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Oro Valley Music Fest shines amidst many obstacles

2018 Oro Valley Music Festival
Naranja Park
Oro Valley, AZ
October 13 - 14, 2018

O.A.R.

Danielle Bradbery

Cassadee Pope

Review and photos by Frances Sealy

The Oro Valley Music Festival (OVMF) for 2018 had its share of challenges with their fourth festival year. The first day was produced by iHeart radio's 97.1/ The Bull country music radio. This was a rain or shine event and the rains came on the first day with a vengeance until approximately 5 p.m. Hurricane Sergio had decided to make his appearance at the festival. There was no lightning so the show went on regardless with very few issues.

Local country artist Drew Cooper and his band started the festivities with a set of original tunes along with some cover songs. 'I love Jesus, but I cuss a little,' Cooper sang, and even folks in the audience could relate as the drizzle continued through his set.

Great Big World

Country singer Matt Farris followed Cooper quickly with his set. Farris is originally from Arizona but relocated to Nashville a few years ago. Farris' set was filled with country and rock covers along with his original tunes "Resident Redneck" and "Living in the Fast Lane." Farris and his killer band gave it everything they had regardless of the rain.

Cassadee Pope shouted 'Rain can't stop us,' as a group of fans huddled close to the stage. She sang her hit "Wasting All These Tears" and as the set progressed she sang some rock covers like Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me" and Aerosmith's "Dream On." The drizzle turned into wind driven sheets of rain until 'trouper' Pope was totally soaked.

High Valley took the stage with a stagehand sweeping the water off the stage during the entire set. They donned plastic ponchos midway and continued singing without missing a beat. Before they were done, the clouds parted and the sun made a miraculous appearance for the first time.

Danielle Bradbery is another "The Voice" graduate and season four winner. She sang her songs "Sway," "The Heart of Dixie," "Worth It" and many more crowd-pleasing songs.

Headliner Chris Young finally made his appearance. Young mentioned that he had attended a friend's wedding the night before. When he left Nashville at 5 a.m., he wasn't sure he would be able to get into to Tucson. Young made it and he gave the damp fans everything he had.

The charming crooner dished out tunes like "Losing Sleep," "Who I am With You," "Save Water Drink Beer," "I Can Take It From There," and "Aw Naw."

The second day was produced by iHeart radio's My 92.9, variety music station. The second day seemed to be the polar opposite of the first day, both with the weather and the music. Fans and entertainers were delighted to have a sunny, dry day.

The lineup included headliner O.A.R., with Switchfoot, Matt Kearney, MAX, and A Great Big World. To put it simply, Switchfoot and MAX stole the show on the second day if not the entire festival.

Singers/songwriters Ian Axel and Chad King of A Great Big World performed their hits that included "Say Something" and "This is the New Year" in their upbeat short set early in the day. No angst in their music.

Singer, MAX aka Max Schneider, turned the tables by taking a good festival and turning it into a great festival. The "Lights Down Low" singer was saving his voice and his energy backstage so that he could explode on stage with dancing, body flips, and big voice for the fans. The 'fun sized' singer performed his songs "Lights Down Low," "Holla," "Savage" and "One More Weekend."

Mat Kearney had to follow the MAX frenzy. It was a difficult task, but Kearney did an admirable job. The set started a bit laid back, but by the end he had the fans stomping, cheering and begging for more. Kearney is better known for more intimate settings and writing songs that are more laid back and thought provoking. Songs performed included "Wanted Man," "Runaway," and "Money." Switchfoot gave a show stopping performance as frontman Jon Foreman pulled every trick in his 'bag' to give fans a thrill. He took every opportunity to physically reach out to the fans including crowd surfing and hand slapping. Songs performed included "Hello Hurricane," "Float," and "Dare You to Move."

O.A.R. finished the festival in fine fashion, but more laid back than some of the acts earlier in the day. Marc Roberge led the band in delivering straightforward rock and light reggae music. He is a professional and not necessarily chatty as he delivers crystal clear, soaring vocals. DiPizzo strikes lightning on stage with his baritone and tenor saxophones.

Song staples like "Lay Down," "Something Coming Over," "Night Shift," and "Program Director" were among the offerings of the night.

The OVMF came to an end on a high note. Hopefully, next year the festival will be silky smooth.

Oro Valley Music Festival 2017
Oro Valley Music Festival 2016