WeishFest 2023. 10 years of paying it forward.

4 Nov, 2023 John Kosiewicz Concert Reviews, Country, Indie, Pop, Rock

WeishFest

On November 4, WeishFest 2023 hit the Salt Shed in Chicago for its 10th anniversary, bringing the best mix of music and charity. This unique annual festival, created by the Andrew Weishar Foundation, pulls together great music and community spirit to support families affected by cancer. Each year, it grows more impactful, thanks to dedicated fans and generous sponsors who rally behind its cause.

The festival, which once took place in smaller settings like Standard Bank Stadium and 115 Bourbon Street, has now moved for the first time to Chicago’s Salt Shed, where it draws larger crowds and features well-known artists alongside local acts, making it both a premier charity concert and a memorable music experience

This year’s festival lineup offered a mix of bands and genres, making it a true “Concert for a Cause.” It included: Randy Houser, Natasha Bedingfield, Plain White T’s, American Authors, LOCASH, Sean and Charlie, Motel Breakfast, and The Birkenrocks.

The Birkenrocks

Performing on the Coors Light side stage, Chicago’s beloved 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s rock cover band, The Birkenrocks brought energy and enthusiasm that quickly set the tone for the evening. Their performance was electric, making the crowd instantly feel part of the celebration. The Birkenrocks’ sound, which nods to classic rock with a modern twist, hit the right note with the festival’s vibe.

Motel Breakfast

Doing double duty on the Coor Light side stage, was one of my favorite local artists, Motel Breakfast. With members scattered across Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, they did not disappoint. Their mix of indie rock and Americana infused the atmosphere with warmth and authenticity. With catchy hooks and laid-back storytelling, they quickly found their groove, resonating with the crowd’s enthusiasm and setting a comfortable, uplifting mood. Keep up with Motel Breakfast at their website: MotelBreakfast.org

Sean and Charlie

Then, Sean and Charlie kicked off the main stage keeping the energy rolling with their spirited set. Their performance brought an element of surprise and authenticity, drawing festival-goers into their unique blend of folk and rock. The duo’s chemistry was contagious, spreading positivity through every note, making it a standout moment of the night.

LOCASH

Country duo LOCASH along with their band followed, bringing their high-energy, crowd-pleasing sound that mixed country with rock and pop. Along with their fan favorite songs, they mixed the set up to include covers of “Waterfalls” by TLC Cover, as well as Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom”. In addition, they performed “Truck Yeah” which was recorded by Tim McGraw but written by Chris Lucas and Preston Brust of LOCASH. In the end, LOCASH turned the crowd into a singalong chorus. LOCASH’s performance felt like a party, uniting the audience in joy and positivity.

American Authors

American Authors then took the stage, igniting the crowd with their indie-pop anthems. Their famous hit, “Best Day of My Life,” got everyone on their feet, capturing the festival’s uplifting spirit. Also a fun addition to the set list was their cover of The Killers smash hit, “Mr. Brightside.” With infectious energy, they delivered a feel-good set that reminded everyone of the simple joy of live music.

Plain White T’s

The Plain White T’s kept the feel-good vibes rolling with their heartfelt tunes. Their classic hits “1, 2, 3, 4” and “Hey There Delilah” had the entire venue singing along, turning the festival into an intimate experience. Their performance felt genuine and personal, which fit perfectly with the festival’s community-driven purpose.

Natasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield brought her signature positive energy to the stage. Her empowering songs like “Unwritten” and “Pocket Full of Sunshine” lifting spirits throughout the Salt Shed. Her set was both nostalgic and inspiring, making her a perfect fit for WeishFest’s 10th anniversary theme of strength and hope.

Randy Houser

Closing the night was Randy Houser, whose deep country vocals filled the space with a powerful yet soulful sound. He was there letting eveyone know “How Country Feels.” His hits left an unforgettable impression. Houser’s talent for storytelling through song brought a grounded, heartfelt end to the night, leaving festival-goers in awe. (Check out our previous post from Randy Houser in 2014)

Conclusion

WeishFest 2023 was a heartwarming success, blending live music with a meaningful mission. Each artist added a unique flavor, making the 10th anniversary feel truly special. The crowd left the Salt Shed inspired, reminded of the power of community and the impact of paying it forward. Here’s to many more years of WeishFest!