Home »
Memories linger after Rock the Kootenays
By Andrew Mayes
The third Rock the Kootenays has come and gone, but the memories will last.
Shade and hydration of choice was the name of the game under blue skies and hot sun.
Thanks to Cranbrook city staff and volunteers, the event went smoothly and safely.
SATURDAY
Following the opener, Five Man Electrical Band, Montreal’s Men Without Hats (pictured above) brought us back to all the fun of 1981. Ivan Doroschuk obviously had fun as he dance and struck poses. They performed classic hits such as “Pop Goes the World” and “Safety Dance,” and as well their infectious new release “I Love the ‘80s.”
The Trews (pictured above) followed with a dynamic set. Fans who had not made their way to the stage for a close up view still had special moments when the entire band went into the audience far from the stage to have a sing along. Guitarist John-Angus MacDonald even commandeered a chair to perform a special solo.
54-40 (pictured above) closed out the night rocking and rolling to everyone’s delight. Fans got a special treat when The Trews joined them on stage to close out the night for Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and their hit “Love You All.”
SUNDAY
Opener Haywire scored extra fans by throwing out their branded can cozies to the audience.
Filling the bill for Saga who had to cancel due to lead singer Michael Sadler’s illness was B.C.’s own Aaron Pritchett (pictured above). While Aaron admitted to having some nervousness bringing his country music to a classic rock festival, it was evident that the crowd enjoyed his set. There were even couples dancing to his set.
The audience was treated to a multi-song/multi-genre closing number that the audience obviously loved based on their response. No one could have predicted a country performer would slip in some Beastie Boys into a set.
Sweet followed with their glam rock style that had all the trappings of that era: blistering guitar licks, a long drum solo complete with banging a large gong and, of course, a cow bell.
Headliner Colin James did not disappoint with his blend of blues, rock and soul featuring his electrifying guitar work.
Lead image: In the spirit – a group of festival-goers dipped back to the 1980s in their fashion and attitudes. Photos by Andrew Mayes
e-KNOW
