Although it may be hard to believe with all the snow still left on the ground, it is officially the time of year for summer music festival lineups to be released.
For the seventh year in a row, FredRock, one of Fredericton’s home grown music festivals, will be bringing in some of Canada’s most talented recording artists to the capital city.
“We’re very excited for this year’s lineup,” says Nick Zildjian, co-founder and producer of FredRock. “We feel this year will be a very special one, great mix of talent, and something for everyone.”
Headlining the Saturday portion of this year’s festival is world renowned Canadian country music legends Blue Rodeo, who are playing their first Fredericton show in more than a decade.
“[Blue Rodeo] are such a staple in Canadian Music,” says Zildjian. “We could not be happier to have them fill the city with their sound.”
Opening the festival on Saturday is East Coast Love Story from Moncton, who are this year’s FredRock Band to Watch. Also performing on Saturday are multi-award winning folk-pop ensemble Hey Rosetta! from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Juno award nominated alternative indie band The Wooden Sky from Toronto.
Nova Scotia’s crown jewel, the Joel Plaskett Emergency, and the Ontario hard rockers Monster Truck will be co-headlining the FredRock stage on Friday night. Accompanying them are roots-rock band The Stanfields from Halifax. The aggressive folk quintet won two East Coast Music Awards in 2013, Group Recording of the Year for their album Death and Taxes (2012) and Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year.
After changing venues from the Fredericton Loyalists Rugby Club in 2014, FredRock will once again be held downtown in the historic garrison district July 17 to 18.
“Following the great success of the venue change last year to the City Hall Grounds, there will not be many changes,” Zildjian says. “Just a few improvements, which is always the case.”
There remains two acts to be announced in the near future to complete the festival lineup. Advanced Early Bird passes are on sale for $79.99 until April 17.
