Organizers of the Empire Rockfest announced that it would be an all-Canadian line-up for this year’s event in July – Hedley will kick things off, followed by Blue Rodeo, Alan Doyle, Big Sugar, and Tom Cochrane.
“People have been asking for more Canadian over the years. This year we thought ‘let’s just do the whole nine yards’,” said Mark Rashotte, owner of the Empire Theatre, where Empire Rockfest will take place (The Intelligencer). “When you have the Canadian dollar where it is versus the US dollar it makes that decision a little easier but we have such a wealth of fabulous artists in this country and it’s just exciting to get them all here together,” he said. “Everybody knows everybody, they’re all friends. The nights will probably have some mash-ups going on so it’s really neat.”
Hedley will perform on the opening night of Empire Rockfest on Thursday, July 23rd, and the following night Blue Rodeo will take to the stage with Great Big Sea’s Doyle. Empire Rockfest runs July 23rd-25th.
Ticket prices vary depending on the night – Thursday prices are $45 dollars for general admission only (no seating), Friday is $55 for seated area and $35 for general admission, and Saturday night will cost $50 for seating and $30 for general admission. Visit their website for more info.
Photo: Blue Rodeo
