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Stoke Fest 2018 a smashing success

The 2018 Fernie Stoke Fest was an absolute success, with energetic performances from many local and out-of-town bands.
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Stokefest 2018 was a rocking success. Photos by Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

The 2018 Fernie Stoke Fest was an absolute success, with energetic performances from many local and out-of-town bands.

The day kicked off with an all-ages performance by Shred Kelly and the Circus Acts Insomniacs.

The evening started with a high energy set by Nelson’s Rafferty Funksmith, as well as Edmonton folk group The Denim Daddies.

Local rapper Akronym and DJ PJ amped up the crowd, followed by a hilariously explosive performance by Fernie’s #2 band, The Runs.

Shred Kelly was warmly welcomed to the stage at midnight, and gave concert-goers over an hour of hits plus a look at some of their newly released music. Nearing the end of their set, Shred Kelly invited Akronym back on stage for a collaborative performance. This was the biggest venue yet for Max Thomson, a.k.a Akronym, who performed some songs live for the first time that night.

“It went really well,” he said after the show, admitting that all the pre-show anxiety vanished when he starting his performance.

Asked if he would come back again, Thomson said, “It was such a fun experience and a great opportunity with great people. I would love to come back next year.”

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Akronym.
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The Runs.
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Shred Kelly.
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Circus Acts Insomniacs performed alongside Shred Kelly for the finale of Stoke Fest. Photos by Phil McLachlan
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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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