The BBQ report
Chuck Teed serves up music in our own backyards.
That '80s fest
Pull out those spandex pants Saint Johners, it's time for a trip down memory lane.
The lineup for Pop Goes The City was announced at The Blue Olive June 16, and some of Canada's best loved '80s artists are heading to town to rock nostalgic. The three day event "" which will take place in a tented are outside the Blue Olive "" kicks off with a headline performance by P.E.I. rockers Haywire August 21, and will also feature sets by The Box, The Spoons and Blue Peter over the course of the weekend.
Promoter Jeff Liberty encourages everyone to dress up for the occasion.
"We wanted to put together a decade of decadence, where people would dress in the attire and get into these great bands that haven't been here in 15 or 20 years," says Liberty. "The lineup has everything from the big hair and guitars of Haywire to the great romantic pop of the Spoons, The Box and Blue Peter. It's good." The bill will also feature a slew of cover and tribute bands that will play a wide assortment of '80s favourites. Eleven retro acts are confirmed for the festival thus far, and Liberty says the response has been great.
"A lot of people are really excited about the bands, and the event itself," he says. "Obviously the bands are a draw, but the whole event is something people can look forward to. They can dress up, get lost in the '80s, and make a real weekend of it." Liberty is also hoping to make this an annual event. Noting the success of similar ventures elsewhere"" events like Retrofest (UK) and Rocklahoma (United States) draw thousands of fans each year "" Liberty believes if he build a successful '80s weekend, people will come.
"We really want it to grow, and see the potential in it," he says. "We're being realistic, and if we can make it grow, maybe next year we can bring in the Cyndi Laupers, Duran Duran, anyone who was a part of that decade. We'd like it to be a tradition in Saint John, because it's really unique to our area."
Random notes
Paper Lions (or the band formerly known as Chucky Danger) are heading through the Maritimes this weekend, with scheduled stops at The Capital (Fredericton) and Elwoods (Saint John) June 27 and 28.
Quebec death metal masters Martyr perform at the Paramount Lounge (Moncton) with local acts Dischord and Rebecca's Grave June 27. The quartet is currently on tour in support of their 2006 CD Feeding The Abscess, and recently release a live DVD Havoc In Quebec City. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Fredericton's Koak will tour around the Maritimes this summer, including stops at the Capital July 3 and A Khord (Saint John) July 7. The indie songwriter recently released his debut album Morningtime Stumble on Halifax-based label Delorean Records.
And if you're looking to head out of town in July, you should consider checking out SummerSonic, taking place at Halifax's Citadel Hill July 19 and 20. The lineup includes 10 of the country's hottest acts, including City and Colour, The Weakerthans, Tokyo Police Club, Stars, and Wintersleep, among others. Tickets are $39.50 per day, or $69.50 for a two day pass. I don't usually condone leaving New Brunswick for any reason, but this lineup is really hot, and we all need to take a vacation once in a while. Might as well make it a musical one, right?
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