Last night, Dryden was treated to an unforgettable evening of music and emotion as part of the Dryden Entertainment Series. Two extraordinary artists, Julian Taylor and Logan Staats, took the stage and delivered performances that were nothing short of magical.
Julian Taylor opened the night with the first half of the show, captivating the audience with his soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling. His set included songs from his acclaimed album Pathways, blending folk, roots, and soul in a way that felt deeply personal. Julian is proud of his mixed heritage, with roots in Mohawk (Kahnawake) and Caribbean ancestry, and his music often reflects themes of identity, belonging, and healing. He has been a strong voice in Indigenous music circles, earning multiple Native American Music Award nominations and using his platform to advocate for cultural understanding and unity.
After intermission, Logan Staats took the stage for the second half. Logan, a gifted singer-songwriter from the Six Nations of the Grand River, brought raw emotion and powerful vocals that held the audience. A proud Mohawk artist, Logan’s music is deeply tied to his roots and activism. He views music as medicine, a way to reclaim culture and heal through storytelling. His journey from winning The Launch to returning home and creating authentic, reflective music has made him one of the most compelling Indigenous voices in contemporary folk and roots music.
To close the evening, Julian and Logan returned together for a series of duets that felt pure, two artists blending their talents in harmony, leaving the crowd cheering and teary-eyed. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of culture, storytelling, and the healing power of music.
If you missed it, don’t worry, Julian Taylor and Logan Staats are performing in Red Lake tomorrow. Trust me, if you have the chance to go, take it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave with a heart full of music, and maybe a record or two! Red Lake event listing here: Julian Taylor & Logan Staats – Your Sunset Country
