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Ah, Rock The Lake! A weekend of face-melting guitar solos, ice-cold brews, Okanagan heat and good friends. I can still feel the whiplash from all the headbanging that has occurred over the last two years.
Though still in its adolescence, Kelowna’s Classic Rock Festival has rooted itself in the traditions of many Okanagan families, just as the music it showcases has.
Those of you who have attended are already more than familiar with the nostalgic golden era glory that is created by Rock The Lake.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of spending a weekend in the alternate universe where acid wash denim and massive hair are still widely accepted, then, to be frank, you’ve been missing out.
Still waffling as to if you’d rather spend another weekend on the overcrowded beaches, or hit Kelowna’s only three-day festival dedicated to the almighty rock and roll? Here are four reasons why you should choose to Rock The Lake.
1.The Lineup
This isn’t your average festival, you won’t see pop stars or DJ’s bouncing around the stage. You’ll see some of the best classic rockers, who’s guitar ridden tunes have been the soundtrack to the youth of many, strutting their stuff in the same leather pants they wore in the 80s and sounding just as great.
Rock The Lake is known for delivering when it comes to a stellar lineup of pure Canadian Classic Rock, but this year they are amping things up by bringing in some acts from across the pond. Not only that, but much like Rock as a genre, RTL is diverse, mixing a little bit of Folk Rock, Hard Rock, Glam Rock and everything in between into the lineup.
Set to hit the stage in 2018 is:
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Randy Bachman
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Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts
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Men Without Hats
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Ian Thomas
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Glass Tiger
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Northern Pikes
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The Stampeders
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Doug & the Slugs
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Nazareth
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Little River Band
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Sweet
2. The People
One of the best parts of any show is being around people who seem to just “get” you.
People who have the same love and passion for the music you do, and the people who get equally as psyched when the first note of their favourite song rings out.
Part of what makes Rock the Lake what it is, is the crowd of thousands of like-minded rock lovers who just want to have a good time listening to good tunes.
The kind of people you can turn to during a thundering drum solo and just stare at each other in awe, knowing full well your minds are both being blown in unison.
People who will offer you some sunblock or water if you look like you’ve been rocking out too hard in the sunshine — and the same people who will cheers you, put their arm around you in a downpour and belt out the lyrics to “Go For A Soda” by Kim Mitchell.
The above-mentioned scenario actually happened last year, and yes it was just as magical as it sounds. Convinced yet? I think so, but i’ll carry on just in case.
3. The Location
It may be a parking lot, but Woodstock was just a field. In all seriousness, the site of Rock The Lake is perfect. Humble and modest, RTL doesn’t rely on giant art installations or Ferris wheels to make things interesting. It lets the music do the talking.
With room to bring your own lawn chair to sit and vibe out, a place to get a little rowdy and push your way to the stage, there is a spot for every type of concert-goer.
Festival essentials like food, water, shade, washrooms and beer are never far away. Food Trucks are nestled in the back corner, with beverage gardens across on the other side and access into the much cooler and shadier Prospera Place is always an option.
The best part? It’s family-friendly! Bring the kids and prop them on your shoulders so they too can become infatuated by the hypnotic qualities of rock and roll. We’ve even seen one or two grandmas rockin’ out with their horns raised.
4. The memories you’ll make
If an outdoor festival, filled with amazing people, set to some of the most legendary music out there isn’t the combination for a memorable occasion, then I don’t know what is!
Whether it’s a mind-warping guitar solo, hearing one of your all-time favourite songs live, reminiscing about your adolescent tracks from your old mixtapes, or the personal connection you shared with a crowd of thousands — Rock The Lake is more than just a place to let loose and rock out, it’s a place you’ll look back on and recount as one of the best weekends of your summer.
Rock the Lake 2018 will be back blowing speakers August 10th to 12th. If you’re convinced and ready to rock, tickets are available through Select Your Tickets.
Weekend passes are going for $153, Single Passes are $57.50 and VIP packages are available for $443.
To keep you satisfied until then, I’ve taken the liberty of curating a playlist with hit songs from the acts on the 2018 bill.
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