Local bands and artists tore up the stage at Dauphin Countryfest.
Quinton Blair performed on the main stage at Countryfest, Blair notes how great the atmosphere is on and off stage at the festival. He highlights that it feels like family when he and his band members are on stage, as well as the excitement of getting an evening spot on the main stage.
“The greatest part about country music is making connections with people about music and the country music songbook. It'll make you cry; it'll make you laugh; it'll make you dance in the rain; and so here we are.”
Blair says that it is a great feeling to perform on the same stage as so many big names in country music. The band mentions that it doesn’t get better than that.
Local band Doc Walker also played at Dauphin Countryfest this year. Chris Thorsteinson says the best thing about this year is that the band was able to do the Great Canadian Road Trip with Michelle Wright and Jason McCoy.
“We’ve toured all around and it’s amazing to be able to bring this trip to Dauphin and do something different than we usually do. We love the people here and there are many great memories.”
He adds that the energy in Dauphin is always great no matter the weather. Dave Wasyliw comments on how Countryfest stands out as a fantastic festival and that the experience of performing alongside different artists is surreal.
Nelson Little was another local artist who performed on stage three times at Dauphin Countryfest. Little says that he has done many performances and lots of traveling previously, with one of the highlights being Countryfest.
“It means a lot to play with the guys that I do, they're just awesome. To be in that group of people feels good and motivates me for the next song.”
Little shares that he is grateful for the community support that he receives from Portage and surrounding areas. He says he is looking forward to the opportunities and new songs that follow Dauphin Countryfest.
It was another successful year for Dauphin’s Countryfest. Great performers and turnouts will lead to another exciting year for Countryfest 2025.
(With files from Shelby Proznick.)