Featuring Damien Follett, Dallas Smith, Russell Dickerson, and Keith Urban
All Photo Credit: Tara Thompson
The Churchill Park Music Festival set in the heart of St. John’s, NL is one of my favourite festivals. Five years ago when rumours of something coming to Churchill Park circulated, I was hesitant to get my hopes up because I just could not see how it would work. That first year exceeded my expectations and I continue to look forward to the festival each year.
This year I was only able to attend the second weekend but the weekend did not disappoint. Friday, July 24th brought an abundance of Country music, excited fans, and rain. This sold out show was one that many had been looking forward to and nothing could stop them from having the time of their lives.
Each night usually starts off with a local NL musician/band. Taking the opening set, the Damain Follett band took the stage to get the night started. Follett and his band are no strangers to the local music scene. Follett has been performing for over 2 decades, both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of a band called Rogues Gallery.
Follett got the party started with songs like ‘Floatin’ On The Ocean’, ‘Superhero’, and ‘Goodbye Jersey’. Those who showed up early for the set had the best time dancing along to each tune. They also included some songs from Rogues Gallery including ‘ Small Town Boy’. Follett always boasts a high-energy, interactive performance as he shares stories about the songs and life growing up in Newfoundland. He continuously encourages the audience to sing along and become a part of the performance. The perfect set up to get the crowds hyped for an unforgettable night.
Next up was Dallas Smith. Smith first rose to fame as the frontman of the multi-platinum rock band Default before venturing into country music. As a country music artist, his career took off leaving him with multiple number one singles on the Canadian country music charts, along with Gold-certified singles and Platinum-certified singles. Winning awards such as 3 consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year and 2 JUNOS helped to solidify his status in the Canadian country music scene.
Dallas Smith started his set with ‘Some Things Never Change’, getting the audience hyped up for another great performance. Smith treated the audience to a mix of his solo hits such as ‘Wastin’ Gas’ and ‘Tipping Point’ with fan favourites, such as ‘Wasting My Time’, from his days with Default. This was certainly a treat, allowing many to reminisce of the early 2000s era.
Smith interacted with the audience to keep the energy flowing. He was sure to include ‘Somebody Somewhere’, a hit that he said was one of the songs from his first solo album that started his rise to fame as a solo artist.
Keeping with the fun, energetic atmosphere that he had created, Smith delivered a catchy rendition of ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers, keeping the party going as he moved into ‘Drop’. He finished off the set with ‘Side Effects’, while leaving the audience eager for more.
Next up was American country pop singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson. This multi-platinum chart topper is no stranger to the Country music scene. Dickerson took the country music scene by storm with five deeply romantic number one hits like ‘Yours’, ‘Blue Tacoma’, ‘Love You Like I Used To’, ‘Every Little Thing’ and ‘God Gave Me a Girl’, most of which he performed during his set.
Dickerson brought his Russellmania Tour to the park, a project that emphasized a new era of confidence and creativity. His larger than life stage entrance captured attention, complete with flashing lights, that he held throughout the entire performance. Taking inspiration from wrestling, this theme can be found throughout the set complete with Dickerson making an entrance with a championship belt.
Dickerson started the night with ‘Worth Your Wild’, a catchy tune that had many hooked from the first note. This track is from his latest album, Famous Back Home. This album is described as being one that delivers a blend of country-soul, ‘80s rock, and modern pop. Dickerson performed other tracks from the album, including the albums first single ‘Bones’ and ‘Love That I Love You’
Dickerson performed some catchy medleys that included a mix of ‘MGNO’ with ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston. He finished his set with another medley, ‘Happen to Me’ mixed with Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’. This was such a memorable way to end his set. I am sure we will see him back on the island again soon.
Last up for the night, taking the stage in front of a field of cheering fans as the rain began to fall, was Australian/American country singer Keith Urban. Urban began his venture into the music scene in 1989. In 1991 he released a self-titled debut album in Australia before moving to the United States and releasing his solo American debut in 1999. This album produced his first number one hit with ‘But for the Grace of God’. His second American album, Golden Road, gave us the popular hits ‘Somebody Like You’ and ‘You’ll Think of Me’. These are some of the tracks that I think of whenever I hear the name Keith Urban. You could tell the fans were excited to hear these live, as cheering began at the first note and everyone sang along.
The fans cheered as Urban entered the stage to the beginning beats of the 2010 release ‘Long Hot Summer’, bringing the resurgence of energy as fans both sang and danced along. Who could possibly mind the rain when you were promised such a great night with amazing music?
Urban played many of his most memorable hits. ‘Days Go By’ was created into a medley with Post Malone’s ‘I Had Some Help’. He played ‘You Look Good In My Shirt’, which had a few different recordings, yet has always been a hit song. The re-recording of this track ended up being a single in 2008.
Urban also played many cover tracks, keeping the audience on their toes. From ‘Steal Away’ by Robbie Dupree, ‘Cop Car’ by Sam Hunt, to ‘Summer Breeze’ by Seals & Crofts, there was a little something for everyone. His cover of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ was perfect for the night we were having.
The night ended with tracks from his eighth American studio album, Ripcord. Urban played ‘Blue Ain’t Your Color’ before ending the night with ‘Wasted Time’. Along with this track, he played some of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, originally performed by Johnny Cash. What a perfect medley to end the most memorable night.
Urban let us know how much he enjoyed our wonderful province, taking in the sights and even going ziplining in Petty Harbour. He also made the night of one of his fans by handing them a guitar. This is something that often happens during one of his shows. What an exciting, memorable experience for the lucky fan. This only goes to show the kind of person Keith Urban is.
Urban has had an impressive career, earning him 4 Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, 13 CMA Awards, and 6 ARIA Music Awards. Many of his tracks have been around during crucial parts of the lives of his fans, often evoking memories while hearing the songs. He is known for his incredible guitar playing, as he makes the guitar create melodies that speak to the soul.
What a memorable night. From Damien Follett’s local hits to Dallas Smith treating us to solo hits and Default favorites to Russellmania taking over the park, all before finishing up with Keith Urban bringing us back in time with hit upon hit (in the rain nonetheless), I am glad I took the chance and ventured out for a night I will never forget.
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