MANITOULIN—Little Current’s Flat Rock Entertainment Centre will be one hopping place this August as Rockin’ the Rock and Manitoulin Country Fest are slated to return with a vengeance. Unfortunately, if you waited this long to get your tickets, you have missed the early bird pricing. Tickets went up on Monday, May 1.
“We are really excited about the lineups at this year’s events,” said promoter KT Timmermans, who along with husband Craig founded the two music festivals more than a decade-and-a-half ago. “The lineup for Rockin’ the Rock is completely done and there are still a couple of acts in negotiation for Country Fest.”
One of the big changes this year is ticketing. “Tickets are all purchased online this year,” said Ms. Timmermans, who noted that challenges in staffing in recent years had led to the need for the change. “Those looking for camping should contact us directly.” Camping information and booking can be done by contacting Ms. Timmermans through email at KT@manitoulin.net.
First up on the musical agenda is Rockin’ the Rock, which takes place this year on Friday, August 11 and Saturday, August 12. MCF takes place this year on the weekend of August 17, 18 and 19.
Also returning this year is the popular Rockin’ the Rock Cruise on Thursday, August 10, with this year’s performing rock band being the Sudbury phenomenon Pop Machine. This group composed of five diverse young members are pursuing the goal of bringing classic rock to a younger generation. Pop Machine will be the opening act at Rockin’ the Rock on Friday evening as well.
The tour boards at 6:30 pm with barbecue hamburgers and sausages being served with side Caesar salad, but only if pre-ordered during the booking process. The bar aboard the Grand Heron accepts cash, debit and credit card.
The MCF Cruise for a Cause is also back this year. Events begin at 5 pm on August 16 with dinner being served on shore at the Rendezvous Pavilion. Afterwards, diners will board the Grand Heron to enjoy a performing artist against the stunning backdrop of the North Channel.
On August 18, the Songwriters’ Showcase will start at 11 am and run for 2.5 hours as talented artists entertain with their songs and the stories of how those songs were created.
This year’s Rockin’ the Rock lineup consists of the aforementioned Pop Machine opening on Friday, followed by Haywire, SAGA and Carole Pope and Rough Trade. Saturday will feature Aldo Nova, The Stampeders, Toronto and Railroad Steele.
So far confirmed for MCF are High Valley, Jojo Mason and one artist to be named on Thursday, August 17; Dean Brody, Thompson Square, Nate Haller, Genevieve Fisher and an artist to be named on Friday, August 18, and Sawyer Brown, The Hunter Brothers, Chad Brownlee and four artists to be named.
Tickets for Rockin’ the Rock and MCF can be purchased at www.eventbrite.ca.
