The inaugural Coast City Country Music Festival kicked off on a beautiful April day, with rays of the sun beaming thorugh BC Place with warmth that promised a day full of unforgettable performances. With a lineup that read like a who's who of country music and an unexpected twist of rock 'n' roll to cap it off, the festival not only met expectations but soared beyond.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
As the first fans made their way to the floor and seats, Carter Faith took to the stage, her presence as refreshing as the gentle breeze that danced through the venue. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, she eased the crowd into the festival spirit, setting a relaxed yet vibrant tone for the day. Her set included favorites that had fans singing along, their voices rising in unison.
Following suit, 2021 American Idol winner, Chayce Beckman, infused the afternoon with his distinctive blend of traditional and modern country sounds. Each strum of his guitar seemed to draw closer the hearts of the audience, binding them with threads of melody that Beckman skillfully wove through his set. His performance was a smooth transition from the laid-back vibes of Faith to the more dynamic beats that were to follow.
Nate Smith then took the stage, elevating the energy with his robust vocals and charismatic stage presence. Known for his ability to connect with every audience member, Smith's performance was no exception. Each song was a story told with passion and precision, leaving the crowd hanging on his every note.
As the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider, Elle King carries a legacy but on stage, she shines with her own unique light. Her set was a fiery mix of rock and country, her raspy vocals cutting through the twilight. King's performance was magnetic, drawing cheers and applause that echoed through the whole stadium.
Walker Hayes brought a new level of excitement with his entourage of four backup dancers and singers. The choreography added an electrifying layer to his already energetic tracks. The synergy between Hayes and his team was palpable, each movement and lyric perfectly timed to maintain a high-octane performance that captivated everyone in attendance.
As night fell, Bailey Zimmerman took the energy even higher, if that were possible. With a stage set ablaze with pyrotechnics, Zimmerman's 'electric performance' was both literal and figurative. His powerful vocals dominated the venue, each song a thunderous call to the spirits of country music lovers.
As the sun set on BC Place, the night took an unexpected turn when Nickelback stormed the stage, a rock juggernaut in the midst of a country lineup. The evening kicked off with "San Quentin," as Chad Kroeger flashed a wide smile and proudly declared, "We’re home." The amusement in his voice was palpable as he remarked on the setting: "We thought playing Coast City Music Festival was hilarious. We don’t have a f*cking country set, sorry," he said with a grin. "We’re just going to get up and play some rock n’ roll."
And rock they did. The set was a high-octane journey through their most iconic tracks, starting with the gripping "Savin' Me," then moving through the emotive "Far Away," the rebellious "Animals," and the introspective "Someday." "Worthy to Say" and "Figured You Out" recalled the band's grittier edges, while "Hero" (a powerful Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott cover) reverberated through the stadium. As the evening progressed, crowd favorites like "This Afternoon" and "Photograph" set the arena alight, each song a thread in the tapestry of their storied career.
The climax came with "Rockstar," as Josh Ross joined the band, donning a Canucks jersey, igniting local pride just days before Vancouver’s playoff face-off against Nashville. Their encore, featuring the anthemic "Gotta Be Somebody" and explosive "Burn It to the Ground," cemented Nickelback’s status as indomitable stage masters, undeterred by genre boundaries and always ready to electrify, regardless of the venue.
Nickelback’s performance was not just a set of songs; it was a stark reminder of their lasting appeal and the sheer force of their stage presence, transforming BC Place from a country haven into a rock coliseum for one unforgettable night.
As the first day of the Coast City Country Music Festival came to a close, the blend of performances left attendees buzzing with excitement. From the soothing strings of country to the hard strums of rock, the festival not only showcased musical diversity but also the unifying power of live music.
Can one festival encapsulate the full spectrum of music lovers' tastes? Today's lineup suggests that perhaps, it can. What will tomorrow hold for us at BC Place?
Day 1 Gallery:
