Things will look a little different at the PNE Fair this year but the concert lineup will feel very familiar to many Vancouverites.
On August 21 the annual PNE Fair will open its gates for the 111th time. Mostly held outdoors this year to abide by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, all your fair favourites will be available to enjoy, including live music.
“We will definitely be having live music; it will just look a little different this year,” said Shelley Frost, the PNE’s President and CEO. “We will not have large, seated concerts in the usual Amphitheatre, but we will have a concert stage in the Revel District with music from local BC Artists throughout the day for all guests to enjoy at no cost.”
This year, in the interest of safety for Fairgoers, the PNE will not have a paid seated venue set up. A stage at the Revel District will be programmed all day long and fairgoers can grab food or beverage and sit in a festival style, distanced location of their choice to take in the performances.
Supporting B.C. talent is a mandate that has never been more important than as the creative sector emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic a recent statement from the PNE reads.
Patrick Roberge, the PNE’s Creative Director says music at the fair is a tradition that dates back to when the fair first started in 1910 and remains so to this day.
“In 2021, when artists from across British Columbia and Canada have been devastated by the inability to perform live throughout the COVID pandemic, we committed to supporting these local performers at this year’s Fair,” Roberge said.
The 2021 PNE Revel District Stage performers are:
R&B Allstars
- The R&B Allstars are a dynamic 10-piece rhythm and blues band, celebrating their 41 st year on the Vancouver music scene. Formed in 1979, the band gained popularity playing venues such as the iconic Town Pump, the Commodore, Richards on Richards, 86th Street as well as being a regular feature at Whistler’s Buffalo Bills.
- Aug. 21, 22, 24 at 7:45, 8:45, 10 p.m.
Groove & Tonic
- Vancouver party band Groove & Tonic delivers a high-energy performance of R&B, Disco, Funk, Rock and Pop with a repertoire both old school and contemporary. Always engaging, always professional, these musicians showcase their top-notch musicality and infallible grooves.
- Aug. 25, 26, 27 at 7:45, 8:45, 10 p.m.
Dr. Strangelove
- Known as “Vancouver’s house-band” after 14 years at The Roxy, Dr. Strangelove is a highly entertaining, high energy and extremely versatile dance band with five talented lead vocalists who can cover everything from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga to ACDC.
- August 28, 29, 31 at 7:45, 8:45, 10 p.m.
The Motown Show featuring Hitsville Band
- The Hitsville Band is a hard-driving revue that truly captures the sharp wardrobe, polished style and soulful sounds of the Motown artists who transformed rhythm and blues music.
- Sept. 1, 2, 3 at 7:45, 8:45, 10 p.m.
Soulstream
- Soulstream performs cross-genre hits excels in many genres including funky jazz, Latin, big band, and more.
- Sept. 4, 5, 6 at 7:45, 8:45, 10 p.m.
Bobby Bruce’s Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band
- Nearly Neil has played the PNE many times over two decades and is always a fan favourite.
- Aug. 21, 22, 24, 25 at 1:30, 2:30 p.m.
ABRA Cadabra – A Tribute to the Music of ABBA
- ABRA Cadabra has been touring the world for almost 20 years helping audiences of all ages & cultures re-live and celebrate the timeless and uplifting music of ABBA!
- Aug. 26, 27, 28, 29 at 1:30, 2:30 p.m.
The Paperboys
- For over a quarter-century, The Paperboys have been touring the world and lighting up stages with their free-wheeling blend of influences from Celtic and bluegrass, to Mexican son jarocho, brass bands, and Canadian roots.
- Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2 at 1:30, 2:30 p.m.
March Hare Band Beach Party
- The March Hare Beach Party is an upbeat, high-energy summertime fun-time show.
- Sept. 3, 4, 5, 6 at 1:30, 2:30 p.m.
The fair runs from Au. 21 to Sept. 6 but will be closed on Aug. 23 and 30.
