When my friend (and occasional bandmate) Dillon Ryan invited me to photograph his show in Grand Falls, NB – opening for the great Canadian band The Grapes of Wrath – I jumped at the chance. The June 30th concert promised a unique blend of established talent and rising artistry, and the evening delivered an unforgettable experience.
The venue itself, The Fire Escape wine parlour, contributed to the magic. Housed in a renovated fire hall, its cozy intimacy is the perfect setting for such personal performances. The event was presented by Folk’d Up Radio, a passion project for owner/operator Mitch Biggar, who has championed artists for more than three decades. I certainly encourage you to discover Folk’d Up Radio for yourself! In doing so, you’ll be supporting both emerging and established artists. It’s a great way to discover new music. Seeing Mitch at the mixing console as I entered the venue underscored the community spirit of the evening – a spirit that values authentic musical connection.
Dillon Ryan took the stage first, his set a masterfully curated journey through his catalog. From the successful cut “River of Past Reflection” to a compelling new, unreleased track, Ryan held the audience captive. A standout moment was his signature cover of Bruce Cockburn’s “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” which transformed the room into a unified chorus. He left the stage drenched in sweat—the unmistakable sign of an artist who left everything on the floor.
Headliners The Grapes of Wrath, represented by the acoustic duo of Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper, demonstrated the seasoned prowess of a band with a 40-year legacy. The first thing that struck me was the power of their vocal harmonies – a rich, intricate layer that many modern acts overlook, yet it is the very detail that elevates a good song to greatness. Their on-stage banter was effortless, and they showed genuine appreciation for the sold-out crowd, a gesture that speaks volumes when you consider that many established musicians would simply shrug their shoulders at the idea of playing a show in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, population of 5,200. A highlight of the night was when Dillon Ryan rejoined them on stage for a moving rendition of “O Lucky Man,” a truly special moment of collaboration.
As I began the two-hour drive back to Fredericton, the smiles from the encore still fresh in my mind, my heart was full. The evening was a powerful reminder that while it’s easy to overlook small towns and intimate venues, that is often where the most potent magic happens!
Photo Credit: Ollie LeBlanc
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
