The momentum of the festival carried seamlessly through the final three days, from Friday to Sunday, each packed with memorable performances. Choosing a single favorite would be an impossible task. Venues were consistently filled with enthusiastic attendees, a powerful demonstration of community support. As an artist, one often wonders if their work is truly connecting; this weekend provided the resounding affirmation that every performer craves. Here’s a summary of each day:
Friday, June 6th: My Friday was split between Par 94 Bar and Golf Lounge and The Cap. Par 94 showcased an all-female-fronted lineup, kicking off with British Columbia’s Sarah Smith. Her insightful lyrics, powerfully accompanied by drummer Robyn McDonald, made for a captivating set. Regional act Poets & Liars followed, earning warm appreciation from the crowd; Kendra Gale and Kortni Nicols delivered some of the most impressive harmonies I’ve heard. I then headed to The Cap, arriving as Mighty Fine Pines were concluding a compelling performance. While their song themes can be deep and serious, their creative incorporation of various instruments makes them a genuinely fun act to watch. Festival veterans Bryce Clifford & Brother Brisco then took the stage, demonstrating exactly why they are a welcome annual fixture. It was then my turn to perform again. Zack Ingles’ bassist was unfortunately unable to make it, so I stepped in with minimal preparation. We fed off the incredible energy from the crowd, and it turned into a really fun show! Finally, The Falling Leaves, a local act making their return since 2021, closed the night with a skillful and engaging set that was a joy to witness.
Saturday, June 7th: My Saturday began with a soulful performance by Rudy Pacé at The Abbey Café & Gallery, a wonderfully intimate venue that frequently hosts Roots & Soul Music Promotions’ events. Black Suit Devil then took the stage, showcasing seven new songs and sharing an exciting secret: he plans to relocate to our area for the time being! It was fantastic to see him perform again; the festival wouldn’t feel complete without his presence. Next, I walked over to Hanson Road Flower Co. for performances by local artist Michelle Morrison and festival headliner Shawna Caspi. This show was uniquely prefaced by a local musical history lesson from Andrew MacLean of Backyard History, a podcast sharing stories from New Brunswick’s past. It’s these thoughtful details that elevate the Living Roots Music Festival into a truly unique experience. Once again, it was a fantastic show in an intimate setting. As evening approached, I found myself back at Par 94 and The Cap, enjoying engaging sets by local hip-hop artist Ceeb Dread and Moncton-based progressive metal band Viridian Paradise. Then it was time for my own group, Honey Gut, to perform. The festival’s vibrant energy carried us through what I believe was one of our best sets yet!
Sunday, June 8th: Sunday arrived all too quickly. On the final day of a festival, your body tends to feel the strain. My voice was hoarse from days of conversations with artists and patrons amidst loud music. Yet, a full heart provides the motivation to tackle one more day of live music and art. With fewer shows on the agenda, I caught a glimpse of Jock & the Docs at Wilser’s Room before my own soundcheck; their cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” had me dancing on my way to the parking lot. Local storyteller Duncan Ireland, another amazing addition to the festival, was eager to share his “storyscrolls” with patrons outside of the venues. I highly recommend that you take some time to research his work! At The Cap, I witnessed some excellent acoustic sets by local Johnny Cullen (accompanied by Trevor Young) and Jon Creeden before taking the stage myself one last time. For this performance, I had the distinct honor and privilege of accompanying Joel Strauss as part of his backing band, The Rhythm, for his album release show. Every ounce of energy I had left was poured into that performance! After catching a few songs by singer-songwriter Brendan Scott Friel (Gardens), I retreated home to finally rest.
So, what do you think? Is it possible to extract more value from a $70 pass? I’m thrilled to report that organizer Eddie Young has already committed to an eleventh edition of the festival for 2026! While tough decisions were undoubtedly made to ensure the festival’s sustainability, it’s clear that hard work and perseverance have paid off handsomely. For me, this festival feels very much like a family reunion. And I’m already eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with my musical family again next June!
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!
