Victoria Gill
Black Press
The biggest country music festival in the region got underway Thursday in Mission, and continues until Saturday night.
The Chris Buck Band took the Rockin’ River Music Festival stage just after 6 p.m. Thursday, saying they have a feeling it’s going to be a great weekend.
They rocked the crowd at Mission Raceway Park with a cover of Wagon Wheel, Country Girl (Shake It For Me), Ain’t No Trouble in Paradise (from their own album) and many more tunes.
Kelland Chaffee claimed he wasn’t a country fan but I caught him busting out some moves to Chris Buck Band’s version of “Cruise.”
Friends Travis Weismiller and Nick Woodbury collectively agreed that Chris Buck Band’s performance was awesome and that they’re having a great time.
Spectator Dale Newfield said it’s a great event, but even with a lack of some information and not always knowing what’s going on is OK with the crowd because everyone is still having an amazing time.
Gail Walker brought her 81-year-old mother along, saying, “It’s pretty good when you can bring mom and still have fun.”
Other performers Thursday night were Gabby’s Girls, Julian Austin and Aerosmith Rocks.
The musical entertainment continues today (Friday), with the first act, Easy Money, starting at 4 p.m.
Austin Belle (5 p.m.), Ray Gibson (6 p.m.), Hey Romeo (7:10 p.m.), the Road Hammers (8:40 p.m.), Terri Clark (10:30 p.m.) and Legzz (midnight) are also scheduled to perform.
Saturday’s lineup includes Smith & Jones, Rockin’ Chair, Me & Mae, Kenny Hess, Gord Bamford, and High Voltage.
A replacement act for Rascal Flatts, which cancelled Wednesday due to the lead singer losing his voice, has yet to be announced.
Victoria Gill is an intern with Black Press and will be at the festival this weekend.
The Chris Buck Band got the Rockin River vibe going Thursday night. Photo credit: Victoria Gill
The good times are rolling for spectators at the Rockin’ River Music Festival in Mission. Photo credit: Victoria Gill
