On July 6th, 2017, we travelled from Ontario to attend the 9th Annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival, located in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. I have to be honest. I’ve been to a lot of concerts and festivals. However, this festival, with its East Coast charm and friendliness, is top of charts going forward. I want to be a part of it every year if finances allow.
We arrived on a warm Thursday evening and stayed a stone’s throw from the festival at the Cavendish Breeze Inn. It was walking distance and we were able to hear the artists on the main stage loud and clear. I would highly recommend this cottage if you are a non-partier after 11, but want to attend the festivities.
Friday’s Lineup
Friday’s festivities got off to an amazing start with Port Cities, the legendary Good Brothers, Brandy Clark, Gord Bamford, High Valley, and headliner Little Big Town. If you haven’t heard of High Valley, I highly recommend that you check them out on YouTube. I saw High Valley at the second Boots and Hearts Music Festival and they’ve grown into a thriving band with a lot of staying power. Note** They are not hard on the eyes ladies** Little Big Town played for a little over an hour and a half and the crowd was pumped.
Saturday’s Lineup
Saturday was gang busters when it came to great talent. The scorching sun didn’t stop the crowds from coming to see Makayla Lynn, Andrew Hyatt, Madeline Merlo, Canaan Smith, Kane Brown, Chad Brownlee, and headliner Kip Moore. A very special guest performed on the Cavendish Farms Kitchen Stage and had all the photographers on their knees with excitement. Yes, legendary Billy Ray Cyrus entertained the large tent of festival goers and he was absolutely amazing!
The main stage wasn’t the only place to enjoy music. The Cavendish Farms Kitchen Stage and the SiriusXM Emerging Artist Stage showcased a large group of artists and a Songwriter’s Circle which was particularly enjoyable.
Sunday’s Lineup
Sunday…oh Sunday. Another sweltering hot day but with a record crowd of 30,000 attendees to see the one and only Zac Brown Band. On the main stage prior to the final act featured some of the best country music artists. Artists include Tim Hicks (my favourite), Brothers Osborne, Jessica Mitchell, Aaron Goodvin, and Lucas Hoge. I saw Lucas in the VIP section on Sunday evening and he did a mean Johnny Cash. I really enjoyed his performance.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t included in the list of photographers that received the opportunity to take photos of the Zac Brown Band, but I have a Cavendish Beach Music Festival photo gallery that showcases my full weekend there. I made sure I left before the crowd did that warm evening. As I sat down in my Muskoka Chair beside my cottage, listening to Zac Brown Band close the 4-day festivities with their hit Chicken Fried, I compared previous experiences to this one.
What did I like best about the Cavendish Beach Music Festival? Well here it is. There were many people my age (which is 44). The young guys and gals dressed and acted respectably. There wasn’t one unfriendly person in the crowd. The salt air, the day’s heat, cool nights and the lively music allowed me to sleep well every night! It was by far the best Summer Music Festival I’ve ever attended. Bravo to the organizers. You made this old Ontario chick a BIG fan.
I am very lucky.