Beach Bash Brings Country to Sharbot Lake

Kelli McRobert | Aug 24, 2022

The sun is shining and it is HOT. Families are lounging at Sharbot Lake beach with towels and umbrellas scattered across the soft grass as the children splash in the cool knee-deep water that seems to go on for miles. White tents align the background as a mini-backstage community is being established. The main Gazebo, centre stage, to what will be the focal point of the Beach Bash BBQ festivities.

As afternoon eases into early evening, an energy starts to build as volunteers re-direct traffic and spectators start to arrive at the main gate. CMA Ontario is the host of this country music extravaganza and they were ready to showcase some of Ontario’s finest rising artists. VIP guests began to arrive and the sound check was complete. The smell of chicken and ribs on the BBQ wafted across the quiet waterfront community and tempted residents and visitors alike, to stroll down and take in the views and acoustic sounds.

While patrons mingled and enjoyed tasty beverages from Kick & Push Brewing Company (that Cream Soda was AWESOME!), others established their evening camps. Blankets, chairs, coolers, and more lined the hillside as eager guests vied for shady corners and set themselves up for an evening of food, friends, family, and music. Many chose to dine on the tender chicken and zesty ribs that Seed to Sausage served up. I was given a sample of the zippy sauce, savouring the extra squeeze I was offered for my ribs-YUM. The meal was “delish” with a BBQ chicken nestled amongst a tangy coleslaw and creamy potato salad, topped off with a grilled corn on the cob! Filling and flavourful -all for a reasonable price. Others in our group sampled the churros from the Cardinal Café stand and the burgers from Frenchie’s Chip Hut.

At 7 PM, the sun began to set and the stage came to life with Lesley Smith-Merrigan belting out 20 minutes of tunes to get the crowd fired up with the help of her husband and son. The crowd continued to fill in and the gentle glow from the vendor stalls set the mood for a night of fun, and for some, romance. Kelsi Mayne was next up and the fiery red head did not disappoint as she performed songs that kept you toe tapping from start to finish. Her quick wit between songs was fun and refreshing as were the lyrics from her collection of tunes from the As I Go album. After a quick gear swap, and time for everyone to grab a snack or drink, Gabrielle Goulet lit up the stage and gave a bilingual performance (‘Cliché Heartache’ and ‘J’aimerais te Dire’) that was filled with honesty, angst, and renewed passion as she returned to the stage with news of a new album release after a brief 3-year hiatus.

As the evening cooled, the crowd was still fired up, with couples dancing in their cowboy boots and sandals to the tunes of Brian John Harwood. His story, told through music, drew you in as he lives his ‘Firsts’ with his wife and newborn twins. It’s a quick glimpse into his creative process as he shares that ‘All That I Was Missing’ was about his wife, and his proposal, as he belts out his country rock melody with ease.

Three hours passed quickly and the darkness surrounded us, boats lit up the lake, like floating jewels. It was a star-lit night both figuratively and literally. We got one more chance for a quick bite and we opted for a hot dog and a drink, as we awaited the final act. The stage was set and Kelly Prescott stepped out with an energy that was contagious. Her thigh-high pink boots didn’t miss a beat as she belted out her tunes sporting cropped shorts and one of her infamous Hawaiian shirts. A few of her male followers proposed from the shadows as she sang an emotional song ‘Common Ground’, and she took it in stride. Named this months Artist of the Month by the Country Music Association of Ontario, Kelly made the performance seem effortless as she interacted with her audience and had a rebellious cheekiness throughout. Her hectic schedule has had her booked throughout the summer, but if she was growing weary, it did not show. Near the end of her set, she stole a dad’s shirt, as is the current tradition (#letsgettropical, #hideyourdads), and launched into ‘Convertible’ that had the crowd enthusiastically singing along. Her EP Cloud 9 is now out and you can find out more on Facebook or kellyprescottmusic.com.

As we departed and the music drifted over us, a local resident was on his back porch dancing with his significant other, it was lovely, romantic, tender. Music can evoke emotion, it can bring people together, bridge barriers, transcend language, and strengthen a community one note at a time.

Thanks to all the sponsors and organizers of this event! Let’s hope this will be the start of an annual country music celebration! #CountryOn #SharbotLake #CMAO