ARTICLE/PHOTOS BY BARBARA BRANDER
No Greater Love Music Festival is like no other. To begin with, the festival location takes place on The Stoney Nakoda Reserve, Morley just west of Calgary, Alberta. The backdrop alone is worth the visit. Movies such as The Revenant, Legends of The Fall and Shanghai Noon have been filmed here. Heading out from Calgary, it's about a 40-minute drive.
The incredible scenery enhances the already positive energy of people coming together for a beautiful weekend. I've attended many different types of festivals and concerts, and was delighted and refreshed by the kindness and polite manner of everyone I came across. Family-friendly and encouraged, it is a 'coming together' of souls through the celebration of music.
Besides the great lineup up music, there were plenty of activities for the kids, food trucks, merchandise booths and camping for the full weekenders. There were no traffic issues or congestion due to a well-organized and ample parking area for easy access in or out of the event area.
Some Photo Highlights:
Rock and Gospel musicians Danny Cosby with guitarist Garry Goin
Indigenous worship band OKAMA Dr. Gerard Roberts, traditional name (Abouyou), of the Karina nation, and his wife Peta-Gay (Tayaliti) Roberts of the Taino/Arawak First Nations, engaging with festival goers. Singer/songwriter Jamie Grace
Jamie Grace signing autographs and greeting excited fans.
Singer/songwriter Jason Gray
Lead singer Jonathan Steingard from Hawk Nelson
Family fun with a bit of smokey haze from distant forest fires.
We Are Messengers - Originally from Ireland, the inspiring lead vocalist Darren Mulligan.
West Palm Beach, Florida's Tenth Avenue North - lead singer Mike Donehey.
Festival Attendees enjoying a beautiful evening on The Stoney Nakoda Reserve.
First Night Headliner - Reba McEntire!
Reba McEntire Shines!
The second day brought a mixed bag of weather which caused some delays. Props to the volunteers, stage crews, musicians, security and vendors who ensured a safe, peaceful environment throughout. The rain and the wind cleared out and the festival continued on in near perfect weather. The hazy smoke from the distant fires nicely cleared out too.
After the storm rolled through, Pop Rock group Stars Go Dim - Chris Cleveland took to the stage.
Award-winning, JUNO nominated, R&B/Soul/Gospel recording artist Warren Dean Flandez
From Nashville, Tennessee Sidewalk Prophets lead singer David Frey
Sidewalk Prophets moving performance on Main Stage
Sidewalk Prophets - Autograph Session - David Frey, Daniel Macal, Blake Bratton, Cal Joslin Canada's own - The Color - Tyson Unrau, Jordan Jansen, James Shiels and Larry Abrams
Grammy nominated Building 429 - lead vocalist Jason Roy
Final performance for the night by For King and Country - singer Joel Smallbone
For King & Country - Joel's brother, Luke Smallbone
Dynamic performance from final night headliner - Grammy award winning For King & Country
To be out in the natural surroundings, watching the sun go down, listening to fabulous music with wonderful people, was truly magical. Looking forward to next year!
*Scheduled performances from the 2-day event included: NewSong, Okama, Danny Cosby, Jamie Grace, Jason Gray, Hawk Nelson, We Are Messengers, Tenth Avenue North, Reba McEntire, Ghost Boys, Caves, Warren Dean Flandez, Stars Go Dim, The Color, Rapture Ruckus, Sidewalk Prophets, Building 429 and For King & Country.
*No Greater Love Music Festival 2017
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