The biggest country music festival in the Fraser Valley kicks off Thursday, Aug. 9 at Mission Raceway Park with the Rockin’ River Musicfest.
Headlining this year’s show are superstars like Randy Bachman, George Canyon, Dwight Yoakam and Blue Rodeo.
The legendary Randy Bachman is always a fan favourite. The veteran rock and roller has been in the music industry for more than four decades, beginning with The Guess Who. The talented singer, songwriter, performer and producer has over 110 gold and platinum albums/single awards from around the world.
Nove Scotia-born George Canyon rose to fame in 2004 on USA Network’s Nashville Star. Now with two Junos and a handful of Canadian Country Music Awards, Canyon is doing what he loves. He has sold over 300,000 albums and is using his influences to support Canadian troops in Afghanistan and find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
Yoakam is a Kentucky native who has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. He has 12 gold and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums. Yoakam also has two Grammys in his collection.
Blue Rodeo is arguably Canada’s most popular roots rock band, and has become a favourite to see live. Blue Rodeo emerged in the 1980s and has won numerous accolades and awards, including seven Junos and a key to Toronto (the band’s hometown).
Other acts in the weekend lineup include Vancouver’s Ridley Bent, Pitt Meadow’s Aaron Pritchett, 2010 Canadian Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Victoria Banks, and Mission favourite Kenny Hess.
“This year’s Rockin’ River is easily the biggest and best we’ve ever put together,” said Hess, the festival’s organizer and one of its performers. “The talent Rockin’ River Fest has this year promises festival-goers one of the best times they’ll have all year.”
Tickets for the pre-festival party on Thursday are $35, and general admission for single-day tickets is $85 on Friday and Saturday. A three-day pass is $155. Reserved seating tickets range from $105 to $120 for one day and $175 to $210 for a three-day pass.
Camping is available.
For camping rates and further festival information, visit rockinriverfest.com or call the Rockin’ River hotline at 604-733-2235.