Storms, racism allegations close out Country Thunder
Comments on Indigenous people criticized, lightning ends performances
REGINA Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2019 came in like a lamb and went out like a lion, beginning with clear skies and eager festival-goers and ending with two major storms and racism allegations against comedy MCS Williams and Ree.
Thousands of campers poured into the grounds Thursday and Friday under clear blue skies, but the perfect weather didn’t last. Storms rolled in on both Saturday and Sunday nights, dampening everything but attendees’ spirits.
Travis Tritt and his band were only four songs into their set Saturday evening when they were forced to leave the stage around 8:30 p.m. as lightning from a nearby storm came too close for comfort.
Fans were evacuated from the grandstand and advised to take shelter as wind, rain and hail rolled over the festival.
Some fans waited patiently in hopes the evening’s headliner Tim Mcgraw would still be able to make an appearance — but they were disappointed. Around 11:15 p.m. organizers said the musician and his band would not be able to play because some of their equipment had been damaged by the storm.
The second storm Sunday evening hit late enough that headliner Chris Stapleton had finished his set, but it did rain out the final night of the beer gardens. The festival announced there would be no refunds for unused drink tickets, leaving at least one attendee out more than $100 and a number of others upset.
“Their safety’s a lot more important than a Bud Light Orange,” Gerry Krochak, director of marketing and sales for Country Thunder, said after ticket complaints surfaced on social media.
“I don’t mean to make light of somebody upset that they didn’t get to use a food or drink ticket. But again, safety of our fans is the most important thing.”
A complaint was also made against American comedy duo Williams and Ree, who were Mcing the event. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron called for the duo to be banned from all future Country Thunder events, saying their act had “racist material.”
As part of their scripted MC act, duo member Bruce Williams — who is not Indigenous — said the line “I’m sweating like an Indian on rent day,” to which Terry Ree — who is Indigenous — responded with “You land-seizing white person.”
In an interview, Ree said he had called Cameron to talk about the chief ’s concerns, but that they had agreed to disagree on what is offensive material.
“I’ve made a living for 51 years doing what I do and if people don’t like my jokes I guess they’re entitled to it ... I’m not trying to please everybody, I’m trying to make a living,” said Ree.