Featuring Timber, Serena Ryder, Phillip Phillips and Matchbox Twenty
All Photo Credit: Tara Thompson
The final night of the Churchill Park Music Festival was certainly one to remember. There is something special about spending the summer evening surrounded by live music, good friends and an exciting atmosphere. Always one of my favourite times.
Starting off the night was the well-known local band, Timber. This band was the perfect one to kick off the night. Timber was a big part of the local music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, bringing their alternative/pop-rock sound to the city rather than the usual traditional Newfoundland Folk music.
Timber really knew how to get the party started as the field began to fill with fans who knew Timber from their earlier day along with the new fans they definitely made during this set. The band became known after the release of their self-titled debut around 1998, especially with later tracks such as ‘Foundering’ and ‘Beached’ that were featured on some television shows.
Timber kicked off the night with a great performance, setting the tone for the evening and creating an electric atmosphere that carried through the rest of the evening. They played some of their well-known tracks, including ‘Collage Daze’, along with some other fan favourites. It was a great way to showcase some local talent and get the night started off right.
Next up was Canadian sensation Serena Ryder. This Canadian singer-songwriter began her musical career at the age of 17. She released her first full-length album, Falling Out, in December 1999. By 2005, Ryder released her debut album with a major label. This album started her rise to fame. Her second album, If Your Memory Serves You Well, was an unique release as it contained a collection of 12 covers of notable Canadian songs and 3 original songs. This is definitely a memorable release.
Ryder first gained national recognition in 2007 with her ballad ‘Weak in the Knees’. In April 2008, she received the 2008 Juno Award for “Best New Artist of the Year”. Another Juno, for the “Best Video of the Year”, was awarded in 2010 for the single ‘Little Bit of Red’.
Ryder started her set with one of her well-known hits, ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’. This captured the audience’s attention and left them wanting more. She continued on with tracks such as ‘Differently’ and ‘It’s No Mistake’. She also treated the audience to an acoustic, live debut of a track entitled ‘Tea And Marmalade’. Ryder always presents herself with contagious energy and emotions. She has a natural ability to connect with the audience through sharing stories and humour throughout the set.
She wrapped up the night with a few fan favourites, including ‘Little Bit of Red’ and ‘Got Your Number’. Bringing her set to a close with ‘Stompa’, she invited Damhnait Doyle to join her on stage, creating a memorable finale that the crowd would not soon forget.
Bringing something new to the park, Phillip Phillips took the stage next. Phillips is an American Singer-songwriter who rose to fame after winning the eleventh season of American Idol in 2012.
Phillips started his set with ‘Get Up Get Down’. He continued with the familiar tune, ‘Raging Fire’ from his second album, Behind the Lights. This captured the attention of those on the field as the crowds began to intensify.
Phillips continued with several familiar tracks, including one of my favourites from his debut album, The World from the Side of the Moon,titled ‘Gone, Gone, Gone’. The song quickly became a crowd favourite, giving the audience the change to belt out the lyrics alongside Phillips.
Phillips also included tracks such as ‘Where We Came From’, ‘Dancing With Your Shadows’, ‘Love Like That’ and ‘Homesicks’, making sure to include a mixture of new and old tracks.
Towards the end of his set, he played the song that started it all: ‘Home’. This track became the best selling coronation song in American Idol history. This is definitely one of his most well-known hits, a catchy tune that everyone can definitely associate with his name.
Phillips finished his set with a memorable rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. Overall, the set was one with a relaxed atmosphere, channelling Phillps’ relaxed stage presence. Songs were sung, stories were told, and memories were made. What more could you ask for?
The finale for the night was Matchbox Twenty. Now I knew from the moment the headliner for tonight was announced that it was going to be an amazing show. I’m a big fan of Matchbox Twenty and I have yet to see a concert that disappointed me.
This was not Matchbox Twenty’s first time playing at Churchill Park. They were one of the headliners during the festival’s first year in 2022. For those who may not know, this American rock band formed in Orlando, Florida in 1995. The group currently consists of a solid line up with Rob Thomas (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Brian Yale (bass, guitar), Paul Doucette (drums, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Kyle Cook (lead guitar, vocals).
Matchbox Twenty rose to fame 30 years ago with their 1996 debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You. This album was certified 12 times platinum in the United States and multi-platinum in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Some of their most popular songs came from this album and can still be found on repeat today. The band played their first single from this album, ‘Long Day’, bringing us back to the 90s. Tracks such as ‘Push’, ‘3AM’, and ‘Real World’ are staples of the band’s live shows, inspiring fans to sing and dance along. With thousands of voices joining in, the crowd adds to the electrifying energy and nostalgia of the performance.
Following this success the band released their second album, Mad Season, in 2000 and a third, More Than You Think You Are, in 2002. Keeping in theme with playing their first hits, the band included ‘Bent’ and ‘If You’re Gone’ from the second album. Thomas treated us to a more raw, stripped down acoustic rendition of ‘If You’re Gone’. It was definitely a treat that we did not expect. The band also played ‘Disease’, ‘Unwell’ and ‘Bright Lights’ from their third album, adding plenty of variety to the night’s performance.
Although I can probably speak for many when I say we wanted to hear some of the older hits, Matchbox Twenty made sure to throw in some of their most recent hits. ‘She’s So Mean’, a catchy tune from the 2012 release North, is one that newer fans would remember from the radio. Their most recent release, Where the Light Goes, had singles such as ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’. Also included on this album was ‘Friends’, a track that the band started their show with and ‘Rebels’.
Thomas’ stage presence is truly captivating. His natural connection with the audience fuels the energy through the performance, encouraging fans to sing, dance and have the best time. His interaction with his bandmates only adds to the performance, making it clear just how much fun they are having on the stage. One story that sticks out from their time here did not even happen during the performance. Early that day they had found a lemonade stand close to the festival grounds and supported the kids on their venture. Truly inspirational.
Matchbox Twenty brought their set to a close with a crowd-pleasing cover of Simple Minds ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’. The audience enjoyed this treat as they sang along as the final notes rang out. And judging by the energy on the field, this will be one night that many will not soon forget.
With another successful year of the Churchill Park Music Festival in the books, one thing is for certain: the festival gave many two weekends with many unforgettable performances, memorable moments and the best of times with friends and strangers. I cannot wait until next year.
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