Wildlands Festival 2023 opening day thrives in the rain as Lord Huron, James McMurtry, and Regina Ferguson rock the crowd.
The much-anticipated Wildlands Festival kicked off its first day amidst a mix of musical magic and Mother Nature’s unpredictable temperament. Patrons who flocked to the serene venue at Big Sky, Montana were treated to an evening of soulful tunes and foot-stomping beats, headlined by the indie-folk sensation, Lord Huron, and supported by the talented James McMurtry and Regina Ferguson. However, the evening was not without its share of drama as a thunderstorm, lightning, and rain caused a one-hour delay, adding an unexpected twist to the night’s festivities.
The festival was set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Montana wilderness, creating an immersive experience that blended music and nature. The Wildlands Festival organized by Outlaw Partners benefits the American Rivers Foundation and the Gallatin River Task Force. With the Gallatin a stone’s throw from the event center, the event emphasized the need to protect American rivers. Festival-goers were donators to the cause and were treated to a unique blend of genre-defying melodies that seemed to resonate with the rustling leaves and the distant call of wild animals. The opening acts Regina Ferguson and James McMurtry set the tone for the evening with their captivating performances.
The up-and-coming Los Angeles-based country music singer-songwriter, Regina Ferguson took the stage first, effortlessly commanding the audience’s attention with her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. Her set brought a sense of intimacy to the festival, creating a connection between the artist and the audience that seemed to transcend the open-air setting. Her songs and her voice resonated with the crowd and were a perfect mirror of the natural beauty that surrounded the enthusiastic crowd.
James McMurtry followed with his gritty Americana sound that resonated with the Montana crowd. McMurtry looks the part of a salty old Montana rancher and looked right at home on stage in what is essentially a rodeo stadium. His storytelling prowess shone through in songs like “Choctaw Bingo,” painting vivid images of American life with every lyric. Despite the threat of impending weather, McMurtry’s performance was a testament to never judging a book by its cover, and the power of music to unite and uplift even in challenging circumstances. Case in point, McMurtry recently performed encores in drag at three shows in Tennessee to protest Tennessee’s anti-drag law. In a reference to Montana’s recent legislative spate of anti-LBGTQ laws, McMurtry said he considered doing the same in Montana.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, anticipation for the headliner, Lord Huron, reached its peak. However, nature had its own plans. Just as the band was about to take the stage, the heavens unleashed a torrent of rain, accompanied by flashes of lightning that illuminated the sky. The safety of festival-goers took precedence, leading to a one-hour delay as organizers worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all attendees. As the crowd took shelter in their cars, festival tents, or the nearby bars, they patiently waited for the headliner’s set. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the festival staff’s professionalism and commitment to patron safety were commendable, garnering appreciation from the crowd. What festival-goer wouldn’t want time to get a break, head out to the car for a drink, or over to a bar, and be virtually guaranteed the spot they had when they left? The size of the crowd and the laid-back mountain attitude made the thunder, lightning, and rain a non-issue for all and made the job of festival organizers Outlaw Partners that much easier.
When the rain subsided and the skies cleared, Lord Huron took the stage to a roar of excitement and relief from the audience. The delay seemed to only intensify the energy in the air, as the band’s ethereal sound filled the venue. From the haunting melodies of “The Night We Met” and the ode to unrequited love and loss “Down by the River” to the foot-stomping rhythms of “Mine Forever,” Lord Huron’s set was a mesmerizing journey through emotion and sound.
Frontman Ben Schneider’s connection with the crowd was palpable as he gave a full-throated, emotional performance spinning, swaying, and dancing all over the stage. The visual effects, combined with the natural beauty of the venue, created a captivating atmosphere that enhanced the music’s impact.
In the end, what could have been a disaster due to the weather turned into a testament to the resilience of both the festival-goers and the performers. Wildlands Festival day one reminded everyone in attendance of the inherent power of music to bring people together and elevate the human spirit, even in the face of nature’s challenges. With the Montana mountains as a backdrop and the sounds of Lord Huron echoing through the wilderness, the first day of the Wildlands Festival will surely be etched in the memories of the fortunate attendees who experienced it.
As the first day drew to a close, anticipation for day two was palpable. With an even more star-studded lineup including the Foo Fighters in the offing, the Wildlands Festival promised to continue, delivering unforgettable moments that merge music, nature, and the human spirit.
