Hedley, Lights, USS, and Dear Rouge Play Brantford’s WTFest

On June 13 -14,  2015 the first year What The Fest (WTFest) was held in Brantford, Ontario and on July 14th, The XTRA Mile had the pleasure of attending the 2nd day of this newly formed festival. This small town festival sure knew how to make a mark by having big name acts like The Trews, I Mother Earth, Big Wreck, Hedley, USS, Lights and Dear Rouge all playing the two day festival.

Sunday June 14 – Day two consisted of: Mark Wilson, Steve Ryan, Harbour, The Ascot Royals, Dear Rouge, USS, Lights and Hedley.

The first band I managed to catch was Dear Rouge. Despite the fact that I got there a little late I did end up catching a few songs. Of those few song I did watch their stage presence was what caught my attention. Danielle along with the band’s energy is fun to watch as they seem to have so much chemistry together.

USS was up next. By looking out into the crowd it was easy to see by the amount of people wearing USS merch that there were a number of fans anxiously waiting for them to start. As soon as they came on stage everyone was jumping up and down. USS played many of their popular songs, such as “Lace’s Out”, “This is the best”, “NA/Ok”, “Freakquency”, as well as “Damini”.Near the end of their set the rain began to poor down, however this did not seem to slow them down. I have seen this group MANY times and every time I see them is an amazing time. They are always full of energy, which translates well with the crowd, this time was no exception.

The rain began to pour harder and harder however the fans showed no signs of giving into they weather. “Lights, Lights, Lights” the crowd began to chant as the band begun to make their way on stage. With a combat boots and a happy face sweater LIGHTS was ready for the weather. Playing a mixture of both new and old songs including “Toes”, “Running with the boys” “Drive My Soul”, “Siberia” and “Up we go” the fans got to watch a stellar performance.

As each member came on stage the screams got louder and louder until Lead Singer Jacob Hoggard, milk jug in hand, ran on stage, it was then that the crowd began to go crazy. Starting of with “Cha-Ching” got the crowd ready for a night of singing and dancing. Hedley played most of their hit songs, some of which included “On My Own”, “Never Too Late”, “Mexico” and “Hands Up”. Through out most of the set Jacob carried his chocolate milk jug, while he and his band members took sips from it. Half way into the set Jacob brought up a little girl onstage, where he had her sit on his piano and dedicated two songs to her. As always the last song of the night was “The Sweater” song. This set did not disappoint, with people dancing and singing along the only disappointing thing was that it didn’t last longer.

After the show was over the festivals volunteers and coordinators were thanking everyone for coming. This was surprising and made me feel very welcomed even though I was leaving to go home. When leaving most if not all the music festivals I attended over the years I encounter the grumpiest people. They are either yelling at or trying to rush the attendees to leave. However at WTFest this was not the case.

Overall, I would have to say I really enjoyed WTFest. Even though I only attended day two, here’s to hoping 2016 WTFest is just as amazing!