Live Review: Ridin' Hearts Festival @ Sydney Showground

Ridin' Hearts Festival has been marked with an asterisk on the calendars of country music enthusiasts in Australia for months. With each passing day, attendees drew that much closer to the highly anticipated second event. On this slightly soggy Saturday, the moment finally arrived.

Stepping off the train at Olympic Park, I wove through a lively crowd of cowboy-hat-clad fans, each face alight with excitement. It was an energy I had never experienced before. Unlike most inner-city music festivals, these fans had travelled from all over the state to be here today. As we walked into the festival, I genuinely felt that we could have been walking into a dustbowl on the outskirts of Nashville somewhere. Olympic Park served as the perfect backdrop for this musical celebration.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Ridin' Hearts was more diverse than I had anticipated. Around me, I noticed a variety of demographics, many of which I wouldn't expect at a country festival. From teenage girls sporting Taylor Swift t-shirts to older men with wispy beards who looked like they’d been listening to country music for 60 years, the crowd was a true tapestry of music fans.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans mingled, shared stories, and prepared for the musical journey ahead. Rustic decorations and food stalls created a welcoming vibe, inviting everyone to settle in for the long haul. The festival was a melting pot of cultures, brimming with colour, sound, and life. An air of anticipation filled the venue, and for good reason. The heart of Ridin' Hearts 2024 was undoubtedly its impressive lineup.

Emerging country star Bella Mackenzie kicked off the day, having gained recognition on The Voice Australia in 2023. Despite her nascent career, Mackenzie showcased remarkable promise, particularly with her song COWBOY, highlighting her powerful voice and engaging stage presence. Her performance set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Another early standout was Australian singer-songwriter Casey Barnes, whose heartfelt ballads resonated deeply with the crowd. His performance featured a blend of emotional tracks and upbeat anthems, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The crowd sang along to favourites like God Took His Time On You, creating a memorable sing-along moment.

The pace shifted slightly when American country star Tanner Adell took the stage. Dressed in a pink ribbon bra and white cowboy boots, Adell brought a refreshing burst of colourful energy. Despite the rain, she infused her performance with her vibrant personality and vocal prowess. A rising star, Adell was recently featured on Beyoncé’s BLACKBIIRD from the album COWBOY CARTER, further solidifying her status.

Next up was Canadian singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter, known for her infectious energy. She delivered an electrifying set that had the audience on their feet. Hits like Thinking Bout You, featuring fellow country star Dustin Lynch, kept everyone dancing and singing along, further proving her star power in the country scene.

Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross later emerged on stage to deliver a moving set. With his smooth vocals and engaging presence, Ross had the crowd tipping their hats throughout his performance. “I ran away to Sydney at age 18, almost ten years to the day,” Ross revealed. “So, it’s good to be back.”

For those eager to try something new, the festival also offered line dancing classes, where rows of fans learned various country dances to Shania Twain's hits. Adorned with multi-coloured lights and hay barrels, the space felt like stepping into a dive bar in America’s deep south. Later, the space transformed into a silent disco where fans could jam out to pop and country hits. 

Later, back on the main stage, Cooper Alan brought his unique sound to the stage, merging traditional country with modern influences. His engaging performance resonated with the audience, and songs like Tennessee showcased his storytelling talent.

Alan was one of the most energetic performers of the night, enjoying banter with the crowd. At one point, he even offered a beer to the person who danced the most stupidly during one of his songs.

It was clear from only a few minutes of watching that Alan certainly knows how to work a crowd. Performing covers of Australian classics, including Down Under by Men At Work and Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know, fans were whipped into a sing-a-long. So captivating was his set that a couple even got engaged during his performance.

Finally, Riley Green closed the festival with a powerful performance that celebrated the roots of country music. Swaggering onto the stage with his American charm, Green embodied the headliner star. His heartfelt songs and charismatic presence drew the crowd in, leaving everyone wanting more as he performed hits like There Was This Girl. At one point, he even invited Alan and Ross onto the stage, creating a raw moment of country music camaraderie.

As the final chords of Riley Green echoed through Olympic Park, it was clear that the Ridin' Hearts Festival had accomplished its mission: to celebrate the heart and soul of country music. The combination of stellar performances, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere created an unforgettable festival experience.

Ridin' Hearts is not just an event; it's a heartfelt celebration that leaves attendees eagerly anticipating what’s next. If proof were needed that country music is alive and well, look no further than Ridin' Hearts, where faces of all ages were lit up with smiles.

Here it didn’t matter if you had been listening to country music for sixty years or just a few minutes, everyone was welcome. If this year is any indication, the future of the Ridin' Hearts Music Festival looks bright, promising even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.