First Annual Rock the Park Music Festival Success!

The new Parksville Outdoor Theatre was put to the test this past weekend with the first annual Mid Island Coop Rock the Park Music Festival. Hosted by Parksville Beach Festival Society, this new three-day ticketed event attracted daily crowds ranging from 1500 to 4000 and helped raise funds to offset expenses for theatre operations.

The Society partnered with the McMillan Arts Centre for ticket sales and concert goers received wrist bands designating daily access to the corner of Parksville Community Park where the beautifully designed theatre now resides. Entertainment Director and festival organizer, Lloyd Derry, aimed for an affordable event with a variety of performers covering hits from the 50s to present day. “The talent pool on Vancouver Island and throughout our province is diverse. Knowing what concert-goers enjoy in our community is critical when inviting bands to our community.” Derry has been organizing music in the park for many years and selected tribute artists with rave reviews and perennial local favorites residing on Vancouver Island.

Festival volunteers received positive feedback throughout the weekend about the quality of the theatre, the sound and the bands. “Musicians and band managers were so impressed with the new venue, calling it ‘world class’ and promising to spread the word”, says Derry. “Concert goers really enjoyed the setting and the entertainment. We will have plenty of demand for the facility now that it is a proven success and word is getting out”, commented Derry.

The festival ended with Zach Stevenson’s superb tribute to Buddy Holly and when the crowd demanded an encore, Stevenson did not disappoint. Stevenson has taken his talent to Chicago where he performs regularly and receives rave reviews.  “We were honoured to end our festival with “the local boy”, said Derry,” we knew he would capture everyone’s hearts and leave them wanting more.”

The Society will take stock of the festival’s results and determine plans for hosting future events. “Raising funds will be a constant goal in order to maintain affordable ticketed events as well as free events,” says Derry. We invite people who wish to help us host quality events to get in touch with us”.  For more information about Parksville Beach Festival Society and their events, see www.parksvillebeachfest.ca

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Contact:

Cheryl Dill 250.954.8262

List of performers:

August 5:
2:45 pm: Kenny & The Cruisers
4:30 pm: Triple Shot: 70’s, 80’s & 90’s Rock
7:00 pm: Classic Ronstadt: Linda Ronstadt Tribute

August 6:
12:00 pm: The Apollos: Rock, Blues, Country & R&B
1:45 pm: Johnny Inappropriate: Dance Rock Cover Band
3:45 pm: Dreams The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
5:45 pm: Eagle Eyes: Eagles Tribute
7:45 pm: The Fab Fourever: Beatles Tribute

August 7:
12:00 pm: Younger Than Yesterday: 60’s Rock
2:00 pm: Time Well Wasted: Classic Rock, Funk, R&B
4:00 pm: Time Benders: Stars of the last 60 years
6:00 pm: Zach Stevenson: Buddy Holly Tribute