The ionic Big Sugar boldly goes forth with their brand new album “ETERNITY NOW”. Johnson, at the controls of his Texas studio “THE SOUND SHACK”, applies his signature 1970s thump and otherworldly psycho-acoustic dub effects that have made him a much sought out remixer/producer. For the first time, there are no co-writers outside the band and new song lyrics ring out tried and true. Uplifting and full of resolve whilst addressing the realities of a hard life lived and survived; whether it’s the tale of redemption in “The Better It Gets” or the vow to his real life superhero in “Wonder Woman”.
Gordie Johnson storms the stage with his signature double neck Gibson guitar, howling into the mic “Time to get back to the land of the living”. He may sing like a man possessed but he is a man sharing what it’s like to be blessed. After winning a long battle against his personal demons and riding a wave of renewed energy, Johnson and Big Sugar were slammed by band member defections, an aborted album, mental illness, addiction and even a life threatening illness. However…
There is still magic flying between Johnson and his diverse troupe known worldwide as Big Sugar but this is a new kind of magic; a shiny alchemy that compliments their hard won transformation. He is joined by his long time friend and bassist Big Ben Richardson, drummer/multi-instrumentalist Chris Colepaugh and the languid Alex Johnson (Gordie’s sexy significant other) adding subliminal textures of percussive sound, along with new member Rey Arteaga, master of Afro Cuban rhythms on congas. Whether these 5 are performing brand new songs or their certified hits, the roots rock reggae groove is deep and Gordie Johnson’s guitar always tells a story.
Johnson’s vocals bear the scars of time yet emanate a vital musicality that recalls the young band that burst into the spotlight with the raging “Ride Like Hell” or their first radio hit “Diggin A Hole”. He explains that his Big Sugar band now sings like a family, enabling them to create a sixth element with their powerful harmonies.
The leaner, cleaner, present day Big Sugar still rock the house to keep fans dancing and playing air guitar but whatever you thought this band was, let it go. The title of their first track “Anything is Possible” states it best.
Yes, anything is possible.
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NASA chose Prism’s “Spaceship Superstar” as the official song aboard Space Shuttle Discovery during its historic final flight, which speaks to Prism’s ongoing popularity, even in outer space! Meanwhile, back on earth:
They've sold millions of albums, with songs that have become standards - Spaceship Superstar, Take Me to the Kaptin, Flying, Armageddon, Take Me Away, Young & Restless, Night to Remember, Don’t Let Him Know among them. Prism itself is classic rock.
With two Juno Awards (Canada’s Grammy) for Album & Group of the Year, multi-platinum albums and a continuing legacy of sold-out shows, Prism is a must-see live attraction. The band rocks out the hits more energetically than ever, thrilling audiences nationwide.
Founding member Al Harlow’s showmanship drives Prism forward with award-winning alumni Gary Grace, Tad Goddard and Marc Gladstone’s brilliant performances of the trademark Prism sound.
Every day across the country, radio is playing the many Prism classics. Combine unstoppable world-class concerts, and the best may be yet to come.
Harlequin was originally formed in the mid-seventies. After several demos and trips to Toronto, Harlequin was finally discovered playing in a tiny bar in Toronto by representatives of Jack Douglas, legendary producer of Aerosmith, Patti Smith and John Lennon. Ironically, the scouts for Douglas’ company had actually intended to see Goddo, the band playing downstairs, but were turned away due to a sold old show. Instead they retired upstairs to a much smaller bar – only to be blown away by the band, playing a high-energy set of strong original songs for only a handful of people. This chance meeting led to a production deal with Douglas.
With Douglas’ help, Harlequin signed a deal with CBS/Epic (home to Cheap Trick and Eddie Money) in 1979. The band proceeded to amaze everyone at the label by pushing the first release Victim of a Song (1979) to gold status through sheer hard work, incessant touring, word of mouth and solid song-writing. Songs like “Sweet Things In Life”, “You Are The Light” and “Survive” introduced the band to radio in many markets in Canada – especially Western Canada.
