There is a little something for everyone at the East Coast Garden Party. Whether there's a rock and roll or country fan in your family, everyone will be pleased to hear that there are some big names coming to town. Kicking off Friday, Aug.
There is a little something for everyone at the East Coast Garden Party.
Whether there's a rock and roll or country fan in your family, everyone will be pleased to hear that there are some big names coming to town.
Kicking off Friday, Aug. 11, at the Cold Lake Energy Centre is a band that's familiar to these parts.
Finger Eleven has performed in Cold Lake before, and lead guitarist James Black looks forward to doing so again.
"We always have a good time there," he said. "It's off the beaten path. Those kinds of places you don't get to go to as much as you would like to. When the opportunity comes, you definitely want to jump at the chance."
The band will be part of the two-day show, featuring artists such as Classified, the Sheepdogs, the Washboard Union, and TJ Ruckus.
But, the bands aren't the only thing families have to look forward to, explained Justin Elliot, organizer of the East Coast Garden Party.
"We have stuff for the kids to do. We have bouncy castles, some midway rides, there is a lot of stuff... it's like a little fair," he exclaimed.
Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent, a feature that Elliot believes is sure to draw a large crowd.
"One thing I can say, about the people around the Cold Lake area, is when you go into a city function there, it's just the best atmosphere I have ever seen," he said.
The event features a stage that is split in half.
In most cases, outdoor concerts have a no drinking area at the front or the back of the venue. For the East Coast Garden Party, one-half of the stage is for those drinking, while the other half is family-friendly.
"That's one of the unique things about our festival," said Elliot.
This is the first time the event is being hosted in Cold Lake.
As a travelling music festival, Elliot said they get requests from communities all across Alberta, but they chose Cold Lake because of the atmosphere and the location.
Black promises Finger Eleven will give residents a high-energy with a touch of rock and roll "swagger."
"The way we're touring this summer, we're not doing as many gigs, but the ones that we are doing have way more energy... It's perfect," he expressed. "It's going to be the best of Finger Eleven. It's going to be nice, upbeat, and us just doing what we do, which is high-energy rock."
For country fans, the TJ Ruckus band will also be taking the stage on Friday.
"We come with a mix of country and rock, we have our own sound that we're developing as we add musicians and continue to evolve," Brad Lynch, lead vocalist for TJ Ruckus said.
What he loves most about being a part of the East Coast Garden Party tour is that there is something for everyone.
"There's a little bit for everybody. Regardless of your musical taste, there is music that's going to cater to everybody's ear. There are bouncy castles, rides, music... it's about everybody."
Black recommends bringing the whole family, because you never know when someone will become inspired to start their own musical journey.
It was through concerts like this one that he found his passion for performing. It was that first taste that started him on his journey to Finger Eleven.
"The environment of the concert is just as exciting to me as the concert itself and performing," he described. "It's fun for the whole family. It sticks with you forever."
