It appears very likely the City of Charlottetown will rock in September.
A deal is almost in place that would see the city host a major rock concert at Upton Farm, probably on the Labour Day weekend.
"There is no decision as yet,'' Coun. Peter McCloskey, chair of economic development and tourism, said following a public meeting of council Monday night.
"We're working on it and we hope to have a decision from Canada Lands in our hands, probably (today).''
If it happens, it will be the third year in a row Charlottetown has hosted a major concert event after watching cities like Halifax and Moncton steal all the big names.
In 2006, it was the Black Eyes Peas and the Pussycat Dolls. Last year, about 30,000 people packed the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre to see U.S. rock legends Aerosmith.
No one is saying which artist, artists or bands would be on the bill but sources have said over the past few weeks that a major American band, which launched to mega-stardom during the 1980s, is already booked to come.
"There are details we're working out right now,'' McCloskey said. "It appears that it is going to happen and we hope it will.''
The CDPEC proved to be a poor site to host a major concert. There were numerous complaints from people who said they couldn't see, especially those who had spent extra money to stand in the VIP section, only to be forced to have to crane their necks to see the stage over 15,000 general admission tickets.
P.E.I. native David Carver produced the previous two mega-shows.
While McCloskey won't say whether Carver is involved in this show, it is widely believed he is not and that it is a promoter based out of New York who is handling things.
Upton Farm is the desired location for the 2008 show, a piece of property that is split in half by the Trans-Canada Highway at Mayfield. The concert would take place on the north side of the property.
"This piece of property . . . concerts would be new to that area and there are a number of details that have to be worked out.''
A decision needs to be made soon. The promoter handling the show needs to think about selling tickets and is believed to want a decision made by the end of this week.
Canada Lands, which owns Upton Farm, has pushed all sides to take a stand on the concert. Friends of the Farm, a group that wants to see the farm stay green, has stayed neutral on the issue so far but McCloskey says they're not being difficult.
"I can tell you the Friends of the Farm are working very hard at co-operating with us at trying to put this together. They have some concerns (and) we're trying to address those concerns but I will tell you they are working with us, not against us.''
McCloskey said the deal is the Upton Farm site would be used on a one-time, one-shot deal basis and there are no plans to make it a permanent outdoor concert venue.
He said there is a lot of interest from more than one promoter in the Upton Farm site.
McCloskey said he's confident if a deal for the site is arrived at it won't be long before the promoter says who is coming.
Capital might rock in early September
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Comments
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- Ron
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:42:14
Anyone we get will be some group or singer who is way past their prime anyway! But rock on!
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- My
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:42:02
Would love to see AC/DC or Pink Floyd!!!!
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- pei rules
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:39:40
hopefully the act that does come watches the language... heaven forbid our virgin island ears are subject to bad language, the likes nickleback provided for us last time they were here haha hopefully everything works out
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- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:39:05
I doubt PEI would get first crack, but I am sure anyone who wants a ticket will have ample opportunity to buy. There were no problems with last year's concert on that front.
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- Marc
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:36:09
Why do they put the concerts towards the end of the summer? Why dont they put it in July or late June when theres hardly anything going on because old home week takes up most of august. Is it because they are being lazy and doing it at the last second? Like come on this is PEI we take what we can get!!!!!
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- PFA2B
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:35:16
Excuse my ignorance, but do Islanders get first crack at these tickets? Just wondering as a premier event such as this would sell out very fast (any of the aforementioned) - it'd be nice to see Islanders get at least a fighting chance to be a part of a huge event like this.
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- I.P.Nightly
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:34:56
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band....no opening acts...Just Bruce for 2 1/2 hours....Whats better than Clarence Clements and his Sax...Saw him in Montreal, it was amazing...Would love to see him here on PEI...
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- BOB DOLE
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:34:30
Hey not bob:
I can't believe there are that many stupid people out there........ -
- happy but poorer
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:32:56
I think it's great that Bon Jovi or Van Halen or whomever comes to the Island. Just wish I didn't have to subsidize a private promoter. Will taxpayers give away another million?
