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Knowladgey Team
September 20, 2023
After a four-year hiatus, Coastal Country Jam made a triumphant return to Long Beach, taking place at Marina Green Park on Saturday, Sept. 16. The two-day festival featured performances by country stars Blake Shelton, Dustin Lynch, and more, delighting Southern California fans.
Canadian country artist and actress Mackenzie Porter kicked off the festival with a dynamic set, showcasing her versatility by covering TLC's "No Scrubs" and performing her hits like "Pickup" and "These Days." She also gave fans a taste of her upcoming sophomore album, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Despite hailing from Canada, Mackenzie Porter expressed her love for performing in California. She found a sense of belonging in the Golden State, which added to her excitement during her set. The performance marked one of the first opportunities for fans to hear tracks from her upcoming album, and their enthusiastic response was a testament to her captivating country-pop tunes.
Mackenzie Porter's forthcoming sophomore album promises to be a diverse collection of songs with influences ranging from pop country to singer-songwriter. She emphasized that this album allowed her to write freely from the heart, making it her best work yet. The album is set to feature 20 songs written throughout the previous year, and Mackenzie believes it's the perfect time to share this musical journey with her fans.
Coastal Country Jam, which began in 2016 at Huntington State Beach, made a bold move by relocating and expanding into a two-day festival in Long Beach. This change was met with success, as attendees enjoyed the spacious grounds, live music, and a variety of activities, including vendors, cornhole competitions, and a dance Honky Tonk area.
While Blake Shelton headlined day one of Coastal Country Jam, the real highlight was when his wife, pop star Gwen Stefani, joined him on stage. They treated the crowd to an unexpected duet of "Don't Speak" by No Doubt and their own country hits, "Nobody But You" and "Happy Anywhere." The chemistry between the couple was evident, creating a sweet and memorable moment.
Country star Dustin Lynch delivered an electrifying performance, engaging with the audience and even leading sing-along sessions to pop classics like "Baby One More Time" and "Sweet Caroline." He also brought Mackenzie Porter on stage for their chart-topping hit, "Thinking 'Bout You." Lynch's upcoming album, "Killed the Cowboy," drops on Sept. 29, promising a fresh perspective on love and independence.