ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The third annual Iceberg Alley Performance Tent Festival has been keeping Quidi Vidi rockin’ throughout September, with a 10-day music festival showcasing some big names in the Canadian music scene, and beyond.
Even though the nearby neighbours may not be ecstatic about the lengthy festival, the crowds are lovin’ every night of music, from southern rock to alternative, classic rock and roll, blues, traditional Newfoundland, country and more.
Though I couldn’t make it to every night of the festival, I selected a choice few.
The 2019 festival kicked off Wednesday, Sept. 11 with locals The Novaks playing the inaugural set. Ontario-based rock bands Monster Truck and Glorious Sons rounded out the bill, putting the festival off to a great start by all accounts.
Local alt-rock fans turned out on Thursday, Sept. 12, with St. John’s-based Hot X Proxy kicking off the night. This was the night of music that most appealed to me, as a vocal critic of lack of gender parity in music festivals in the province.
Iceberg Alley did good by me on Sept. 12, with two woman-fronted bands, Weaves and Metric of Toronto absolutely slaying their sets.
Weaves’ chill indie-rock sound enveloped the tent in a welcoming hug as attendees marvelled at vocalist Jasmyn Burke’s charisma and talent, while Metric’s frontwoman Emily Haines shocked us into submission as many longtime fans bowed at her feet. (Truthfully, it was mostly just me, bowing down as the crowd clapped, à la “Wayne’s World” sentiment, “We’re not worthy.”)
Local Chris Ledrew opened Friday night’s show, followed by Nova Scotia sweetheart Matt Mays. Headlining folk-rock band Dawes came to the festival via Nova Scotia from California to play at the festival, marking their first-ever performance on the island.
On Saturday night, the tent was sold out for a series of local performers – Celtic Connection, Shanneyganock and Alan Doyle. A kitchen party sans kitchen.
Finishing up the weekend, local musicians Nick Earle and Jill Porter opened for legendary British/Irish rock band The Waterboys, who closed out the night. The band is renowned for their 1988 album, “Fisherman’s Blues” – the title track a regular appearance on stages island-wide, with innumerable acts performing their own covers of The Waterboys’ big hit. The band’s energy was astounding, with violinist Steve Wickham stealing the show.
Monday night was 1990s night at Iceberg Alley, with alt-rock legends of yesteryear Crush, Sister Hazel and Everclear inspiring an impressive turnout.
Tuesday was blues day, the evening’s lineup comprised of returning Iceberg Alley performer Willie Nile, Matt Andersen and the Mellotones, and Colin James.
The fun continued on Wednesday, with Timber, Haywire and Bret Michaels, of Poison fame.
An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a ton of Poison songs and classic rock covers, with Michaels repeatedly engaging the crowd and thanking his fans for their continued support, even hauling a cameraman onstage to film the cheering masses as they sang along with old favourites.
Thursday’s lineup appealed to country fans, with Damhnait Doyle, Blackjack Billy and Tim Hicks on the bill.
More alt-rock fans headed to the tent on Friday night, for new local troupe Women of Rock, New Brunswick’s The Motorleague and longtime Canadian rockers Our Lady Peace, who seem to play some kind of local festival every single year.
Iceberg Alley 2019 wraps up on Saturday, with “K-Rock Night,” as the radio-station sponsored event night has been colloquially referred to.
If you’ve ever listened to K-Rock for more than two hours, you have likely heard the three featured acts: David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell and Loverboy.
For reviews of Saturday’s performances, go to www.thetelegram.com.