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- James
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:32:32
I think I'll go buy some BON BONs and sit by the BONfire with my wife BONnie and listen to some BON Jovi.
Hope ACDC comes!
C'est BON! -
- pei girl
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:31:08
I've heard rumours of U2 ?
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- I.P.Nightly
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:30:20
So LILIA what special bands do you have that we should hear....probably somebody that nobody has heard of...Well unfortunately, most of us only have the radio or the TV to bring us the up and coming music. But if you would like to open up your world of music, and the odd joint, I'm sure that the majority of us would only be too willing to listen and smoke to your heros...
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- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:30:18
Actually, I think September is better if you are speaking solely in terms of tourism. Generally, the tourists are here in July/August and in September, things are starting to wane. A big concert could keep the crowds here a little longer as we slide into the shoulder season.
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- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:28:37
I think if they were lazy they wouldn't be initiating this concert at all, right?
You have to work with the band's schedule. Bon Jovi, for example, is in Europe in June. -
- B
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:27:35
Bon Jovi is going to be the cause of the downfall of Upton farm's natural beauty? Ridiculous. Sure, I'm being alarmist, but come on.
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- Brian
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:26:21
It'll be unfortunate for tourism in general if it is in September. Having it in the main summer months would be more beneficial for the Island Plus the university students will have gone away to school by then.
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- Dean
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:24:56
The word on the street is it is Van Halen, I hope they come to Slemon Park instead. Rock on!!!!
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- Past their Prime? I Think
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:21:00
Interesting!!! Hedley; Black Eyed Peas; Pussycat Dolls; Aerosmith; Nickelback; past their prime? - a VERY subjective and uninformed comment.
Rock On for sure PEI.... go get them....!!! These concerts are putting PEI on the map in a very positive way. Why travel to Moncton or Halifax when we can look forward to our own concert right here!! Benefits all the way around!! -
- Rock fan
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:20:33
So... what'll it be PEI?
A concert headlined by Raffi, or is it Sharon, Louis & Bram? -
- Kelly
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:14:49
I think all Lilia is saying is a little variety in the musical acts coming here would be nice. 80's hair bands (i.e. Bon Jovi) are NOT rock basics... they are basic rock. YAWN!
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- Laura
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:11:38
According to CBC Island News online, the most rumored act to be on PEI this fall is Bon Jovi! I guess Rock Fan from Ontario will have to look elsewhere for Sharon, Lois & Bram...PEI would be getting the concert of all concerts with Bon Jovi!!
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- For
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:09:15
I can tell you exactly who it is this year. Stone Temple Pilots opening for Velvet Revolver and Obie Trice. Trust me folks it will be good.Nate Dogg may start touring with Obie too.
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- rock on tater tot
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:02:31
WOW. How about the Partridge Family, THE MONKEES or the Cowsills? That would be dreamy plus.
Danny Bonaduce!!! That would be superb. -
- Councillor Rob
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:02:26
CORRECTION: The south part of the farm has never been considered as a location for a concert. It is the north side of the farm, immediately west of where the bypass highway meets the Upton Road that is under consideration.
I've asked the Guardian to correct the story. -
- not bob
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:52
Hey Bob, 170 million albums sold, and concerts that sell out in minutes. ya - U2 sure suck.
Anyway, U2 are still in the studio recording their next album. No tour anytime soon.
KISS are also on tour this year. That would be a cool show. -
- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:46
a couple of points on that: Groban or Buble are more of a Civic Centre/Confederation Centre type show. Organizers are going for a larger scale show and most of those acts are rock. For the record, I would love to see more high calibre, yet smaller scale shows like the ones you mention.
Also, while the City would love to fill up its hotel rooms, they are not the ones selling the tickets. Its the event promoter who is doing the seller, and as long as tickets are sold he doesn't care if the buyer is local or not. -
- pete
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:02
bon jovi should be paying us to come here!
