Music in the Park

Scott Helman is a 7-time Juno nominated Canadian singer-songwriter whose talent and passion for music has not only earned him recognition in the industry, but also three gold and three platinum awards under his belt. Born in Toronto, Helman’s journey into the world of music began at a young age. He picked up the guitar at the age of 10 and started writing songs, setting the stage for his career.

In 2014, he released his debut EP, “Augusta,” which featured the hit single “Bungalow.” The song gained widespread acclaim and set the tone for his unique blend of pop and folk influences.  His debut album “Hôtel de Ville” in 2017 and the EP “Nonsuch Park” in 2020 showcased Helman’s evolving style and songwriting. His music combines catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, tackling themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience.

Scott released new music last year, including the song Canadian Beats called hauntingly beautiful “drive”, as well as “back together” “every time (drive)”, “chuck taylors” and “collarbone” this past November.  He is currently working on new music. Of his recent music, Scott says it “is really about the story of my life, in one way or another.”

https://www.scotthelmanmusic.com/

Experience the legendary music of Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd, who began their rock journey playing at every venue imaginable in the 70s. With their evolution into a successful recording act, their first LP included the timeless #1 JUNO winning and multi-platinum hit Roxy Roller! Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible act live at the PNE, and relive the anthemic radio hits that have stood the test of time and that remind us of long hot summers, the soundtrack of our lives.

These days Nick and Sweeney are rocking the Festivals, Casino showrooms, Fairs, and more, playing the classics Hot Child in the City, Roxy Roller, Here Comes the Night, Rated X, You Really Rock Me, Let Me In, and more.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nick Gilder has written and recorded many Top 20 hits internationally. They have toured with The Cars, Cheap Trick, Peter Gabriel, Foreigner, STYX, Journey, New York Dolls, The Babies, even hall of famers like Chuck Berry, to name a few. It’s a powerhouse performance, which includes past hits, great new material and some faves that make a fun rocking show!

https://www.nickgilder.com/

Nashville based award-winning Tanner Olsen Band are setting their sights high with this upcoming 2024 year. The band draws musical inspiration from artists like the Eagles, Alabama, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Avicii, and have accumulated over 2 million streams around the world. After winning the 2020 BCCMA Emerging Artist Award, the boys have been finalists for Group of the year in 2022 and 2023 and were featured in the Fender showcase at the 2022 Canadian Country Music Awards. They have quickly become a household name in the Nashville country scene by bringing their high energy and big harmonies to every show. They are immersive, memorable, and resonate with audiences long after the final note. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.

https://www.tannerolsen.com/

“Why see a show when you can BE the show!”

Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited!

So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!

This time, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!

EPIC anthems unite the world and are the soundtrack to our lives. When the PNE Fairgrounds are filled with hundreds (thousands?!) of strangers, who start to harmonize, you’ll feel it deep in your soul. Get ready to sing your way through the greatest of the greatest songs of all-time; from Prince, Madonna and Queen, to Whitney and Shania, you’ll wanna SING them all!

Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!, so grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging

https://choirchoirchoir.com/shows/

Whitehorse is the prolific partnership of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet. Uninhibited by expectation, boldly adventurous and categorically talented, Whitehorse’s signature sound is always guitar-heavy, harmony-plentiful and lyrically deft.

With an expansive run of records that freely and thrillingly dip in psychedelic country, pop noir, squalling blues rock and celestial folk, Whitehorse have pushed their musical identity into new realms and sounds for over a decade. As attested by five consecutive JUNO Award nominations in many different genre categories, Whitehorse do a lot of things, and do them well.

On their new record, Whitehorse venture deeper into classic country music touchstones than ever before, a move that is both a homecoming and an evolution of their sound. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying is an immaculate collection of 70s country-inspired songs that showcase Whitehorse at their absolute best.

https://www.whitehorsemusic.ca/

At its core, Queer As Funk was born from a desire to celebrate diversity, using music as a tool to spread that positivity throughout the community. As one of the few predominantly queer and non-binary bands in the province, their shows are not only dynamic and entertaining, but a powerful statement of pride and identity.

For over a decade, Queer As Funk has been dedicated to visiting small communities to provide celebration and visibility to queer individuals looking to gather, connect, and strengthen their communities. They aim to inspire queer youth by offering themselves as models for living full, joyful lives as successful queer adults, and; as the band’s love for one another is palpable in performances, models for celebrating queer friendship, love, and chosen family.

Alongside their commitment to social justice, Queer As Funk has also earned a reputation as a powerful and entertaining band. Their tight horn arrangements, groovy rhythms, and powerful vocals have won over fans at music festivals and Pride events across Canada.

