The following story is the 10th top article published to Swift Current Online in 2023; keep coming back as we unveil the rest of the lineup over the next week.

Swift Current was buzzing with excitement as country music fans gathered for a highly anticipated concert by Canadian country band, The Washboard Union, at the annual Frontier Days Grandstand Concert.  

The band, known for their energetic performances and catchy tunes, took the stage to deliver a night of unforgettable music and good times. 

Aaron Grain, Chris Duncombe, and David Roberts expressed their enthusiasm for being in Swift Current. 

“Either way, with whatever audience you're playing to, size of the venue, there's a symbiotic relationship between the group and the audience, and the beauty about playing to any audience is that there's an energy that goes back and forth,” elaborated Grain. “So, I often find with even smaller venues that you get a lot more energy back from the crowd so that just feeds us as well and then we give more back. So, the whole energy of the festival really rises because of this strange energy transfer.” 

Duncombe emphasized the band's desire to provide a carefree experience for the audience. 

“Washboard Union shows are a time to park everything that's been on your mind that's worrying you during the week,” he stated. “We all work really hard in life and we need a few hours to ourselves to sing at the top of our lungs and be with good people. And hear, hopefully, great music that you love and that's what a Washboard Union concert is all about.” 

The band members also had the honour of judging the beard and mullet contests earlier in the day.  

Reflecting on the experience, Roberts shared that it was a first for the group. 

“It's the first time we've ever done it, surprisingly so,” he noted. “It was a little overwhelming, Chris had to sit down twice because it was too much, but it was a great honour and there were some great beards. We actually also did a mullet competition, which was pretty amazing.” 

Before the show, the band took photos and signed autographs for a handful of lucky VIP winners. 

Those select individuals also got to enjoy the show in front-row seats and were treated to a delicious meal courtesy of Harvest Eatery and Chef Garrett Thienes. 

Providing some insights into their pre-show rituals, catching the band on the Zipper ride before the show would not be unheard of, while Duncombe added that he likes to stay moving. 

“I'm a pacer before the show, and just because I think I'm more excited than anything and not nervous, but then that there's that second when you crest the top of the stairs and you walk out and you see everybody smiling and it all just disappears and you just kind of sink into the moment and it's incredible,” he concluded.