Eddie Gouchie began playing acoustic songs with a voice that can be described as warm, like your favourite afghan your Grandma knitted you. Very Gordon Lightfoot-esque.
Later that night on the Paddlefest Main Stage Earthbound Trio did not disappoint with their smooth blend of farm folk, funk, and fun! Individually talented musicians, together it’s no surprise that they won Fredericton’s Galaxie Rising Star competition at Harvest Jazz and Blues last fall.
For the rest of the night the HRM took over the Main Stage and Gypsophilia, always a favourite of mine, commandeered the stage. A pure party band, they’re the only band that can turn instrumental klezmer gypsy jazz into crowd sing-a-long songs. It was a treat to hear so many new tracks off their upcoming record “Night Swimming” that’s released May 19, 2015!
Dartmouth’s Adam Baldwin got the rock n’ roll flowing next on the main stage. If you closed your eyes it sounded like a Springsteen show, not that I’ve been to one before, but I imagine that’s what it would be like. Adam got the crown completely warmed up for traditional folk hard rockers The Stanfields. The Paddlefest crowd was already completely won over before The Stanfields even played their first note. What a great way for bassist Craig Harris to experience his birthday!
Tonight’s SOLD OUT line-up for Paddlefest is going to be killer with Elliott Brood, Fredericton’s Grand Theft Bus, Les Païens, and Jacob Augustine on the Main Stage, and Motherhood, Willie Stratton & the Boarding Company, and Mike Trask and the Precious Memories at The Red Herring Pub. For full details and information on all the shows today look here.