In a time when the queer and trans community is still facing discriminatory attitudes and policies, Queer As Funk remains a beacon of hope and inspiration. This anniversary celebration promises to be a night of love, joy, and powerful music, as the band showcases ten years of triumphant dedication to uplifting the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Eagles dominated soft rock throughout the 70’s with unforgettable hits like Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Best Of My Love, One of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, Take It To The Limit, New Kid In Town. Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane, Heartache Tonight, The Long Run, I Can’t Tell You Why… and more.  Beautiful and catchy melodies with amazing lead and harmony vocals have made the Eagles one of the most famous, respected and loved rock groups of all time, with broad appeal to all ages.

Eagle Eyes capture lead and harmony vocals with breath-taking precision that is nothing less than stunning. All vocals are live…. you won’t hear a single pre-recorded vocal track. Eagle Eyes is arguably the best Eagles tribute in North America, and has received standing ovations from audiences in Canada, and in several States in the USA, including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Alaska.

Eagle Eyes are… Jack Gunderson, bass and lead vocals, fills the vocal roles of Glenn Frey and Timothy B. Schmidt. Jason Dunajski, guitars and lead vocals, fills the vocal roles of Don Henley and Randy Meisner. Ray Harvey, guitars and lead vocals, fills the vocal role of Joe Walsh. Kenneth Ermter, drums and lead vocals, also fills the vocal roles of Henley and Meisner.

All four members of Eagle Eyes are lifetime professional musicians with several decades of combined experience on the road and in the studio with a number of different bands and projects over the years. Eagle Eyes embraces all of this musical dedication and experience to deliver a show that is nothing short of magnificent, making them among the top-drawing tribute acts wherever they perform.

https://www.eagleeyestribute.rocks/

Celebrating 30 years of tribute artistry, Bobby Bruce returns to the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in 2024, marking three decades since he first captivated audiences with his tribute to Neil Diamond.

A native of the Lower Mainland, Bruce’s roots with the PNE run deep—from his youthful days at the racetrack to his teen years in maintenance, evolving into seasons of singing and dancing in the Playland production shows. Over the years, he has headlined various stages, including the mainstage with the Solitary Band, and was named Entertainer of the Year in 2006.

This year’s performance is more than a show; it’s a homecoming.

A revered figure in the tribute world, Bobby’s journey as Nearly Neil began in 1994. His talent quickly caught the attention of Las Vegas’ Legends in Concert, leading to a 10-month tour across the US. His international acclaim soared with a whirlwind 60-show tour in Australia, where he earned the beloved moniker, Nearly Neil. Bruce’s performances are celebrated for their authenticity and flair, capturing the spirit of Neil Diamond while adding his own distinctive charisma.  Acclaimed by critics and adored by fans, his show has continued to entertain and charm audiences on stages across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America for decades.

As we celebrate Bobby Bruce’s 30th Anniversary as Nearly Neil at the PNE 2024, we invite you to join us in honouring a career that has not only stood the test of time but has also brought joy to fans around the world.

https://www.nearlyneil.com/

It’s easy to get swept up in the feelgood, hand-raising joy of a Tim & The Glory Boys show. Or laugh along to their well-documented Letterkenny-like hoser escapades. What’s most important though is that the British Columbia-by-way-of-Manitoba boys are making music from—and for—the heart.

Formed in 2013, Tim & The Glory Boys’ Tim Neufeld (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Colin Trask (dobro/percussionist) and Brenton Thorvaldson (banjo/guitar) call their boot-stompin’ sound “canoegrass,” a nod to both their bluegrass roots and the rustic country Canadiana the band have more recently begun exploring to great success.

This sound anchors the band’s new self-titled full-length debut album for Sony Music Entertainment Canada. The album includes an astounding five songs that have already hit Top 40 at Country Radio and have generated almost 30 million streams worldwide. “When You Know You Know” received Gold certification.

The two-time JUNO Award winners have also become mainstays at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards, having been nominated in 2021 for Group of the Year and Rising Star, nominated again in 2022 for Group of the Year, and in 2023 won both Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

https://www.timandthegloryboys.com/

With bands in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Seattle, Side One has become not only something totally unique in the event industry, but also the standard that other companies are trying to catch up too. In 15 years, they’ve managed to play almost 2500 events, employ over 150 musicians and audio techs, and be able to play just about every genre of music imaginable to get you on the dance floor.

Side One is about the music and the audience and promises to rock the PNE!

https://www.sideone.ca/

Julio Avila Cuban Band is 10-piece music powerhouse led by bass virtuoso, composer and a lead singer, Julio Avila!  Born and raised in Cuba, in a family of established musicians, Julio first developed a strong bond with the traditional tune, changüí, which has roots in his native Guantanamo. Surrounded by vibrant and rich musical heritage of Cuba, Julio perfected playing his principal instrument, the bass, while taking on the lead singer, arranger and composer roles as well.

