Dustin Jones and the Rising Tide Visit Woodstock

WOODSTOCK – An upright bass, drinking while playing and crazing dancing graced Dooly’s bar Saturday night as Dustin Jones and the Rising Tide visited Woodstock for the fifth year in a row.

Dustin Jones, the lead singer of the band, said he and his band mates love coming to visit the Maritimes.

“(From left to right) Dustin Jones  invited excited fan Carsha Crandlemire up on stage with him and his band, the Rising Tide to sing one of their songs Saturday night. Crandlemire had the chance to sing a few of her favorite songs along side of her favorite bands."

“The East Coast is a fun place,” said Jones. “It’s a fun place and I think our music fits pretty well out here.”

Sam Weston, one of the workers at Doolys said having bands like Dustin Jones and the Rising Tides is great for bringing in a fresh new crowd.

“They’re great band first of all, and entertaining,” said Weston. “It’s a different style for sure, form what we’re accustom too, and so that’s why we bring them back! They bring in a good crowd.”

Weston said having bands playing in Woodstock give everyone different things to do on a Saturday night, especially for the younger people in the area.

“Younger people too seem to really like this band too, which is nice,” said Weston. “You get kind of an older crowd for you older style music and these guys are kind of a newer style music.”

For the crowd gathered at the bar that night, there was a special surprise for one of the audience members. Carsha Crandlemire was called on set to perform one of her favorite songs with one of her favorite bands.

“It was amazing,” said Crandlemire. “I did it the night before too. I was kind of nervous last night when I went up. I was like ‘I’m probably going to forget the words of the song and Sheldon was like, ‘No, you’re good.’ It was good and they were like, ‘you were awesome.’ And they were texting me today saying ‘you were awesome’.”

Crandlemire fell in love with the band when they played a set in Florenceville. Since then, she has purchased their CDs and other merchandise and makes sure to come to their shows when they visit the Florenceville, Woodstock area.

Woodstock was the final show in the East Coast. The band left area to return home to Ontario and their hometown of Sault Ste Marie.

RIVA: Bringing Out Local Talent

 “Local NBCC College student Jacob Savard joined in and performed one of his own original songs for the crowd, bringing them tears of laughter at the comical lyrics.”

“Guitarist Phil Hawkins played a few bouncy hits that had the crowd bouncing their knees to the beat and bobbing along.”

“Guests go through the RiVA scrapbook, getting an idea of what the organization does and what they have already accomplished.”

“Cruise ship singer J.P. Nadeau made an appearance and had the crowd laugher and singing along with his incredible piano playing.”

“The evening was a complete success; the crowd thrilled with the entertainment, as proved by the standing ovation Gill Nadeau gives her father, the final performer, at the end of the evening.”

“Riva Host Katelin Dean introduces the evening’s talent, littered with a few very corny jokes.”

The River Valley Arts hosted an open mic night at Fusions coffee house Wednesday evening. The crowd came out to hear local performers sing their hearts out and for the amazing coffee deals that Fusions was offering.

RiVA hosts an open mic event one night a month at Fusions coffee house in Woodstock to promote the need to advance arts in the area. The organization is recognized as a not-for-profit corporation. Their goals is to get the public excited about the arts by bringing events such as open mic night at Fusions to the public and have them come and watch or even perform. For more information and to purchase a membership, visit their website: www.rivervalleyarts.net.

“Fusion’s waitresses take orders for the guests as they sit, drinking their coffee and tea while listening to performers.”

“Performer Amanda Woods rocks out and gets the crowd going with her rendition of ‘Wagon Wheel’.”

“Star Bishop followed Woods’ act with a few radio hits, her raspy voice a great delight to listen to.”

“Leah Larocque brought forth a soft tone that set a whole new tone that indeed was enjoyed by all.”