The first ever CMTFest took place in Kitchener, Ont. this past weekend. The party on Day 1 was unfortunately spoiled due to Mother Nature not co-operating as a storm rolled through town. Fans were highly disappointed that headliners Kip Moore and Eric Church were unable to play. Understandably it was a decision that no one wanted to make, but CMT had to make this hard call in the interest of everyone’s safety due to the severe weather. It was so unfortunate for everyone that the party had to be shut down. I have to give kudos to CMT for their quick response to fans through social media regarding their refund policy and it was a very generous one at that! However, before the storm hit we got to see some very talented local artists preform.

Kansas Stone kicked off CMTFest on the main stage. If you haven’t heard of these boys, you need to check them out! They are from Barrie, ON and have some serious talent! Their sound is amazing putting rock into country and Brian’s vocals are unique and so powerful its unreal! The monster CMT stage was not too big for them, they looked right at home up there during their set. They played some of their singles also doing covers, but really got the party going with some FGL and their first single Drink on. These guys definitely got the party going!

Eric Ethridge got the Maple Leaf stage rocking out with his killer set. Eric is a talented local artist from London, ON and I have had the chance to see these guys play a few times now and I can definitely say these guys know how to rock, watch out for them! Eric’s strong vocals and stage energy is unreal! It was proven when Eric ran off stage and he continued singing in the crowd while running around and snapping selfies with fans! It was awesome watching these guys have a blast on stage and playing hits like Crazy Tonight and Dirty South. Always a solid set from these boys!

Next up on the Maple Leaf stage was up and coming on the rise star, Ben Hudson. Now I have to say how proud I am to say that I’m from Uxbridge and to see two country artists hailing from my hometown gracing the CMT stage was incredible! Congratulations to both Ben and Leah Daniels! Ben has got a strong country voice and they sounded great playing their singles Wear and Tear and Redneck summer. It was definitely One Of Those Nights to remember! They had a great set and I’m looking forward to more to come from these guys!

The very talented and beautiful Meghan Patrick took over the monster stage and giving one hell of a performance! We have seen Meghan perform a time or two now, but to see her on this large stage just reinforces my belief of this girl really has got it all going on! She definitely belongs on a large stage rockin’ out to thousands of fans and before we know it she will be out there touring with the big boys or gals! Meghan kicked off her set with her hit album titled song Grace and Gritt and then Long Way From Waylon. Slowing it down to one of my favourites Meghan asked us all to come Be Country With Me. Then showing off her powerful country vocals Megan nailed Dolly Parton’s Jolene and Dusty Springfield’s Son Of A Preacher Man. We then had a beer with Meghan while she sang I Believe In Beer. Wrapping up a solid set she belted out her debut hit Bow Chicka Wow Wow. Dedicated to her man on his birthday! What a way to celebrate!

The boys of James Barker Band took the side stage over and had a blast while doing so. These boys were able to help out one lucky fan make a dream come true. We witnessed a proposal on stage and she said yes! The band then serenaded them to Chad Brownlee’s Thinking Out Loud. They then shared a new one Just Sayin’ and I’m just sayin’ it’s going to be another hot hit! They then had a lot fun running through a crazy montage of Eminem’s Eight Mile, Rage Against The Machine Killing In The Name, mixed with some Thomas Rhett and Stevie Wonder’s Superstition.  Finishing off their full of energy set with their very fun summer hit Lawn Chair Lazy!

Brothers Osborne was able to get in their full set before the storm crashed the party. They played both old and new hits and had the crowd fully engaged and singing along to, Summer 21, The Shape I’m In and Stay A Little Longer. This was my first time catching them live and these guys put on one hell of a show and I am definitely looking forward to catching them live again! Be sure to check them out if you haven’t seen their show before! They were true rock stars wrapping their set up with lead singer T.J smashing his guitar…Brother Osborne OUT!