As a member of the internationally renowned group La Sonora Universal, Julio performed throughout Europe and with El Grupo Cubano Brisas Del Palmar he has toured Western Canada since 2005.

A resident of Vancouver since 2015, he decided to continue his musical journey here in BC and to showcase the unique and abundant musical treasures of his native island. Julio Avila Cuban Band is a musical project born out of sheer passion for performing excellence, and for nurturing a beautiful Cuban music and culture. The band’s captivating and powerful performances of salsa, son, bachata… are not to be missed!

https://www.julioavilacubanband.com/

Vancouver’s Most Versatile Event Band! Introducing Jay Leonard Juatco, Jay Esplana, Jason Nickel, Jonny Holisko, Marie Hui and Tiffany Rivera, six of BC’s most talented and energetic performers and one of Vancouver’s most versatile Dance bands. Rounding out their lineup tonight will be a two-piece horn section. Beyond the razorblade grooves, adrenaline-fueled stage show, and mastery of their art, Trilojay is about the experience of music. The musicians in this party band are among the elite in the industry and their goal is to create something new, yet completely familiar to the people. Outstandingly versatile, quickly adaptable, and attune to the emotion of the crowd, TriloJay is always ready to keep the crowd rocking till the last downbeat.

https://www.vanhattanent.com/trilojay

The music & magic of ABBA returns to The PNE’s Tim Hortons Stage with ABRA Cadabra! Don’t miss this all ages & family friendly stage extravaganza that has been receiving rave reviews from coast to coast!

Featuring a live band, powerful vocals, dancers & costumes, this interactive stage show will have you smiling, moving & singing along to hits such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take A Chance, SOS, Waterloo, Fernando & more!

ABRA Cadabra from Vancouver has been touring the world for over 20 years bringing the timeless music of ABBA to audiences of all ages & cultures. Past performances include several shows for the Malaysian Royal Family, The Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, Universal Studios in Florida, The Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, The McPherson Playhouse in Victoria, The Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Dalhousie Arts Centre in Halifax, Theatre Capitol Moncton, Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, The Connexus Arts Centre in Regina & more!

www.facebook.com/TributeToABBA

www.iloveabba.com

Tyler Shaw is a multi-Platinum-selling artist, music producer, and actor. The Chinese-Canadian, originally from Vancouver, BC, released his hit song “Kiss Goodnight” in 2012, quickly hitting Platinum sales. That release ultimately set the stage for more than a decade of chart-topping singles and career highlights, cementing Tyler’s role as one of Canada’s most versatile and pre-eminent talents.

Tyler has performed for Princes (Harry), Prime Ministers (Justin Trudeau), and Presidents (Joe Biden). His music has been nominated for multiple JUNO Awards, and he has opened for massive international artists, including Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara, and toured with Selena Gomez. In 2022, Gomez performed Tyler’s hit “Kiss Goodnight” in her acclaimed documentary My Mind and Me. In 2021, Tyler spearheaded (with Fefe Dobson) the collective artist initiative ArtistsCAN to raise funds for COVID-19 relief in Canada. The pair gathered other musicians from across the country, including Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé and Marie-Mai, to cover the classic single “Lean On Me,” with proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross COVID relief fund. Tyler has worked extensively in the non-profit sphere, also supporting the Pinball Clemons Foundation and the work of the Canadian Chinese Youth Athletic Association (CCYAA).

As one of Canada’s most recognized pop music talents, with ten top-ten charting singles, and a slew of movie, TV, feature and production credits to his name, Tyler Shaw is one of this country’s most enduring talents.

https://www.tylershawmusic.com/

The R&B Allstars is a dynamic 10-piece rhythm and blues band, celebrating their 45th 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. The band enjoyed great radio support in the early years having recorded many singles and a live album, Live at the Five, which is where it all started. More recently the band recorded a CD/DVD set at the Hard Rock Casino.

A few years ago, the powerful vocals of Nathen Aswell were added to those of Joani Bye, with vocal augmentation by Billy Mendoza, Peter Juric and Tim Porter. The funky powerhouse rhythm section features Tim Porter’s searing guitar stylings, Billy Mendoza pounding the bass, keyboard wizard Bill Sample and Rick Hill driving the whole section on drums. Steve Hilliam (tenor sax), Peter Juric (trumpet), Colin Weinmaster (trombone) and Bill Abbott (alto sax) form the outstanding “brass kicking ass” horn section.

The Allstars always enjoy reconnecting with their loyal fans of many years and finding new ones along the way. 2024 heralds the conclusion of the remarkable journey of this iconic band, so make sure to check them out on their Last Dance Tour on the final night of the PNE!

http://rbalive.com/