A car crash in Miami County claimed the life of her dad, Dan Hasting, critically injured her mom Libbee and left the Springfield native to deal with a range of emotions.
“We’ve been letting our faith carry us. Faith without action isn’t faith. My dad was a man of God and he taught us to move forward,” she said.
Hasting and Co. will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Clark County Fair where the new song “American Love” will debut and footage for a video will be shot at the concert and around the fair.
Anyone with paid admission to the fair can attend the concert.
CLARK COUNTY FAIR IN PHOTOS
PHOTO GALLERY: 2018 Clark County Fair Opening Day
PHOTO GALLERY: 2018 Clark County Fair Day 2
PHOTO GALLERY: 2018 Clark County Fair Day 3
PHOTO GALLERY: 2018 Clark County Fair Day 4
Performing, writing, recording and building the band in Nashville over the last several years, Hasting and band mate Josh Beale had gotten to where they’d hoped to be and this summer was proving the next step up.
“We’re the best we’ve ever been musically. We are hitting on who we are, we’ve toured with the best artists who we’ve learned from and found a solidity with our shows,” said Hasting, a 2006 Northwestern High School graduate.
The tragic news has her questioning what will happen in the long run, but she’s finding guidance in her father’s spirit.
“My dad was the hardest worker I’d met and anyone who knew him knew the last thing he’d want is sadness and the opposite of honoring him would be to not go on,” Hasting said.
That especially meant keeping the commitment to perform at the fair. She grew up there in programs like 4-H and Dan and Libbee were active there too.
“If one thing represents who my parents are it’s the fair,” said Hasting. “My mom loves Clark County; she has a servant’s heart.”
MORE CLARK COUNTY FAIR COVERAGE
»Clark County Fair entertainment combines new, favorite acts
»4-Hers celebrate Clark County bicentennial in booths, barns
Clark County Fair executive director Dean Blair acknowledged the Hastings’ dedication to the fair and is grateful Hasting and Co. will perform.
Singer/songwriter Madeline McDonald will open the show at 7:30 p.m. with an acoustic set. Hasting and Co. will play a short set and perform “American Love” several times for the video shoot.
Attendees who wish to be part of the video can acquire wristbands beginning at 7 p.m. and are requested to wear red, white and blue.
Further filming for the video will be on Thursday around the fair. The video will be released sometime this autumn, as will the “American Love” single.
The group chose to change its name from the Kate Hasting Band to Hasting and Co. in the spring to reflect her partnership with Beale and it also honors her parents.
“We owe where we’re at largely to my parents’ belief in this project,” she said.
Hasting admits she’s still coming to grips with things, but is taking it day by day. The outpouring of support from fans has been huge.
Libbee, a Northwestern Local School District board member, had surgery on Monday at Miami Valley Hospital and was in stable condition afterward, which is another step.
As there hasn’t been a memorial for Dan yet, Hasting said the concert can be a tribute until then.
“I want as many people as possible to come out and we can heal together and honor him,” she said.
HOW TO GO
What: Hasting & Co.
Where: Clark County Fair,
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25
Admission: free with paid fair admission
More info: https://clarkcoag.com/
About the Author