28 Apr Sparkle and Shine with Meghan Trainor

The first day of SunFest 2016 has wrapped. I can hardly believe it! After months of waiting for this beautiful week, it is here and I trying so hard not to blink so I don’t miss a second.

Wednesday was one of those truly remarkable days you dream about (usually while scrolling through other people’s vacation photos on Instagram). There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The sun was kind to our shoulders, and the sweet breeze kept us cool. It was perfection. Thank you, Florida!

Chris Salata for Sunfest | Copyright 2016

After checking into the soothing Hyatt Place, I hurried down to the gates to catch Wednesday’s acts. Cade kicked us off on the Ford Stage and drew the first crowd of the festival. Lukas Graham went wild on the Tire Kingdom Stage– losing his shirt early on, and conversing candidly with the crowd. I was left very impressed by Graham’s confidence. The talented lead singer also shared it was the group’s very first Florida show! Consider me delighted to be in the crowd. I would absolutely seek out their sound again. I hope they come to Texas for a show.

Synthpop rising stars Secret Weapons brought a high-energy, dance-worthy set to SunFest. The Brooklyn boys covered Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” and impressed new ears with their single “Something New.” I overheard fans in the crowd drawing comparisons between Secret Weapons and Twenty One Pilots. (Crazy compliment, y’all.) We featured a quick interview with the boys yesterday, and it’s important you keep this band on your radar.

Chris Salata for Sunfest | Copyright 2016

Those sound treats all helped lead up to Wednesday’s fantastic headliners, and drawing a large crowd, early, was Meghan Trainor.

I became really taken with the 22-year-old singer-songwriter writing the preview for her set. The now-brunette bombshell took the stage with a slew of talented (insanely talented) dancers and an outfit that would make her popstar sister Taylor Swift jealous– a gorgeous glitter jacket and skirt. She had a sparkling microphone to match.

“You guys are so loud,” Trainor said, after opening with “Dear Future Husband” and “Mr. Almost.”

“I haven’t performed since the canceled tour,” she continued. “This is a big night for me.”

In August 2015, Trainor announced she was canceling the rest of her North American tour due to a vocal cord hemorrhage after a bout with bronchitis. Patient fans, wishing her well, were out in full force to see her tonight.

The crowd was full of darling little girls and their parents, so excited to see the “All About That Bass” star. I honestly lost count of how many adorable flower crowns I counted.

“I know you know every word to the entire album,” Trainor said to her adoring fans. “I love you for that.”

The Grammy award winning artist spoke to her upcoming album “Thank You,” due out on May 13, dedicating it to her fans.

For her impossibly catchy bass-focused earworm, Trainor brought a few little “cuties” on stage. (Her adoring fans under the age of 10.) Together they all danced and sang, and the crowd squealed with joy as confetti rained down over our heads. I swear, after a saxophone, confetti is my favorite concert accessory.

Chris Salata for Sunfest | Copyright 2016

I left wholeheartedly impressed by Trainor. As I’ve mentioned before, this woman is a force to be reckoned with. When she’s not inspiring us to dance and sing during the happiest/sassiest moments of our lives, she’s scooping up awards (ASCAP Pop Music Award, two Billboard Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, and a Grammy) and writing words for the likes of Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes.

If I had a daughter, I’d be proud if she listened to the fierce (do we still say that?) confidence and poise of Meghan Trainor.

The week has just begun! I hope to see you tomorrow for Train and Jason Derulo!