Amy Nelson

Easter Slopes truly is a festival dedicated to celebrating Alberta artists, and who better to be one of the first to open it than Amy Nelson, with folk-inspired mountain music with a prairie twist. Playing solo, she drew the audience inside to the cooler indoor stage on the hot Saturday afternoon with her unforgettable voice and mesmerizing guitar picking. Sharing anecdotes about the meanings and stories behind her songs, she moved seamlessly from track to track from her 2019 album Educated Woman, keeping the audience engaged and convinced that a brighter, happier song was always just around the corner. A favourite from her set was a new song about being “mama’s little star.” Amy Nelson’s heartwarming performance is a testament to the magic of storytelling through music.

Bennett Mitchell

Bennett Mitchell performed with his five-piece band — which includes Brock Geiger, who later took the stage for his own set — delivering a showcase of all that he can do. Finally seeing Bennett Mitchell perform in person felt like the stars had finally aligned, and it was worth the wait, especially hearing a personal favourite, “Hands (In My Pocket),” which he started to sing the outro of, and had to restart the song charmingly. The audience was also very fortunate to hear his newest single “who do i talk to?” that came out the day before the festival. Bennett Mitchell continued to set the bar high, leaving festival goers excited about the rest of the night.

The Blue

As a frequent attendee of The Blue’s shows around the city, I am no stranger to how easily they can infect the audience with their energy in whatever space they take over. Their performance at the outdoor stage was no exception, as lead Hemen Tor-Agbidye urged people to stand up, dance and sing along to their set. Coming right after some words from the Eastern Slopes team and a proposal (congratulations Hannah and Tory!), playing songs like “Better Than Ever,” “All We Got” and “Mountaintop.” The Blue harnessed this celebratory mood of not only the festival’s successful second year and the best news to turn the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association into a proper dance floor. One of the many reasons I keep coming back to The Blue’s shows is the never-ending chemistry between Hemen and band members on stage, whether it may be Thomas Oldrieve, percussionist Gabi Anaité or special guest of the afternoon, Tea Fannie. It is truly this feeling of community that makes every The Blue show memorable, and that is exactly why I’ll be there the next time they light up yet another stage.

Caylie G

This year’s Eastern Slopes lineup for me was a mix of some fresh discoveries and many beloved artists, but the set I was most excited for was rising queer sad-cowboy pop artist, Caylie G. The vulnerability in their lyrics, paired with twangy, atmospheric melodies, made their set a standout from the festival. There were so many moments in their 45-minute set where I forgot that I wasn’t blasting their music in my room as I found myself moving every inch of my body to the upbeat rhythms one minute, and holding back tears the next as they move between favourites: the glittering pop “nauseous from existential dread,” the haunting “The Butchers,” and their newest cynical single “Brenda Heather Kelly.” Looking back through my photos app, it’s packed with so many videos that only begin to capture just how raw, honest and moving their set was. So, don’t worry, Caylie’s mom, I’ve got you covered — I made sure to take plenty of footage for you.

Ginger Beef

When I saw the festival lineup for the first time, it was not surprising that Juno-nominated duo husband-and-wife Jiajia Li and Warren Tse were closing out this special night. Having seen them perform live before at the 2024 Calgary Folk Music Festival, I vividly remember being so mesmerized by not only the couple’s instrumental synergy but also how much I giggled because of Tse’s humorous comments throughout their set. Watching them again at Eastern Slopes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of deja vu as they played a cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and originals from their 2023 self-titled album like “Golden.” Having conversations with familiar faces throughout the day about our anticipation for Ginger Beef’s set, what was always mentioned was how much they can captivate crowds with instrumentals alone, not much lyrics needed, simply the dialogue between Li’s flutes and Tse’s keys and guitar hooks.

Alberta Artists Soundtrack the Summer at Eastern Slopes Music Festival

Amy Nelson

Bennett Mitchell

The Blue

Caylie G

Ginger Beef

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