WINCHESTER, N.H. – (MyKeeneNow) As the skies darkened Saturday afternoon, the audience might have expected the worst. But what unfolded was an unforgettable display of resilience, talent, and community spirit at Wink Fest 2- hosted by Keene’s country music radio station, 98.7 WINK FM at Outlaw Brewing Company.

Despite Mother Nature’s fierce intervention, the festival proved to be a remarkable event where up-and-coming artists, including Jeremiah Bones and Josie Salvitti, showcased not just their musical prowess but also their compelling personal stories.

Jeremiah Bones, a Massachusetts native and Army veteran, is not your typical country artist. With no formal music training, he learned his first four chords on YouTube. His journey into music began in 2009 when he and his best friend (with whom he joined the Army) co-wrote what would be his first song. Amidst the rigors of military life, music became his solace. During basic training, singing helped him maintain his sanity, he said. It was a moment of hearing a song that he thought he knew, only to realize it didn’t exist, that inspired him to write music.

His first song, “Grief,” was penned a week after a fellow soldier committed suicide, marking the beginning of a profound and authentic songwriting journey. Jeremiah’s music reflects his deepest emotions and life experiences, from his time in the military to his struggles with mental health. This authenticity resonated deeply with the audience at Wink Fest, where Jeremiah and his band played twice, adapting seamlessly to the challenging conditions.

Jeremiah is also the founder of The Minus 22 Foundation, a non-profit aimed at supporting military families and addressing the alarming rate of veteran suicides. He’s working on a documentary film on the topic.

Jeremiah Bones performs at Wink Fest Saturday.

“I have no problem sharing my perspective over my own losses and struggles and being open and transparent,” he said. “If I’m not-everything I went through was for nothing.”

Josie Salvitti, at just 12 years old, is already making waves in the country music scene. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Josie’s love for music started when she was very young. She grew up listening to her grandfather’s country albums, which included legends like Johnny Cash.

Her first public performance was at age 10, in Florida, after a dare from her father. She sang “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I and stunned the audience of of about 75. This was just the beginning of her journey. Since then, she’s shared a mic with Lainey Wilson and in August of 2023, she sang “Save Me” with Jelly Roll at Star Lake Amphitheatre in her home state in front of 26,000. Videos of both events went viral, leading to Josie being contacted by “American Idol” and receiving VIP pass to go straight to Los Angeles when she is of age (15).

Her first single, “On My Way,” was recorded in Nashville and released in March. She is working on writing and recording her second song to be released around July 2024.

Despite the rain and the challenges it brought, Josie captivated the audience with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Accompanied by three-fifths of Lake Effect, Josie’s rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” was a highlight of the festival. Her songs “On My Way” (released as a single this year) and “Country Gold” (to be released later this year)reflect her personal experiences and love for storytelling.

The rain started just as Wink Fest began, turning into a deluge that flooded the grounds and rendered electrical equipment unusable. Despite this, the festival’s crew and artists adapted swiftly, utilizing a battery-operated PA system under a big white tent. In addition to Josie and Jeremiah, Samantha Rae performed an acoustic set while the last artist that was to take the stage, the band Cashwood, had to cancel their engagement.

The sense of community was palpable, with audience members braving the weather and more arriving as the day went on.

It was a testament to the power of music and community, something which Jeremiah bones believes in wholeheartedly.

“There’s something beautiful about standing in your loss and making beauty from the ashes,” he said. “I hope I can continue to do that through music and with everything I do. I want to give people hope and show them there’s a lot more to life.”

Check out some video of Saturday’s performances: