Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants featuring the lead guitarist from the popular band The Foo Fighters. Playing a mix of original songs and covers from Merle and Conway, they bring an upbeat tempo to the classic country songs. As the lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters, Chris knows how make that guitar speak. He plays his country with a definite pop influence. They were the leadoff band of the festival and as Chris said, “You guys are the real fans, not those lazy fans still asleep in their RV’s” He knew how to work the crowd and those sleepyheads definitely missed a good show.
Honkytonk Angels – This Inland Empire band brings a hard rocking southern country sound reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynryd and Molly Hatchet. With three hard driving guitarists bringing enough power to blow your hair back and melt your face, it’s nice to see a semi local country band who can get your feet stamping and blood pumping. The band also featured a rocking keyboard.
Final band of the morning so far is the Westbound Rangers – A bluegrass and mountain music quartet representing the southern states from North Carolina to Texas. The band consists of a banjo, upright bass, mandolin and guitar, although they had me at banjo. Beautiful harmonies that really make you feel you are in the hills of Tennessee, and a couple of the band members look like they just did stroll down from there (think Duck Dynasty). You can’t listen to this band without having a smile on your face.
Sons and Brothers – Another bluegrass type band but also played something that reminded my of Marty Robbins a little.
Justin Townes Earle – Son of longtime music notable Steve Earle. Wouldn’t really classify Justin as country. He has a voice that reminds me of the singers such as Ricky Nelson from the fifties and sixties, but a smooth vocal quality that captures your attention and holds it. Don’t know how I would classify his appearance, but definitely eclectic. Looks like he could be Jimmy Fallon’s little brother with glasses.
