3 minute read
Treasure Trove of Entertainment at Vegreville Country Fair
Treasure Trove of Entertainment at Vegreville Country Fair
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
At the Bandshell Entertainment Stage, there was a wide range of genres and styles at the fair from August 6 to 10.
Each day presented a different set of talents.
On August 6, Justin Hambidge’s soul-stirring voice smoothly went from singing pop to blues, folk, and contemporary country.
Loretta and Friends’ rich and authentic voices blended as they took the audience on a journey through traditional down-home songs.
Debbie Fedoruk Singers’ heart-warming youthful voices complemented the already cheerful environment on August 7.
Fans embraced the energy and talent of local band Off Ramp Boys, who brought new life to country, folk, and pop tunes.
On August 8, local entertainer from Two Hills, Julia Dolejsi’s rich voice reached low and high notes well. The audience commented on how good she was. Julia credited training from Debbie Fedoruk as her voice teacher since eight, and getting a lot of support from Perogies and Jam.
Alberta Thunder were up next. This band is composed of lead season musician Ray Gathercole who came from Holden and has played with many bands in Alberta, with bandmates Mark Wenp, Darryl Kropielnicki, Tim Rukaruk, and Deb Hill who performed a lively and very rhythmic mainly country music with a little bit of blues and pop.
On August 9, Ethan Williams and Friends rocked the stage with a large variety of genres. Ethan has roots in Vegreville as his father was a pastor a few years ago at Vegreville Pentecostal Church.
Off Ramp Boys also impressed a crowd again with their skillful performance.
On August 10, Loretta and Friends performed a pleasant set of music again.
After this was the first-time performer, Singer/Songwriter Damian Radcliffe. Damian grew up in Vegreville and still has family there. He also works in Vegreville in the summers. Damian reflected that the journey to performing started with a serious illness three years ago, when he was 44 years old. "I had never sung in public or touched a guitar, and with some help from my friend Jesse and a passion for Zach Bryan's music, I figured out my first song. Now here we are. I hope that maybe I can use music to help others heal, too. We all could heal together.”
While entertaining, Damian's skillful guitar playing and insightful and poignant lyrics from country/folk songs brought a pleasant effect to the end of the performances at the fair.
At the other site, The Beer Gardens featured Travis Dolter in concert! Travis is locally known to perform memorable country music with catchy songs, great energy, and personality.
As well, Singer/songwriter Ty Baynton, who grew up in Ontario, impressed the audience with his country music performance.
