Howell 'exuberant' after debut festival performance

Leon Howell couldn't have asked for a better day.

The Winfield singer-songwriter made his debut performance on Stage IV at the Walnut Valley Festival Thursday and is anxious for his next show.

"It's been a day of exuberation," Howell said after his set. "I am grateful. I thank God, and I thank Bob Redford for the opportunity to play at the Walnut Valley Festival."

Redford and his wife, Kendra, are owners and directors of the festival.

Howell and his group did a 45-minute set, performing all original country and gospel music written by Howell. He was backed by three other Cowley Countians: Dan Bowker, Travis Turner and Josh Monroe. All added harmonies on acoustic guitar and vocals.

Howell has experience playing local venues such as KANZA Days, the Cowley County Fair and the Walnut Valley Farmers' Market, but performing at the festival meant playing in the same league as nationally known musicians. Despite that, playing the festival felt just as natural as any other gig.

"You know, the amazing thing is I wasn't jittery at all," he said. "I was feeling great. We just got up and played, and I think everything went really well."

Howell's audience included local people as well as those who came from far away. All seemed to like what they heard.

"I've known Leon for years and years, and I really enjoy his music," said Ivan Montandon of Winfield.

Paul Guerrero of St. Paul, Minn., said he liked Howell's show because it reminded him of a sound that isn't common anymore.

"I really like this old-time style," he said. "He makes it sound real. It's classical country in a sense - more of a Hank Williams Sr. sound, rather than that of the more contemporary country."

Guerrero made the pilgrimage to Winfield with two friends, including one who will be competing in the flatpicking championships. It was his first time to come here, but he said he had been to a similar festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

"This one's a little smaller, but I like it. It seems like this is more of a family," he said.

Guerrero would like to return for another Walnut Valley Festival. For Montandon, there is no doubt about his attendance in the future.

"The festival gets better every year," he said.

Howell and his band are enjoying listening to the music of others, but they will again take the stage at 9:30 Sunday morning to perform more of Howell's gospel music. The session will be on Stage III and will last 45 minutes.