Down East Country Fest

After a cruise down Route One into Washington County last Saturday, July 24th, my wife Dotty and I arrived at a vacant Fairground site in Whitneyville just outside Machias. Vacant in the sense of not being used on a regular basis. Driving in we noted a sparse group in the grandstands and a small stage covered by a white canopy. Questioning what we were about to find we said we would give it a “go” and have fun. Well have fun is what we did indeed! Sitting next to good friends Phil and Brenda we witnessed what is hoped to be an annual event for years to come. Starting around 12:30 until I hear was around eight PM (we left around seven) with short breaks between performers, there was a lineup that gave everyone a great dose of Country music. From a group from New York State, “The Whiskey Project” to Nashville recording star “Michael Peterson”, and best of all Downeast Maine’s own world-renowned uber-guitarist “Johnny Hiland” it was a day to relax and enjoy great music. A great surprise was “The Stillwaters Band” from DE Maine..doing covers and a few originals they got the crowd going in fine form. “John Paul”, originally from Western Maine but coming up from Southern California provided some great tunes with a tempo that showed no signs of slowing down! Then came a gent from “the County”, “”Travis James Humphrey..on stage solo providing original Country tunes in a manner lots of us seem Country should be presented..a man and his guitar telling stories..nice. After a short break came “Chasing Blue”, a bluegrass band out of Boston. Meeting in the Boston campus of Berkley Music, these young folks presented Bluegrass some sweet! Next was “Michael Peterson”, Nashville recording star. Playing his number one hits from a few years ago he presented a nice long set. With no backup band but arriving with a “band in a box” digital backup, Peterson was a master of the stage. Superb vocals interlaced with stories that either made you laugh or tug at your heart-stings, he had the audience’s attention from the git-go. And then there was “Johnny Hiland”, this young man has made a huge name in the music world, not just in Nashville, but if anyone knows guitar news, he or she has heard of Johnny Hiland! All I can say is amazing. Steve Vai, Sammy Hagar, Ricky Skaggs are but a few that have publicly made mention of Hilands out of this world axe handling. We left prior to “Fish Whistle” performing, but Phil mentioned that Johnny took the stage with them and rocked the event till the end. Overall, who would of thought that on Route 1 ine Downeast Maine, in Whitneyville you would turn down a dirt access road drive thru a dirt area and sit down and listen to some very top-notch music..I would not of believed it if I had not been there!

This whole thing was because of one young man, Caleb Paul, a Washington County native. Caleb did a great job promoting this even and is already planning next year’s event. His goal is to bring to Washington County quality entertainment and with hopes to bolster local economy. Now folks, attendance was lacking..lets all spread the word and keep your eyes and ears open. You don’t want to miss Down East Country Fest 2011.
Check out the photos below!