CREWFEST - July 29, 2023 Lions Park Brantford Ontario (Concert Blog)

I was very excited to represent CGCM Rock Radio/Website at this year’s CrewFest. Not only did it have a new name (previously WTFest) but it also marked the return of rock and roll.

However, the morning’s torrential rainfall was quite concerning for an all-day outdoor festival. The good news was the radar looked promising for later in the day but the bad news was what would it do to the schedule as the gates were already pushed back to hours?

Anyways, the rain stopped and I headed to the Lions Park to report in and receive my media accreditation.

Battle Of The Bands

The night before they held the finals of the Battle of the Bands with the 3rd and 2nd place bands playing on the side stage with the winner opening the main stage activities.

I wandered over to the side stage and caught the day’s opening act Treading Zero. Good rocking band to get the day started. Well-deserved of their third-place finish.

Next up were the runners-up in the Battle of the Bands, The Lad Classic. I misheard their name and thought maybe they were a Led Zeppelin cover band. Immediately I realized they were not when I heard what I really liked in the first song. I took a few photos and moved toward the back. As I was talking to a buddy, his voice was going in one ear yet into the other ear was another fantastic tune. This was my hint to pay attention to this band. Wow, four songs and I am in love with these guys. Thanks, CrewFest for the introduction. I am now a fan.

Next up was one of the best in my opinion Tragically Hip covers bands, 50 Mission from Brantford. The sun was now shining and the place was really rocking, garnering these guys four encores.

Sumo Cyco

Finally, it was time for the side stage headliner Sumo Cyco. I first heard of and photographed them at WTFest in 2017 and was very impressed. Well, nothing has changed there as I was floored again by their high energy with Skye Sweetnam and company having the crowd in the palm of their hands. Highlight for me was their cover of System of a Down‘s “BYOB“.

It was around this time we were sadly informed that the Battle of the Bands winners Otherwives had their set canceled due to time delays resulting from the earlier weather. What a bummer, but they were guaranteed a spot on next year’s main stage among many other incentives.

Ok, now it was time to see what Jamie Stephens and company had in store for the ever-growing crowd.

Bif Naked

First up was Bif Naked. From the initial announcement, I was excited as I have always liked her but never seen her live. She did not disappoint. Wow, what a start for the main stage. From “Choking on The Truth” and “Daddys Getting Married” to the highly anticipated “Spaceman” and “I Love Myself Today” closers with the crowd singing every word. By the way, Bif is recording a documentary of all her shows so stay tuned for its official release.

The Headstones

Next up were the Headstones. From just my observation of the lineup, I wondered wow, who can follow these guys? And my thoughts were justified by seeing the majority of the crowd wearing Headstones t-shirts. When they hit the stage until they were done it was complete bedlam. Hugh Dillon as usual was on fire spending more time in the crowd than on the stage. All the hits including “Cemetery“, “Smile and Wave” and a great rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” filled out the setlist.

Our Lady Peace

Well, if anyone could follow the Headstones it would be Our Lady Peace. A few technical difficulties prevented them from playing their opener (my favourite) “One Man Army” but they followed up “Naveed” with a tribute to Sinead O’Connor with their cover of “Nothing Compares to U“. A great set with “Superman’s Dead“, “Is Anybody Home” and “Starseed” made them always a class act and another crowd favourite.

Live

Finally, as 8000 patrons packed the park the headliner Live hit the stage. Not as familiar or as big of a fan with them as the previous three I wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, one thing is for sure, the crowd was waiting and ready for them. I did my 3 songs and stayed for a couple more but by then after such a long day I decided to hit the road before the mass exodus of the crowd.

The bottom line, despite all bands being fantastic, the Headstones clearly stole the show. Believe it or not, it was my first time seeing them, and a huge treat to photograph them.

CrewFest was an amazing festival and I am proud that it happened in my hometown. I just can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve for 2024.

Cheers, until next year.

Brian Ronald

For more of my photo galleries and writing from events around the world: Brian Ronald

CREWFEST OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK