Southern Alberta’s biggest outdoor music event of the summer is just days away as the University celebrates its 50th anniversary with the Shine On Summer Music Festival.
Saturday’s event, from 12:30 to 11 p.m. at the U of L Community Stadium, features award-winning artists Dallas Smith, Corb Lund, Mother Mother, Virginia to Vegas, The Washboard Union, Trevor Panczak, Double Jack and DJ Millz Skillz.
In partnership with the ENMAX Centre, the City of Lethbridge and presenting sponsors Lethbridge Lodging Association and TD Meloche Monnex, the outdoor concert is a first for the University.
“You only turn 50 once and we wanted to do something special for our community,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “This is a great opportunity to see and use the Community Stadium as we never have before and I’m really excited to experience the atmosphere of an outdoor music festival on our campus.”
Tickets for the Shine On Summer Music Festival are priced at $75. Those with the special U of L code will be able to buy tickets for $65. Tickets for children 12-and-under are $49.50.
“The ENMAX Centre is excited to both be a partner and to celebrate with the University on its 50th anniversary with one of the largest outdoor festivals Lethbridge has seen,” says ENMAX Centre General Manager Kim Gallucci.
Following are the award-winning acts.
Dallas Smith
A platinum selling country music star, Smith has many JUNO and Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) nominations and awards. From Vancouver, he is the only Canadian male country artist to be at the top of the Country Airplay Chart for weeks at a time for his single “Wastin’ Gas.” Smith won the 2015 JUNO award for Country Album of the Year and was the CCMA Award winner for Album of the Year with LIFTED. Smith was Keith Urban’s invited special guest and direct support on the Canadian run of the “ripCORD World Tour 2016.”
Corb Lund
A native of southern Alberta, Lund has been singing about everything from loss and love to military songs for years. Lund’s album, Cabin Fever, hit No. 1 in Canada in its first week and made the Polaris Music Prize longlist that helped him gain a foothold in the United States. Miranda Lambert invited Lund to open several stadium shows for her and Dierks Bentley. Lund and his band, The Hurtin’ Albertans, have won a JUNO award and the CCMA named Lund Roots Artist of the Year for seven consecutive years from 2004 to 2010.
Mother Mother
With the world roiled by fear and division borne out of politics, economic uncertainty, and terrorism, perhaps there is no better time for the arrival of music underpinned by the belief that love wins. Into the maw of anxiety comes Vancouver’s indie synth-rock band Mother Mother and their new album No Culture, which posits that society uses negative byproducts of culture — such as narcissism, hedonism, and addiction — as a means to nurture its fears of the unknown. “If we can strip back the culture, or the masks, attitudes, and stories that feed our differences, and just connect as people we might be more united at a time where we really need to be,” says Mother Mother’s frontman, guitarist and lyricist Ryan Guldemond.
Virginia to Vegas
Derik Baker is the 24-year-old wunderkind hailing from small-town Ontario. Raised on his parents’ record collection and cutting his teeth at a young age writing songs for a variety of pop artists, Derik was discovered by Canadian indie label Wax Records in 2013. Upon releasing his debut single “We Are Stars ft. Alyssa Reid” in January of 2014, Derik’s music instantly connected with fans across Canada, topping radio charts and becoming Gold certified in a mere 12 weeks. This whirlwind year has seen him travel the continent, shooting his music videos in Las Vegas and New York, sharing the arena stage with Alyssa Reid and Hedley, and performing on the 2014 MMVA’s. Following this early success with his debut EP Volume 1, his second single “Don’t Fight The Music” and his brand new track “Our Story”, Virginia To Vegas has arrived and is ready to shoot for the stars.
The Washboard Union
A relatively new band on the country music scene, The Washboard Union were five-time Country Music Award winners in 2016. Based in Vancouver, The Washboard Union won both the Rising Star and Roots Artist of the Year awards at the CCMA. They have shared the stage with stars like Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Dwight Yoakam and more.
Trevor Panczak
There’s just something honest, compelling and immediately likeable about Trevor Panczak and his music. With a refreshing authenticity that is increasingly rare to find, the Alberta-based country recording artist writes, interprets and records songs that speak to one’s heart in a way that is simple, soulful and with an appeal to a broad array of music fans. Whether singing original compositions or recording those of other writers, Trevor is able to take ownership of the song, his vocal performance grabbing hold of the listener’s attention, evoking memories and emotions born out of a life that has seen its tragedies and triumphs.
Double Jack
Started in 2003, they have released two albums, One Chance and Deuces Wild, and a four-song EP. Straight up rock-and-roll is their sound, with great harmonies and an aggressive fun stage presence. Currently recording their third album, Full Disclosure, they intend on booking larger venues and concentrating on only playing their original music while producing and delivering a polished and exciting stage show.
Millz Skillz
A DJ bass enthusiast with a versatile mix history, dishing out a balance between nostalgia and new age fire.
For those who attend the Shine On Summer Music Festival, parking at the U of L Community Stadium is not permitted, unless with a valid accessible parking permit. Free parking is available on the main campus; paved, lit paths lead to the stadium, which is a pleasant 10-minute walk.