East Side of 2nd brought their high-voltage rock ’n’ roll to the sands of Waskesiu Beach, and even a slightly cooler evening couldn’t dampen the heat they generated. With toes in the sand and waves lapping just beyond the stage, the band served up a tight, crowd-pleasing set that felt equal parts intimate bonfire jam and full-blown festival preview.
Beachfront Vibes & Solid Turnout
Though the setting was relaxed—families spread out on blankets, friends gathered around driftwood “tables”—East Side of 2nd treated it like a proper showcase. They opened with “Splash of Morgan,” and the familiar riff had heads nodding from the first beat. By the time Aiden and Logan kicked into “That’s What I Like About You,” the crowd was singing along, beer in hand, swaying beneath string lights hung between the pines. It wasn’t a sold-out rush, but the energy felt just right: a supportive, engaged audience ready for more.
Tight Performance, Loose Atmosphere
On a beach stage, there’s always the risk of things feeling too laid-back—but East Side of 2nd struck the perfect balance. Evan’s drums cut through the surf’s background roar, Blake and Kace carved out crunchy guitar lines, and Logan’s harmonica solos wove between lyrics with soulful flair. When they dropped into the acoustic mid-set, it felt like discovering a hidden cove—intimate, warm, and sincere—before they kicked back into an electrified finale that lit up the shoreline.
A Warm-Up for LakesideFest
This show was more than just a gig; it was a preview of what’s to come at LakesideFest. Between Aiden’s promise that “we’re only getting started” and the group’s collective grin as they surveyed the beach crowd, it was clear they’re primed for a bigger stage. If this was the warm-up act—complete with sandy feet and sunset backdrops—then LakesideFest is about to witness a band at the absolute top of their game.
Looking Ahead
With LakesideFest on the horizon, East Side of 2nd is carrying forward this beachfront momentum. Expect even tighter arrangements, bigger sing-alongs, and yes—more of those signature moves (shoulder rides included!). Waskesiu was the perfect proving ground: a place to test new ideas, connect with fans in a laid-back setting, and remind everyone that this Saskatchewan band is forging a path straight to festival headliner status.
Keep an eye out when LakesideFest rolls around—East Side of 2nd is coming in hot, and they’ve already proven they know how to turn any stage, even a sandy one, into their own rock ’n’ roll playground.