Headliners for two of the biggest festivals in Victoria were released this morning, the results of which will bring City and Colour, Metric, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Arkells, Eagles of Death Metal, and X Ambassadors to Greater Victoria beginning in late July.
Local promotions team Atomique Productions went public with acts they have booked thus far for Rock the Shores (July 22-24) and Rifflandia (Sept. 15-18), two flagship festivals for local music fans. For the first time ever, organizers are offering a Double Festival Bundle, which includes general admission or VIP admission to both events for a reduced price.
Rock the Shores will mark its 2016 edition with a return to three days of programming. The popular Colwood-based festival has branded its Friday offerings The Seven Mile Social, a showcase of Vancouver Island acts including Current Swell, Jesse Roper, Jon and Roy, Towers and Trees, Band of Rascals, Kytami, Malahat, and Stinging Belle.
“We have been talking for three years now about doing this big local night,” said Atomique co-owner Nick Blasko. “Finally, we did it. We have these groups here that punch way above their weight.”
Though the line-up for Rock the Shores “is not an ambitious year for us, in terms of growth,” according to Blasko, some substantial acts are on tap. City and Colour, The Cat Empire, the New Pornographers, Big Wreck, Dear Rouge and Royal Tusk will be featured on July 23, while Metric, Arkells, Eagles of Death Metal, July Talk, Yukon Blonde, the Standstills and the Motorleague will be on tap July 24.
Offering free admission to kids under 10 (when accompanied by a parent or guardian) was another new initiative from organizers. “It allows a family to think about going to a festival this summer,” Blasko said. “Now, it becomes affordable.”
The roster for Rifflandia is still in its infancy, but Blasko is pleased with the acts they have confirmed thus far. In addition to Franti and X Ambassadors, other acts confirmed during the “first wave” announcement include Wolf Parade, Band of Skulls, Coleman Hell, Shayne Koyczan, Jesse Roper, Goldfish, Tennyson, We Are the City, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, and Entangados.
Blasko said upwards of 100 other acts for Rifflandia are to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Tickets for Rifflandia are on sale now at rifflandia.ticketfly.com and Lyle’s Place.
Tickets for rRock the Shores are on sale now at rocktheshores.ticketfly.com, West Shore Parks & Rec (1767 Island Hwy., 250-478-8384) and Lyle’s Place.