IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A version of article was originally published by ThoroldToday on April 5.
Spring has just sprung but the City is already gearing up for another edition of Rock ‘N Blues on the Battlefield during the Canada Day long weekend.
Bob Liddycoat, who helps organize the event, is certainly counting down the days.
“It is a lot of work, a lot more than people would understand,” Liddycoat says, in an interview with ThoroldToday. “But it's all good at the end of the day. You know we've always had great shows and so when that happens it feels better.”
This year’s Canada Day festivities will take place at Battle of Beaverdams Park, across three days.
On, Saturday June 29, TD Niagara Jazz will put on a day of world music and on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1, Rock ’N Blues on the Battlefield will take over the park.
“On Sunday, we’ve got four of the best blues bands in Canada and on Monday we've got three of the best rock bands in Canada,” says Liddycoat.
Rock ’N Blues on the Battlefield grew out of the Canal Bank Shuffle, which was a Thorold mainstay for 19 years.
“Back in 2002 we just thought Thorold would be the ideal place because we had lots of venues available in those days,” Liddycoat says. “So the Shuffle was the idea to have 10 or 12 venues going and people could go from venue to venue and see different bands.”
During the pandemic, the Canal Bank Shuffle shut down, and after main organizer Tim Sinnett passed away, the future seemed uncertain for a moment.
Luckily, the city stepped in and Rock ’N Blues on the Battlefield was born.
“The city decided to keep the reputation alive that we built because Thorold is very well known across North America for that festival,” Liddycoat says. “I'm in Florida now and I tell you, I can't believe the number of blues bands that come up to me and know Thorold, either played there or want to play there.”
Last year’s edition of the festival got rained out, which is why the City is taking some extra precautions this year.
“Unfortunately, a little bit of rain kept a lot of people away which is disappointing because it wasn't very heavy,” says Liddcoat. “We have lots of tents so there's lots of room for people to come and stay out of the rain if it happens again. The weather is very tough so we would urge people to come regardless.”
Some of the bands booked for this year’s festivities include Vinyl Flux, The Figure Four, Steve Marriner & Local Electric and Juno Award winner Derek Miller.
“It's a ton of fun because we have really lined up some of the best musicians in Canada and some of the best rock bands in the area,” Liddycoat says. “These guys are all-star bands.”
Rock ’N Blues on the Battlefield will take place on on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1 at Battle of Beaverdams Park.
Sunday, June 30
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Waterstreet Band
Waterstreet Blues Band delivers original modern blues with a rockin’ party groove - and a side order of Louisiana Spice!
They've performed at every major blues festival in Ontario such as Kitchener Blues, Southside Shuffle, West Coast Blues, Lighthouse Blues, Orangeville Blues & Jazz and more.
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Andre´ Bisson Band
Andre´ Bisson is bringing a six-piece band to Thorold. With a career that spans over 20 years, his musical resume includes 10 studio albums, countless awards, and sold out shows across Canada, US, UK, and Europe. Thorold’s enthusiastic reaction to their previous Rock N Blues appearance earned them a return visit this year.
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Steve Marriner & Local Electric
Steve Marriner is bringing and All-Star band to Thorold showcasing no less than five of Canada's premiere performers! Marriner, vocals, harp, guitar is a member of the Colin James Band and front man for MonkeyJunk. Steve is a Juno Winner and has 7 Maple Blues Awards.
8 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Derek Miller
Multiple Juno Winner Derek Miller and his trio will rock the stage to finish out day one of Rock N Blues on the Battlefield. Miller from Six Nations has unique take on roots rock, and soul-stirring blues. He is a force of musical nature.
Monday July 1
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Orangeman
New to the Thorold stage Orangeman is no stranger to Southern Ontario. They have been a fixture on the Greater Toronto and Southern Ontario club circuit since their inception in Sept. 2003. Putting on a non-stop show featuring top party songs from every era, Orangeman‘s music is played to perfection.
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - The Figure Four
The Figure Four has been named Niagara's Favourite Party Band several times in several places. Calling themselves "primarily a weekend rock and roll band, they have a reputation of playing without set lists, preferring instead to perform as many requests as possible in as many genres as possible.
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Vinyl Flux
This band is a Niagara favourite and has proven it time and time again: Three-time winners of Best Bar Band at the Niagara Music Awards, they are made up of a group of accomplished and professional musicians who strive for accurate replication of every song they play.
