Detroit Rock Review

10/09/2026

There is so much to love at MI's Big Country Fest that we can't just photograph the bands, the people, and local businesses, that show up to this festival every year are just as amazing! So, we took a few pics of them too!!

10/09/2026

Well, MI's Big Country Fest did it again Saturday night, they found another Michigan born and raised artist that we haven't seen before, Madison Olivia Music, and we absolutely love her!! Once again, much like Friday night, we were drawn in by the energy, song choice, and sheer talent of this young lady and her band!! They opened the night with high energy and an amazing performance! The crowd was definitely into her set and we couldn't help but be drawn in too. We will be looking to catch another show, and so should you!!

10/09/2026

Madison Olivia Music singing "Choosin' Texas" at MI's Big Country Fest. The sound isn't the best as I was standing right next to the drum kit, but I loved the crowd joining in! Madison had the crowd dancing and singing all night!!

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

The first time the DR2 Crew saw Waylon Hanel it was just him and, the Country Music Hall of Fame, pedal steel guitar player, Barry Gokee, and it absolutely floored us! How did a kid so young get a voice so,....we'll just say, "mature"? And, how does he write, and sing, songs that sound like something you would expect from someone in the latter half of there life?! We knew there was something special about this "kid"! Well a few years later now, and we are watching him be the powerhouse singer/songwriter we expected him to become!
This past weekend we watched that same young man take the stage at MI's Big Country Fest with a full band, The Good Ol' Boys, and they absolutely brought the house down!! People were dancing, singing, and having a rockin' barn party!! Waylon has become so comfortable on stage with a band and you really get a sense that he is someone to watch. That very soon we will all be paying a lot of money to see him play and sing his songs. So, our advice is, get out and see him soon! It will be a lot easier on your wallet!!

10/08/2026

Hell Yeah! Can't Wait!!!

10/07/2026

Waylon Hanel getting the crowd at MI's Big Country Fest singing and dancing with this John Denver classic!! Pics of his set coming soon!

10/06/2026

Every year the DR2 Crew looks forward to MI's Big Country Fest in Frankenmuth!! It is always a lot of fun, great music, great food, and a great crowd! This year was all of that!! We especially love it when we see a new band/performer that catches our attention. That happened this year right out of the gate! First band, Derek Winter, he and his band were phenomenal!! The had such positive energy, great song selection, and very polished for, what we think is, a relatively new band. Add to that the fact that they had to play for two and a half hours and didn't take a break, impressive! We are definitely going to keep an eye out for these folks, you should too!!

10/05/2026

MI's Big Country Fest is always a huge party and this year was no exception!! This is Shiatown Saturday night getting the crowd goin!! So much fun and so many pics and videos to come over the next few days.