Article by Melanie Macpherson
Photos by Tracy Creighton/Copperblue Photography and Design
Moosefest has been a highlight of my summers for the last couple of years—a small music festival with a big heart, dedicated to promoting local talent and fostering a sense of community. This year, the festival took a slightly different turn, moving from the Bellevue sports grounds back to its origins in the cozy, intimate setting of the town hall. From start to finish, Moosefest 2024 delivered one standout performance after another, reminding us all why we love these local gatherings so much.
The night kicked off with Will Ardell, and from the first note, you could feel the room settle into a comfortable groove. His voice, as rugged as the prairies themselves and full of life experience, resonated through the hall. He sings about hard times with a conviction that tells you he's lived every word. His performance was raw and honest, and you couldn't help but be drawn in. Will set a powerful tone for the night.
Evan Baxter took the stage next, bringing with him a mix of heartfelt country and rock that draws heavily on influences like Chris Stapleton, Chris Cornell, and CCR. Baxter has a voice that’s rich and mature, far beyond his years. Paired with Matthew Facca’s accompaniment, the two created a sound that was both polished and approachable. His set was filled with songs that you couldn’t help but sing along to—familiar tunes that had the whole room swaying and tapping their feet.
Then came Cristian de la Luna, who brought a whole new vibe to the hall. There's a sultriness to his music that just pulls you in, and before you know it, you're moving along with the rhythm. With his French-Latin flair, he turned Moosefest into a dance party. There's a warmth and passion in Christian’s performance that makes you feel like you want to be a part of it.
Next up was Checkout Queens, and they nearly brought the house down—literally. Pure, unfiltered pop-punk energy at its finest; they didn’t hold anything back. Their performance was wild, high-energy, and ridiculously fun. The harmonies were on point, the guitar riffs were heavy, and their stage presence was larger than life. They played as if the room was ten times the size. The hall’s lights blinked along to the music, and by the end of their set, it felt like the walls were about to give way to the sheer force of their performance.
Between the scheduled sets, emcee Raven Reid, accompanied by Lacey Joyce, delivered a powerful acoustic set. Raven's songs, rooted in her experiences as an Indigenous woman, have a universal appeal that connects with everyone. Her performance added a thoughtful and meaningful respite to the night’s energy.
Sëdézë was up next, facing the challenge of performing without their female lead singer. They could have easily faltered, but instead, they adapted and delivered a performance that impressed everyone in the room. The band showcased their versatility and talent, proving that they could handle whatever came their way. It was a gritty, determined performance, and the audience appreciated every bit of it. Sëdézë showed what it means to be true professionals, handling adversity with grace and determination.
Finally, the night closed with Brayden King, who did not disappoint. Brayden has a way of owning the stage, and his performance was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment he stepped on stage (or a front-row chair…), he had the entire hall in the palm of his hand. His energy is contagious, and for the duration of his set, the whole room was on its feet, singing, dancing, and just enjoying the moment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about ending the night on such a high note, and Brayden made sure that everyone left Moosefest with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible work of Mark Poppen and Joel Gaudet, the driving forces behind Moosefest. Their dedication to supporting local music and creating a space where artists and fans alike can come together is what makes Moosefest more than just a festival. It’s a place where musicians can showcase their talents, friends can reconnect, and memories are made. It's clear that Moosefest is a labor of love for them, and this festival wouldn't be what it is without their passion and commitment.
As the final notes faded and the crowd began to disperse, there was a sense of fulfillment that lingered. Moosefest 2024 had once again proven its value as a gathering where music and community thrive. It’s clear that this small festival continues to have a big impact, and as always, it's a highlight of the summer. With another year in the books, I’m already looking forward to seeing what next year brings.
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