Festivals
Concert Review: Old Washington Music Festival at Guernsey County Fairgrounds, Day 4 (July 20, 2024)
Concert Review: Old Washington Music Festival at Guernsey County Fairgrounds, Day 4 (July 20, 2024)
By Dave Parsons
The Old Washington Music Festival concluded its four-night celebration of country music on July 20, 2024, with a lineup that showed off the diverse range of talent in country music. The final day had established artists, rising stars, and local favorites, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was both a fitting end to the festival and a promise of what was to come.
The Guernsey County Fairgrounds felt bittersweet as the last day was upon the grounds. However, the crowd was determined to make a lot more memories this Saturday afternoon and evening before they had to pack up and head back home. The vendors, food stalls, and merchandise booths did brisk business, and festival-goers mingled and shared stories of their favorite performances.
The weather was near perfect for a summer day in July, with clear skies and a light breeze making it comfortable for those in attendance. The day kicked off with a performance by Landrey, a young and promising talent making waves in the country music scene. Her sound blends traditional country with more modern influences, and her performance set the tone for the day ahead.
Her stage presence was confident yet humble, as she engaged the crowd between the songs, and the crowd responded warmly, making it clear that she had won over new fans with his earnest delivery and authentic sound.
Next up was Jake Binegar, a local favorite whose blend of country rock and Americana has earned him a loyal following in the region. Binegar’s set was a high-energy affair, filled with driving rhythms and powerful vocals, that had the crowd on their feet, clapping and singing along.
Binegar’s connection with the audience was immediate, as he shared anecdotes about life on the road and the inspiration behind his music. His gritty voice and dynamic stage presence made for a compelling performance that perfectly captured the spirit of the festival.
The sun was directly overhead when Buddy Jewell, the winner of the first season of Nashville Star, took the stage. Bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep catalog of hits, Jewell was the perfect balance of an act between those that had already performed and those yet to come.
Jewell’s rich baritone voice filled the fairgrounds, and his easy rapport with the crowd made for a relaxed and enjoyable set. He performed a mix of his own hits and covers of classic country songs, each one delivered with sincerity and emotion. His rendition of Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey’s Song), was particularly moving, with many in the audience singing along to the poignant lyrics.
Jewell’s rendition of his twice recorded hit, Sweet Southern Comfort, immediately transported the audience to a place of nostalgia and warm memories. His storytelling ability and laid back approach on stage left the crowd applauding and cheering for more. Throughout his set, Jewell took the time to acknowledge the festival’s importance in supporting live music and bringing people together. His gratitude for being part of the event was evident, and he expressed his hope to return in the future.
Dubbed ‘the Brad Pitt of country music’ by Katy Perry — American Idol finalist Colin Stough was the fourth act on this Saturday. His southern-rock style of country music did not disappoint the crowd. His show was energetic and engaging, with the young artist enjoying his time on stage.
His songs and between-songs banter, let the crowd know him a little better, and endeared him to many who faced the same things in their lives. His original songs were like anthems to many and he had the crowd singing along by the second chorus. By the time Stough closed his set the crowd was on their feet dancing and applauding this up-and-coming act that will be around for a long time to come.
The sun was starting to go down as LANCO took the stage, bringing their signature blend of country and rock to the festival. The band, known for their energetic performances and anthemic songs, delivered a powerful set of songs that immediately captured the audience’s attention with tight harmonies and major infectious energy.
LANCO’s members never stopped the entire time they were on stage. No matter if it was a high-energy song and crowd interaction, or a slower ballad, the band was feeding off the audience’s enthusiasm. Each song saw a slightly different lineup on the stage so they could react with audience members. Even the drummer was out front and smiling for the folks down front, which rarely happens!
LANCO’s ability to create a sense of unity and celebration through their music was evident, and their performance was one of the night’s most memorable. LANCO’s performance was a testament to their status as one of country music’s most exciting bands, and their set was a fitting lead-up to the night’s headliner.
As the final act of the night, Hunter Hayes took the stage to a roaring ovation. Hayes, a multi-talented musician and songwriter, has been a staple in the country music scene since his debut, and his performance at the Old Washington Music Festival was a highly anticipated event.
Hayes’ performance was a showcase of his versatility as an artist, with the singer moving effortlessly between upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads. His performance of “Wanted,” one of his biggest hits, was a standout moment, with the crowd singing along to every word.
One of the most memorable moments of Hayes’ set was his performance of Invisible, a song that speaks to feelings of isolation and the importance of self-acceptance. The song’s powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were visibly moved by the lyrics and Hayes’ emotive delivery. The performance was a reminder of Hayes’ ability to tackle complex themes in his music, and it added a layer of depth to the evening’s festivities.
As Hayes closed his set, and the festival, the fairgrounds erupted in applause, with the audience showing their appreciation for a performance that had exceeded all expectations. There was a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment among the attendees. The performances throughout the weekend, even with the few hiccups that occurred, had been nothing short of spectacular, with each artist bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. From the up-and-coming talents to the headliners, the inaugural Old Washington Music Festival had something for everyone in 2024, and left with anticipation of the 2025 version.
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