Jumpin’ on George
There is a lot to look forward to at this year’s annual downtown event
The George Street Festival, one of St. John’s’ largest music events, is gearing up for its 33rd year. The seven-day musical extravaganza will run from July 27-Aug. 2.
The George Street Festival, one of St. John’s’ largest music events, is gearing up for its 33rd year.
The seven-day musical extravaganza occurs annually during the week leading up to the Royal St. John’s Regatta. This year’s festival will run from July 27-Aug. 2.
The walking street, populated by highly frequented bars and clubs, will be closed to the public after 5 p.m. during the week of the festival.
Each night of the festival will generally present three different acts. As in previous years, the festival will include nights dedicated to different types of music, with Friday night featuring classic rock, Saturday the ever-popular “kitchen party” and Sunday night paying tribute to some of the great rock bands of the 20th and 21st centuries.
“We always try to get a good variety of acts,” says festival executive director Joella Lomond. “We like to highlight all the music interests our patrons will have.”
This year’s festival will see the return of fan favourites such as the Sam Roberts Band and Blue Rodeo, and the return of Chilliwack.
The George Street Festival works to make itself accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone with a disability planning to attend the festival will be entitled to an attendant pass with his or her ticket. Festival organizers have also taken care to ensure that anyone with a disability attending all or part of the festival will have the option to watch from an area with a good view of the performances.
Ticket sales continue to increase as the opening night of the festival draws closer, likely aided by the good weather being experienced the past week and forecast to continue leading up to the festival.
Lots of walk-up ticket sales are also expected during the week of the event, which has, in the past, caught the attention of locals and tourists.
Attendees can look forward not only to a variety of musical acts, but also to sampling stations being hosted by different festival sponsors.
The George Street Festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of ages and musical interests, something it has done successfully over the three decades of its existence.
The night doesn’t end when the live music does. The George Street Festival is one of only a few live music festivals to host a street party each night. The party starts at 11 p.m. and ticket holders are allowed to remain on George Street until 3 a.m.
“We like to think of it as a party with 9,000 of your closest friends,” Lomond says.
Tickets prices for the George Street Festival vary by concert. Seven-day festival passes are available for $150 and can be purchased in advance online at http://georgestreetlive.ca/tickets/ or at participating North Atlantic Orange Stores. Tickets to attend after 11 p.m. will also be available for purchase for $15 in advance or $20 the day of. Ticket booths open at 2 p.m. for day-of walk-up tickets.