The second release, Love Crimes (1980), came with a bigger push from the label, and went on to go Platinum, powered in part by Harlequin’s biggest hit to date “Innocence”. Another track, “Thinking Of You”, became a staple of rock radio and a highlight of the live show.
One False Move (1982) cemented the band’s radio success with tunes like “I Did It For Love,” “Superstitious Feeling” and “Heart Gone Cold.” The fourth and final album, eponymously titled, featured a change of direction as well as producer – Alfie Agius, former bassist with The Fixx, replaced Jack Douglas. This album produced one single “Take This Heart” and the band’s only video, filmed at the abandoned Don jail in Toronto by Juno-winning Champagne Productions.
Harlequin was, and still remains, something of a work-horse of the Canadian road, soldiering through multiple grueling cross-Canada tours, and working with such bands as Triumph, Streetheart, Nazareth, Heart, April Wine, Pat Benatar and Saga. Saga took the band to Puerto Rico, where they discovered – to their shock and amazement – that “Innocence” had been a huge hit single. To capitalize on the song’s success, the band played in Caracas, Venezuela, headlining two nights at the city’s biggest arena. With Triumph, the band toured through the States and made some headway in the midwest and Texas.
The next album was the Radio Romances greatest hits package, which also featured a new tune (written by Tom Cochrane) entitled “No Mystery”.
“Waking the Jester” was released in 2007. It had two singles which touched every continent of the world, “Shine On” and “Rise”.
In 2009 the band released “On/Q” the first live compilation. Original singer, George Belanger, is proud to release the songs in the style and intent in which they were written and which he had always preferred. Songs representing the band from inception to 2009 are included.
Unlike many bands of their era, Harlequin is still a staple of rock radio in Canada, where the band’s old and new hits still receive remarkable amounts of airplay. Fueled by this continued success at radio, the band still tours, gaining new fans all the time, and attracting anyone who loves Canadian rock at its finest.
The band’s current line-up consists of George Belanger, Chris Burke-Gaffney, Derrick Gottfried, Gary Golden and AJ Chabidon.
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Live Entertainment June 28, 29, 30 & July 1 2019
Golden Spike Days is a great community festival for the entire family! Fun activities abound with live entertainment, amazing food, arts and crafts, interactive activities, youth talent competition and a variety of craft beer vendors.
Entertainment
Food
Beverage garden
and more
Beauty Shop Dolls
Monday July 3 2017
Try-Cities Got Talent
Monday July 3 2017
Tillers Folly July 1 2019
Dan Hare June 29 & 30 2019
Personable, passionate, and professional, Dan is a natural talent second to none whose love for entertaining is contagious. His incredibly smooth vocals and polished guitar playing are always a crowd pleaser as he emotionally re-creates many of your favorite songs just like you remember. Dan is a favorite everywhere he performs!
A career entertainer, Dan has been performing for a lifetime doing everything from concerts to acoustic shows. With a VERY long list of credits, The March Hare Band has been a top show band since the late 90s and continues to perform over 100 shows per year. Dan has also been featured on numerous TV shows over the years both as an entertainer and commentator including the VTV Breakfast Show, The Online Show, The Bigger Picture, The Daytime Show, P3, and more.
Golden Spike Can Can Dancers
Daily
The Golden Spike Can Can Dancers are an energetic group of ladies who volunteer their time and energy into practicing and dancing to raise money for different charities. We are sponsored by the Pleasantside Community Association, a registered non-profit organization. From the donations that we accept for our performances, 100% of it is given to a charity that is chosen by the group.
"Reckless"a tribute to Bryan Adams
Friday June 28 2019
Famous Players Sunday June 30 2019
Toy Zebra Friday June 28 2019
What makes a celebration truly unforgettable? Toy Zebra has the answer: High energy, uniquely curated live entertainment that draws you and your guests to the dance-floor. Be it a corporate event, wedding reception, or social gathering, Toy Zebra knows how to get the party started.
Priding themselves on versatility, Toy Zebra has the ability to seamlessly transition between Pop, Rock, Funk, Modern Country, Motown and even Rap. Their repertoire spans multiple decades, from the ‘60s to now. This band covers it all, so there is something for everyone to enjoy!
