Arts & Culture

Major music acts to perform at Ships to Shore festival

By Don Fennell

Published 1:45 PDT, Thu May 11, 2017

Last Updated: 2:12 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Oil and iron ore are Newfoundland and Labrador’s highest-valued exports, but its best known advocate may well be Alan Doyle.

Lead singer of the Atlantic province’s beloved musical ensemble Great Big Sea, the legendary Canadian actor, producer and best-selling author will headline Richmond’s upcoming Ships to Shore King of the Sea festival with a free concert Saturday, May 6 in Garry Point Park.

The performance by Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies will, appropriately, help celebrate the community’s maritime history.

“Maritime life is a significant part of Canada’s heritage, and is especially important to celebrate this year during Canada 150 (a year-long recognition of the country’s 150th anniversary of confederation),” said Bryan Furman, on behalf of Re/Max realty, the presenting sponsor of this year’s Ships to Shore King of the Sea Festival.

Known for their energetic performances, Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies are touring across North America and Europe this year. They’ll be playing songs from Doyle’s solo records and Great Big Sea favourites, traditional songs and some unpredictable gems from far-flung places.

Armed with a reputation as one of Canada’s most treasured musicians and storytellers, Doyle said: “I always want people to have the greatest night of their life when the house lights go down.”

Vancouver’s own Juno award-winning Dear Rouge will also perform a headline concert on Friday, May 5. The duo will be showcasing their chart-topping alternative dance-rock sound that has made them an audience favourite across Canada and beyond.

“We’re very excited to have Alan Doyle playing on Saturday night,” said City of Richmond spokesperson Ted Townsend. “It’s going to be a huge day. We’ll have the sail drill in the afternoon, then Doyle on the main stage, and finally fireworks that evening.”

Of Dear Rouge, Townsend said: “They’re very popular with younger audiences, and their performance coincides nicely with the end of youth week (May 1 to 7).”

See more canada news

See All

See more international news

  See All
© 2024 Richmond Sentinel News Inc. All rights reserved. Designed by Intelli Management Group Inc.