Summer Music Preview – Part 2

In case you missed it, you can check out part 1 over here

August 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Sappy Fest,  Sackville, NB.  www.sappyfest.com

Lineup – Constantines, Moon, The Olympic Symphonium + more

Sappyfest is a going to be one of those shows that people hit up for a specific act but end up sticking around due to another.  Without a clear headliner (not that it matters) this festival is designed for the little guy.  With so much else going on during this same weekend, it’s a tough sell, but those who attend might find a nice diamond in the rough.

Verdict – If you’re traveling, both New Glasgow and Sydney seem to have better options, but if you end up at Sappyfest you’ll at least be intrigued by the acts.

August 1st & 2nd – Concerts On The Dock, Sydney NS  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Concerts-on-the-Dock/1491570337740871

Lineup – Allan Doyle, Blue Rodeo, ELO + more

In keeping up the idea of infusing local East Coast talent with North American legends, the Concerts On The Dock series has once again put together a solid lineup.  Allan Doyle (of Great Big Sea) pops up once again in a summer festival and along with Four Men in a Tub, Carleton Stone (crazy talented up and coming act) and Canadian icons Blue Rodeo make up the first evening of the weekend.  If that wasn’t enough to entice you the second night features another crop of young and old.  Highway 125 and Dylan Guthro (Bruce Guthro’s son) kick the evening off in grand fashion bringing a loaded blend of blues and rock to the stage while Bruce Guthro and ELO bat cleanup and show the young guys what it takes to carve out a career in the music industry.  Tickets are sold individually ($55 per night) or as a two night pass ($88 for the double bill).

Verdict – Bruce Guthro, Carleton Stone, Allan Doyle and Blue Rodeo are all world class acts that put on one hell of a show.  This will be one entertaining weekend.

August 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Jubilee Festival, NewGlasgow, NS www.jubilee.ns.ca

Lineup – Sam Roberts, Steven Page, Danko Jones + more

It appears that this is the East Coast Summer of Sam, as Sam Roberts make another appearance on the Maritime festival scene.  Steven Page (ex-front-man of the Barenaked Ladies) makes a return to the East Coast and if you haven’t had the chance to see him yet do yourself a favor and make it happen.  Page doesn’t just sing for you, he is also one hell of an entertainer.  For all of the rockers out there, Danko Jones and Crash Karma will be performing while local sensations Mo Kenny and site favorite Adam Baldwin also take to the stage.  At a measly $70 for a weekend pass it’s a great deal.

Verdict – The Jubilee Festival comes through once again.  This should prove to be a fun filled musical weekend.

August 8th, 9th & 10th – Dutch Mason Blues Festival, Truro Raceway, Truro NS    www.dutchmason.com/festival/sandbox/

Lineup – Monster Truck, James Cotton, David Wilcox + more

For the 10th anniversary of the Dutch Mason Blues Festival the organizers have once again put together a stellar lineup.  If you’re looking for world class rockin’ blues this is the only place to be.  By combining top notch blues acts with after hours partying and top notch bbq’ing, the Truro Raceway is sure to be one hell of a party and with a weekend pass coming in at $125.00 it’s safe to say that it’s well worth the money.

Verdict – I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t come away from this festival blown away…..if you’re looking to rock out with the blues, and don’t want to only end up having the blues then make sure you take in the fest.

August 22nd & 23rd – Fredrock, Fredericton NB http://fredrockfest.com

Lineup – The Trews, Billy Talent, Alert The Medic + more

Fredrock has spent the past few years becoming one of the more popular outdoor shows to hit the East Coast.  Thanks to past artists such as Matthew Good, The Sheepdogs, Awolnation and City & Colour it’s easy to see why.  However it seems as though there was some sort of a snag this year.  We had a change of venue (moving from the Loyalist Rugby Field across the bridge to the city centre) and had to wait for what seemed like an eternity for an act to be announced.  As of now the weekend is filled with Canadian acts that usually tour around the country annually.  Early bird tickets are only $99 until July 4th and then go up from there.

Verdict – Sure The Trews and Billy Talent are nice acts, but fall short of what we’ve all come to expect from this annual weekend festival.  Save yourself the $99 and hang tight until the Harvest Jazz & Blues hit the area two weeks afterwards.

August 23rd – Weir Rockin, Middle Sackville, NS  www.weirrockin.com

Lineup – Colin James, Rik Emmett & Ten Mile House

Over the years Weir Rockin has been both stellar and absolutely unlistenable.  The 2014 edition falls somewhere in between.  You might not recognize the name Rik Emmett until we point out that he did play for Canadian classic rockers Triumph (again this can be hit or miss depending on who’s listening) and Ten Mile House can be heard tearing up your favourite singles from the 80’s & 90’s throughout the HRM.  But it’s Colin James that really makes this afternoon worth while.  With a knack for writing a catchy blues/rock riff and the ability to hang with any guitarist out there, you’re sure to be impressed by this performance.  The best part is that this event is one day, falls on a Saturday, begins early in the evening and is only going to run you $33.00 (plus beer….but that’s just assumed).  

Verdict – If the bus is running and you’re kicking around, it’s a safe bet that you’ll at least be entertained.

Sept 9th – 14th – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Fredericton NB  www.harvestjazzandblues.com

Lineup – Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Joel Plaskett, moe. + more

Don’t let the name fool you as this festival is also filled with folk, pop and rock acts from all over.  My first experience at this festival was last year and to say I was impressed is an understatement.  Multiple tents are set up all over the downtown core and are very easy to navigate back and forth.  The streets are littered with food trucks (easy access to a quick bite), up and coming musicians who weren’t able to get access as performers for the festival, and a healthy dose of buskers daily.  Ticket packages have an  wide assortment of options, which allow for the concert goer to truly customize their experience, which is a great thing because the lineup is so diverse and extensive that I can’t even begin to get into it.

Verdict – There is no question that you can’t miss with this festival and you must go take in some great blues music.  Do it, do it, do it!

Sept 12th – Cape Fest, Sydney NS                                                 www.capefest.com

Lineup – Aerosmith, Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, The Trews & Slowcoaster

How the organizers were able to lure massive rock acts Aerosmith & Slash to Cape Breton Island, without playing any other gigs between there and Ontario is a mystery to me but one that deserves massive applause.  Some would argue that this show could go down as event of the season (and what a way to end the season).  Both Aerosmith and Slash are world class acts that have spent well over the past 20 years filling stadiums and fields on every single continent.  Toss in some homegrown local acts Slowcoaster and The Trews, and you have yourself one heck of a diverse lineup which is sure to leave the rock gods pleading for more.  Tickets begin at $119 and gold passes go for $199.

Verdict – Unless you hate everything about guitars and rock music and have to babysit a small newborn infant, this is a show that is not to be missed.  For those about to rock, we salute you!

About the author

Jeff

Jeff is one-fourth of the group that makes up HAFILAX. His usual ramblings can be read right here on the website. If reading isn't your thing, he also hosts the Basement Tapes podcast.

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