Monday evening had just begun to clear out before we arrived on the scene for the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Musikfest Country Roots Showcase, presented by Lehigh Valley Underground. It was just before 6 p.m. and, after checking in with Ricardo Flores from the GLVMA, I decided that there was some time to hit another stage before setting up our table.

So, I walked up to Main Street, where previous Quinn Spinn guest and good friend of LVU Josh Klein was performing with his project, Hairy Dudini & Friends. Due to the day’s weather, this was an intimate, all-acoustic performance free of any electricity. However, the quartet, comprised of three Joshes and a Jay, didn’t let wet conditions stop them from rocking the crowd that was starting to trickle down to the festival. In a way, being in such close quarters made us all pay closer attention to the intricate guitar work on display.

Once Hairy Dudini took a break, I went back down to Plaza Tropical, where the stage was getting set for our co-sponsored showcase featuring Tim Harakal & Friends, Acoustic Kitty Project, and The Whiskeyhickon Boys.

First up was Tim Harakal, who has recently solidified his full band lineup. In fact, this showcase was band’s first show together, although nobody in attendance would have known that if Tim didn’t let us know. I say that, because the quartet seemed like it has gelled well together, showcasing nearly an hour’s set of familiar and popular tunes to start the evening off well.

Next up, we had Acoustic Kitty Project, in what was frontman and longtime Lehigh Valley resident Carter Lansing’s first Musikfest performance in his career. The band captivated with its all-original set, playing several tracks from its brand-new album, “Saturday Night,” as well as pulling tunes out of the vault from its previous release, “‘Shine.” It was an impressive ‘Fest debut for AKP, who presence and full country rock sound filled Plaza Trop well.

Then, it was time to get funky. The Whiskeyhickon Boys closed out the night with a fun and imaginative set of covers that featured groovy basslines and dance party energy. Also notable was ukelele/harmonica/kazoo player Jonathan Denny, whose versatility and vitality commanded attention from the late crowd that came out to dance.

Before we depart and get ready for Day 5, I have a few people to thank for last night. Thanks to Kelsey and my brother, Dominic, for coming through and helping run merch, take photos, and for supporting the night in general. Thanks to Ricardo at the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association for letting us be a part of the night, and for letting me once again lend my voice to their showcase. Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the folks behind the scenes at Musikfest for giving us this opportunity, and for making everything run smoothly. We hope to do it again in 2018!