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- Hey Dean
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:00
Word on the street is wrong then. Van Halen stopped touring last week due to health issues with Eddie. I would have loved to seen them.
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- BOB DOLE
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:00
Hopefully the rumor of U2 coming here is false. they suck! anyone who would pay money to see the Largest over rated media Wh0r3s, needs have there heads checked. Bon Jovi would be alright but AC/DC would be better. I hope they announce the opening acts before tickets go on sale this year. as to avoid the let down of last years line up.
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- Biology guru
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:00:24
Bon Jovi? Denis Leary said it best: I mean Stevie Ray Vaughan is dead, and we can't get Jon Bon Jovi on a helicopter?
Please, anybody BUT! -
- Chester Field
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:00:15
Bon Jovi, U2 or ACDC, either would be just wicked....
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- Lilia
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:25
Somehow I doubt it... but you never know. All I'm saying is that some of the population of PEI listens to more than American Idol contestants! I realize that not everyone likes the same music, but a little diversity would be nice. But who would come here now anyway after mayor Lee embarassed himself and the Island... oh perhaps I'm just livin on a prayer! P.S. your pot comments are pathetic! I'm sure you'll rock out to Bon Jovi... while in the beer tent chugging back a Schooner or whatever.
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- Lilia
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:54:09
OH FOR THE LOVE! I am sooo sick of these has been acts! ACDC and Bon Jovi??? Come on! LAME! But I guess that is what will sell tickets on PEI... Can't wait to catch the Mayhem tour in Toronto in August. They will be showcasing bands that you can't hear on KROC or Ocean 100...
Hey maybe Richard Wood can open for the wonderous Bon Jovi... -
- tp
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:51:47
as much as I hate to revisit an argument that was debated to death last year with Aerosmith, I want to point out to a previous poster that any government contribution should be considered an investment moreso then a giveaway.
PEI got a good return on what was invested in last year's event. -
- mark
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:49:37
happy but poor: You do realise that the city makes millions off of these concerts right?. Not sure where you got your info from.
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- L
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:47:49
From a very reliable source handling the marketing for this event, it is Van Halen that is booked.
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- Never mind....
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:47:14
All those bands.....bring in PINK FLOYD and then I'll go!!
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- eeewwww
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:46:40
How about Gene Simmons?
He seems to show up anywhere these days judging by the number of reality shows he has had. haha eeew -
- Chester Field
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:43:57
Oh Lila, Lila....You are such a child ...So you are going to Toronto in August to see Mayhem Who in the H#ll is Mayhem , but on the hindsight , who cares...But good old Lila seems to think that she has to slam the Rock Basics...I'm pretty sure that if she should ask these Mayhem guys who their IDOLS are they would definitely be a band that are old enough to be her father/grandfather, but hey is she interested in that, no, shes going to see Mayhem....AMEM
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- OH NO
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:42:49
I am praying its Stompin' tom, he has not been around here for years! I also heard Moxy Fruvous is back on tour! Or maybe, just maybe we'll be blessed with a Haywire or Screaming Trees reunion!
Seriously though, Bon Jovi blows hard..... haven't liked their music since shot through the heart in '86. -
- Melissa
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:41:56
I agree with Kelly... Bon Jovi sucks balls.
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- miss guided
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:41:26
PFA12B: I agree with your wish, but then you have to look at the reason Charlottetown gives for having rock concerts...it is to bring money into the fair city. You would not spend money in Charlottetown on a hotel or restuarant, so why sell you a ticket first. Sorry to let you down, but that is the way it is done.
Seems like most posters here are in favor of hard rock (most, I said). How about Josh Groben or Michael Buble? I'd pay double to see one of them, then go home to my house, not a hotel or restaurant. Get the picture? -
- FED UP
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:39:18
Hey Rock From Ontario....you are just another rude B-STARD from Ontario and your opinion means nothing to us.
