The Islands Folk Festival in Duncan, BC was set on a picturesque farm outside of town.

Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott

Small popups danced across the grounds with festival goers shopping items and clothing that matched the easygoing, flowing vibe of the festival.

As sound check started with Logan Staats, most recently featured on the Launch, the audience settled into the their politely tiered seating while young ones ran and danced in front of the open air stage.

Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott

Despite his recent mainstream presence, Logan has been a part of folk scene for the past decade and it showed with his comfort and crowd interaction from the stage. As Logan’s set progressed his story telling ability became very apparent as he shared a new untitled song written while recently in Nashville that highlighted his reflective nature as he was inspired by a series of interactions in his youth that put meaning to what the lasting quality of love is for those left behind. The simple narrative followed by the moving performance left the audience in tears.

With each passing song Logan shared his story with the crowd, one that he described to feature all but two sad songs. One of the happy ones he shared written in mear minutes on the side of a hotel bed, inspired by his current partner. As the sunset, the open air stage became more and more reflective of Logan’s soulful writing and powerful voice. It truly was a an emotional experience respected and enjoyed by festival goers.

 

 

Photos by Jeremy Mac Knott

Review by Haley Campbell