The second day of the inaugural Coast City Country Music Festival at BC Place carried a different vibe from its sunlit predecessor, as April showers descended upon Vancouver. Despite the drizzle dampening the outdoor stage, spirits remained high inside the stadium, where country music's finest artists brought heartwarming performances that turned the rainy day blues into an unforgettable celebration of country music.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The day kicked off with Kelowna native Alli Walker, fresh from her move to Nashville, who brought a slice of her new home to the stage. Her set, infused with personal anecdotes and soulful melodies, resonated deeply with the crowd, offering a sense of intimacy and connection despite the sprawling venue.
Next, Dylan Marlowe took to the stage with his vibrant energy and catchy tunes that had everyone tapping their boots. His ability to blend classic country sounds with modern twists was particularly effective, keeping the audience engaged and eager for more.
Josh Ross followed, adding another layer of robust music and heartfelt lyrics. Known for his deep voice and compelling stage presence, Ross delivered a performance that was both powerful and poignant, a perfect prelude to the evening’s headliners.
As the evening progressed, Brett Young captivated the audience with his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. His set was a blend of emotional depth and uplifting melodies, creating a perfect balance that echoed through the hearts of all present.
The atmosphere inside BC Place reached a fever pitch as Dierks Bentley took the stage, instantly energizing the crowd with his unmistakable charisma and dynamic performance style. Bentley, known for his exhilarating shows, lived up to his reputation, launching into a set that mixed both high-energy hits and soulful melodies.
Opening with "Gold," Bentley set a high-octane tone that flowed into the anthemic "I Hold On," which had fans singing every word. His set was a masterclass in engagement; during "Am I the Only One," he drew the audience into a shared celebration of country music revelry. Bentley's performance of "Living" and "Burning Man" highlighted his range, from introspective storytelling to explosive choruses.
A standout moment came as Bentley covered The Oak Ridge Boys' classic "Callin' Baton Rouge," bringing a taste of southern rock to the Canadian city. He kept the energy high with "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)" and "5-1-5-0," turning BC Place into a massive sing-along party.
The communal vibe peaked when Bentley performed "Somewhere on a Beach" intertwined with "Beers On Me," during which he invited fans onstage to shotgun beers, creating a scene of festive camaraderie. He continued to stoke the crowd’s enthusiasm by tossing beers to delighted fans, perfectly capturing the festival’s high-spirited atmosphere.
Bentley's set concluded with the crowd favorites "What Was I Thinkin'" and the riotous "Drunk on a Plane," leaving the audience buzzing with energy and marking his performance as a highlight of the festival.
The evening turned into an uproarious display of charm and charisma with Luke Bryan, whose Mind of a Country Boy Tour made a memorable stop at BC Place. Bryan, ever the showman, delighted the crowd with a setlist that spanned the breadth of his illustrious career, starting strong with "Kick the Dust Up" and "Knocking Boots," setting a lively pace for the night.
As he moved through hits like "Kiss Tomorrow" and "What Makes You Country," the energy in the stadium was palpable, each song drawing louder sing-alongs from the crowd. "Beer in My Hand" and "HFE" kept the spirits high, while "Sunset Repeat" offered a moment of rhythmic respite before diving into a medley of "Games," "What She Wants," and "I See You," showcasing his versatility and the depth of his catalog.
The tone of the night shifted to a mix of humor and unexpected slapstick when Bryan, in the middle of "Love You Miss You Mean It," slipped dramatically but gracefully onto his back, the result of a misplaced fan's phone. Without missing a beat, he flashed his trademark grin, held up the phone, and joked, "My lawyer will be calling," before tossing it back to its owner. His playful challenge, "I need some viral, this is viral!" as he encouraged the crowd to capture the moment, was met with roaring laughter and applause, encapsulating his ability to turn any situation into a part of the show.
This lighthearted moment became a viral sensation, further endearing Bryan to his fans and those online. He continued with "Down to One" and "All My Friends," then transitioning into "Light It Up" and "Strip It Down," blending his romantic and upbeat tracks seamlessly.
"Drunk on You" and "Crash My Party" brought back the high energy, and "Drink a Beer" offered a poignant counterpoint, showcasing his range as a performer. The night neared its end with the spirited "Buy Dirt" and "One Margarita," before Bryan closed with "Rain," a fitting nod to the day's earlier weather, leaving the crowd happy.
Day 2 of the Coast City Country Music Festival might have started with a few raindrops, but it ended with a flood of memorable moments. From heartfelt songs to hilarious mishaps, the performances of the day proved that a little rain could not dampen the spirit of country music fans. With such a successful wrap of its inaugural event, one must wonder, what new traditions has the Coast City Country Music Festival begun?
Did you feel as though you were right there at BC Place, experiencing every note and laugh alongside the crowd? What will next year bring, and who might steal the show under the Vancouver skies?
Day 2 Photo Gallery:
