Get ready to get fully completely blown away by Canadian icons The Tragically Hip at West Shore Parks and Recreation, this July.
The Hip are headlining the Rock the Shores concert on July 13, along with Sam Roberts Band, and Victoria’s own Current Swell and Jets Overhead.
“It was born out of conversations with The Tragically Hip and their managers. They wanted to do a show on Vancouver Island,” said Nick Blasko, director and co-owner of Atomique Productions.
During talks with the Hip, Blasko said the band was hoping to perform in an outdoor show, and after scouting locations, West Shore Parks and Recreation was deemed the best fit.
“The fields are amazing, they are unobstructed fields and have natural changes in elevations. They provide incredible sight lines,” said Blasko, noting that the location is far enough from residential areas to host such an event.
The venue has a capacity of 12,000 people. This is first time The Tragically Hip will play on the West Shore since it performed at Western Speedway in 1993, which many people still talk about, Blasko points out. “This is awesome, we get to redo that experience.”
With a slew of high calibre bands, Blasko sees this being a bit hit with Greater Victoria and Island residents.
“It’s being called a festival, but it’s a concert with the attitude of the festival,” Blasko said.
If all goes well, Atomique plans to continue Rock the Shores as an annual event.
Atomique Productions is behind the popular Rifflandia Festival and Blasko said moving on to organizing larger events, such as Rock the Shores, is a natural step for the business.
“This is going to be legendary,” Blasko said.
When & Where
Rock the Shores is July 13, at West Shore Parks and Recreation, gates opening at 4 p.m., music starts 5:30 p.m.
Tickets go on sale, April 7 at 10 a.m. and are $59.50 for general admission and VIP tickets are $99.50, at www.ticketmaster.ca or charge by phone at 1-885-985-5000.
For more information see www.rocktheshores.com.