Music Review: Beaver Mountain Music Festival

Hundreds congregated at the Beaver Mountain Music Festival on Friday to celebrate bohemian melodies, piquant food, and close friends.

Led by strong performances by lead vocalist/guitarist Allie Harris and violinist Julie Taquin, Mama Long Legs quickly captivated the audience at the main stage early on in the evening. The band played a mixed set of blues, folk and acoustic songs that featured a unique, deep-sounding undertone via Kendall Becker’s contribution on the double bass. The band’s ability to weave between upbeat and twangy, ‘Wind and the Wave’ esque sounds and slow acoustic ballads was unique and uncanny.

The ensuing act on the primary stage was Virginia native William G. Kidd. Backed by no band and equipped only with his acoustic guitar, Kidd played a soulful set that was over all too quickly. Slated to play for nearly an hour, Kidd’s time on stage ran about 40 minutes before he departed. His deep voice, mournful canzones and entrancing stare made for a memorable contribution to the list of performances that evening.

Meanwhile, in the slightly more sparse Forest area, electronica band Telepathiq took the stage. The band cites Depeche Mode as one of its influences and favorites, a tidbit that manifests itself through their sound. Despite the forest stage having lower attendance than the main stage, the chemistry between lead singer and synth player Darrick Riggs and drummer Kurt Aslett made for an entertaining show.

Reverting to the main stage, the sun had set and the audience welcomed Pixie and the Partygrass Boys. The quirky, high-energy bluegrass band from Salt Lake City was an instant hit and likely the fan-favorite of the night. From original songs about the struggles of living in Utah to tribute covers of the late Aretha Franklin, as well as encores about pudendum, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys made things fun and kept the crowd moving throughout their entire set. Their final exit from the stage was mostly bitter, not sweet, for many in attendance. This dynamic group will be one fans will want to keep an eye on as they grow and progress.

A few hours later, with night one of the festival in the books, attendees retired with fulfilled eardrums and happy hearts.

—Landonstuart@gmail.com

@LandoS84