After a firework-filled end to day 7, day 8 of Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) was country music day, and we sure had a great time listening to the lineup of artists on the main Bell Stage. Fans broke out their cowboy hat and boots and filled the Plains of Abraham for one of the biggest crowds of festival so far. From rising stars to well-known bands, we got to listen to a wide array of country artists at different points in their career.
American country music artist Morgan Wade opened on the Bell Stage at 19h00/8 p.m. Wade played out her set in a Kinks t-shirt and her hair in a messy half up half down style. She has been gaining recognition as one of Nashville’s rising stars since her debut album Reckless in 2021. Wade showed her true musical talent as she strummed on her acoustic guitar and happily sang along to her latest tunes. We even had the chance to meet Wade and her cute frenchie puppy, Chop before the show and she was super excited to play for the massive Canadian crowd.
Charley Crockett was next up on the Bell Stage. Born in Texas, country music has this artist’s heart, but he also dabbles in some more Blues based sounds. Crockett took to the stage in his classic country outfit with a tan cowboy hat, a denim jacket and jeans, and a black floral print shirt. His voice sounds just like the classic old country singers we grew up hearing our parents listen to. He is currently on his $10 Cowboy Tour, named after his newest album that was released in April of this year.
Our favorite show of the night was the celebrated Zac Brown Band. This performance was one of the best shows we have seen all year. The band played 16 songs and two encores that included the fan favorite “Chicken Fried.” Mixed into their set of original songs, the Zac Brown Band sang a few cover songs. They played a fun rendition of The Charlie Daniels Band “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Kings of Leon’s 2008 song “Use Somebody,” and the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”
Another surprise song was “Knee Deep,” which Brown dedicated to the late Jimmy Buffet who was featured on the song. In a Rage Against The Machine band tee with cut off sleevs and a backwards cap, Brown was nothing but smiles as he played for the crowd, which he said was one of the largest his band has ever played for. This was the band’s first time performing in Québec and it did not disappoint.
There are only three more days left of music festival fun in Québec at FEQ, so stay tuned for our next update!
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig