One only needs to take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront in Windsor, Ontario to understand why it is such a popular venue to host various festivals and events. The beautiful sculptures and gardens, the paved walkways and bike paths, and the terrific view of the Detroit skyline all help to make this location so attractive. For years the Riverfront Plaza has been the home to such popular events as Blues Fest International, Festival Epicure, and Summer Fest.
With a newly renovated stage and grounds costing over $3 million, the Riverfront Plaza is set to kick the 2011 summer season off with a bang by hosting the Great Canadian Beaverfest, June 3-5. This rock music festival will feature some of the biggest names in Canadian music as well as some new artists and local talent. With a strong lineup, this year's event is expected to draw large crowds.
The Performers
The Friday-night lineup will feature Seven Year Riot, Tim Chaisson and Morning Fold, Dean Lickyer, Danko Jones, and will be highlighted by both The Trews and Finger Eleven.
Hailing from Nova Scotia, The Trews burst onto the music scene in 2005 with their album Den of Thieves, which featured the singles, "So She's Leaving" and "Poor Ol' Broken Hearted Me". Some of their other hits include "Hold Me In Your Arms", "Can't Stop Laughing", "Man of Two Minds", and "Highway of Heroes". Their latest album, Hope and Ruin, was just released this past April.
Finger Eleven has been around for nearly two decades, and they have gained success not only in Canada, but throughout the United States as well. Their 2003 single "One Thing" was extremely popular on both sides of the border and their hit "Paralyzer" was featured in video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero: Modern Hits.
Saturday's performers will be Jody Raffoul, The Classixs, McLordz and Sauce Funky, Ashes of Soma, Crash Karma, and Default.
Ashes of Soma are originally from Windsor, and have gained some success throughout Canada with their single "Emancipate". Crash Karma features former members of Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party, and I Mother Earth. Their 2010 self-titled album featured the hit single "Awake".
Default is an alternative rock band from Vancouver, which has released four studio albums since 2001. Like Finger Eleven, they have also gained popularity throughout the United States thanks to hits like "Wasting My Time", "Deny", and "Count On Me".
Beaverfest will conclude Sunday evening with performances by Keshia Chante, Shawn Desman, and Fefe Dobson. Keshia Chante has released two solo albums and won a Juno Award in 2005 for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. Her hits include "Shook (The Answer)", "Bad Boy", and "Does He Love Me?"
Shawn Desman is an R&B singer from Toronto and has released three albums since 2002. He is probably best known throughout Canada for his hit singles "Shook" and "Get Ready".
FeFe Dobson was a breakout in 2005 with the release of her self-titled debut album. She received Juno nominations for Pop Album of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Her latest singles, "Stuttering" and "Ghost", have been receiving a lot of airplay on Much Music television.
It's Not Just About the Music
While the Great Canadian Beaverfest will pride itself on its musical talent, there will be plenty of other things to do away from the main stage. A beer tent will be set up for those over the age of 19, a side stage will feature talented musicians from the Windsor area throughout the weekend, and many vendors will be set up to sell merchandise, food, and drinks.
The event is set to go rain or shine, but no matter what the weather is like, this should be the beginning of a great summer in Windsor, Ontario.
Sources
- Finger Eleven official website.
- The Trews Music website.
- Default online website.
- Shawn Desman official website.
- Fefe Dobson official website.
Jason Caravaggio - I am a university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education degree. Currently I am working two ...
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