By TOM GERROW
BG Independent News
The best live music creates a bond between performer and audience that brings them together in an almost spiritual communion. From his early days playing four-hour bar sets, through the spotlight of “American Idol,” and into the following years of recording, touring and playing live, Paul McDonald has made forging that bond his calling card.
Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves are returning to the BSAF main stage on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6:15 p.m. (See Saturday’s Main Stage schedule below.) If you saw one of their sets at the festival in 2025, it’s safe to say you’ll want to be there again this year. McDonald’s high-energy performance, backed by his all-star band, made those sets to remember.
“I think that the live show is always what I’ve been about,” McDonald said. “I’ve been playing live shows for 20 years now. To me, one of my favorite parts of all of this is connecting with the audience and getting people out of their phones and into the present moment and forgetting about all the negative stuff and just being here now.”
“Whenever I’m on stage, I kind of check out completely,” he added. “I fall into this whole new world and, hopefully, try to bring people in with me.”
The band is playing just one set this year, on the main stage, but expect more of the same when they grab the spotlight.
“We’ve got a handful of new tunes we’ll be putting in the set,” McDonald said. “But it’s just going to be the same kind of good energy and fun vibe as last time around with a handful of new songs, you know? The show is full of love and positivity and just good vibes.”
McDonald noted that the band has been touring nonstop since their last visit to Bowling Green. “The band has just gotten tighter and tighter,” McDonald said. “We’ve been playing so many festivals and so many club shows recently. It just feels like the band is on fire right now.”
The Mourning Doves include the phenomenal Mike Miz on guitar, Ray Akers on bass and high harmonies, and young gun Lleyton Brainard on drums.
“Every show is a little bit different because we kind of feed off the energy of the crowd,” McDonald said. “And sometimes we’ll stretch jams, sometimes we’ll toss in medleys of cover songs. It all just kind of depends on the energy of the crowd. But the band right now is incredible, man. I’m very fortunate to have these guys playing with me.”
The band is looking forward to their return to Bowling Green and the BSAF.
“This was one of our favorite fests of the year,” he said. “Everybody was so kind to us backstage. It was an incredible festival.”
Music festivals – where people come for a good time and to discover new music – are a great way for the band to share their music with new audiences.
“We can’t wait to bring it,” McDonald said. “I mean, this year will be better than ever. I’m telling you, the band is on fire and we’re excited to be back and we’re going to put on a great show for you guys.”
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Saturday’s Main Stage schedule:
- Sankofa Sounds, noon
- The Go Rounds, 1:30 p.m.
- Leadfoot Granny, 3 p.m.
- Shane Guerrette Band, 4:30 p.m.
- Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, 6:15p.m.
- Toronzo Cannon, 8 p.m.
- The Motet, 10 p.m.
