KUPL Countryfest 2012

 (Today's word will be in red, and bold.)


Years ago KUPL began yearly listener appreciation concerts for those who tuned in to KUPL daily.  Over time the name of the program was changed to "Countryfest", and was held in locations such as Portland Meadows, and St. Helens, Oregon.

For a few years though, there's been no Countryfest; until now.  On Sunday, June 3, 2012, KUPL Countryfest took over the RoZone during Rose Festival in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Attendees began lining up as early as 8:30 am  for the afternoon/evening concert.  Gates were set to open at 3:30 pm that day, with two stages, one for local and one for national acts.   A few benches were set up to one side of the main stage, with some low bleachers on the sides as well. Those with blankets and chairs had a section by the local stage to set up their spot; for the most part though, it was standing room only for concert goers.
 
While the local acts were entertaining the crowd, KUPL also had several things going on from the main stage, between national acts.  The "Simon in the Morning" team had their "Simon Says" finals, with one winner enjoying time backstage with an artist.  TicTak was shooting t-shirts into the crowd with a t-shirt launcher; there were two people associated with the Oregon Jamboree that also tossed out t-shirts and three day passes to the audience throughout the day.

At one point, between national acts, TicTak brought a girl onstage that has been in the hospital , fighting for her life for the past few months. From her wheelchair, Alex determined which directions t-shirts should be thrown into the audience.  She had also been backstage earlier to meet Chris Cagle, and was part of a video that was being filmed that day.

 With all the activity going on between the stages, there was more going on backstage as well.  Some  KUPL listeners who won concert tickets also got a meet and greet with the artist of their choice.  A lucky few even had meet and greets with all of the artists.

Lola Montgomery had come up with the idea to have anyone who wore a red sundress to the concert be in a group photo with Kip Moore, in honor of a line from Moore's #1 hit, "Somethin' 'Bout A Truck".  Several women showed up in various styles and shades of red sundresses, and at the designated time, went backstage for the group photo.

Though there was a lot happening on the main stage, the music was still the focal point of the day.

The Ponderosa Stage was set up for local musicians, Britnee Kellogg; Kurt Van Meter; Lock, Stock & Barrel; and The Concrete Cowboys.  The local music started when the gates opened and went until 5 pm, when the first national act, newcomers Miss Willie Brown, took the Financial One main stage.

The duo,  (Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley), did a short, though very energetic set, including their current single, "You're All That Matters To Me"; which KUPL has been playing.  They were the perfect opening act on the main stage to get the party started.  From Miss Willie Brown, it was back to the local stage for more of the local bands. 

Casey James, from "American Idol" was the next performer to hit the main stage.

James did songs from his self-titled debut CD, including his current single, "Let's Don't Call It A Night".  Though in past performances he's leaned more towards the blues, Casey's music that evening kept more in line with the country theme.  It was also nice to be able to hear Casey's  wonderful voice so clearly; there are times when the music drowns him out, but not this night.

More local entertainment, then it was time for Jon Pardi to take the main stage.  Pardi was probably the least known of the line up that day; though by the end of his set, he'd gained more fans.

Even without the cowboy hat, Pardi easily represented more traditional country, while still having a fresh, new sound. He joked around with the audience between songs, telling different stories about the songs and the like.  Of course, his set wouldn't have been complete had he not done his current single, "Missin' You Crazy"; another tune that's been getting airplay on KUPL's overnight show.

Next up on the national stage, (after another set on the local stage), was former Trick Pony member, Heidi Newfield.

Like Miss Willie Brown, Newfield's performance was very high energy, with Heidi all over the stage the entire time.  She was very polished and professional, yet, real and down to earth at the same time.  Her voice was also as beautiful as it's always been.

Newfield did  songs from her upcoming CD, including her new single, "Why'd You Have To Be That Good".  In addition she did some songs from her Trick Pony days, as well as a cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues".  Following the Cash cover, Heidi launched into her first hit as a solo artist, "Johnny & June".

For a day filled with great music and performances, Heidi Newfield was probably the one who stood out the most with her set.

With the routine of local artists and activities in place, the next national musician was Kip Moore.

It was clear from the audience reaction, that Moore was the one the majority had come to see that day; at least the female attendees.

Moore didn't disappoint either.  He performed several songs, with his smooth style and voice, including his first single, "Mary Was the Marrying Kind", and his current #1 hit, "Somethin'  'Bout A Truck".  Moore did a great job during his somewhat laid back set, singing and interacting with the crowd.

More local music, then it was time for Darryl Worley to perform.

Worley was definitely even more laid back that Kip Moore before him.  He was so relaxed, singing his previous hits; telling about them and his life.  For as big as the crowd was that night, Worley made it feel like an intimate setting of friends sitting around listening to good music; there was enough energy though that no one was bored.  One of the highlights of Worley's set was when he did, "Have You Forgotten".  He changed the lyrics slightly towards the end of the tune, referencing that Osama Bin Laden is dead now.

Before the evening's headliner was to come onstage, the entire KUPL air staff was brought onstage and introduced to the audience.  Each had been introduced at some point in the day; this was just a moment to see everyone together at the same time onstage.

Then it was time for the final act of the night, headliner, Chris Cagle.

Cagle came onstage, performing many of his past hits, as well as new music he's recorded; including his latest, "Got My Country On".  His set was a great balance of energy and more settled down music.  Cagle also interacted with the audience quite a bit, sometimes being very emotional about what he was telling them.

At one point Cagle asked for Alex, (the girl he'd met earlier backstage), to come onstage with him.  TicTak came out instead, explaining that Alex had left to return to the hospital.  Cagle quickly asked if Alex was okay, and was assured yes, she had been tired and needed to return.  There was a definite look of relief when he heard this.

Over all, KUPL's Countryfest was a huge success.  Yes, as always there were a few bumps here and there; a few attendees who got a bit out of line; and the usual things that can happen at an event this size.  For the most part though, it was a fantastic day, and it's good to see Countryfest is back.  Can't wait to see what KUPL has in store for next year!