Big on Country
Thu, July 13, 2006
Headliners Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Brooks & Dunn are expected to draw
big crowds.
By KATHY RUMLESKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER
Keith Urban
With the buzz surrounding newlyweds Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Sarnia
Bayfest organizers can't believe their luck in landing the country star, one of
the most-watched celebrities.
Fresh from his honeymoon to fellow Australian Kidman, which upped the country
singer's fame factor, Urban's first concert since tying the knot opens Bayfest
tonight.
He was only signed on to play Bayfest at the end of May after what seemed to be
a disaster for organizers when a big-name rock band --rumoured to be Bon Jovi
-- bowed out the "last minute."
Turns out Urban is bigger than big now.
"We're very, very lucky. Timing is everything," organizer Michele Stokley said.
"I walk in front of a magazine stand and see his picture on every magazine
cover. We've always had big names coming to Bayfest (Tragically Hip, Kid Rock,
Foo Fighters), but not a celebrity like this."
She anticipates Urban will draw the largest crowd of the four-day fest, giving
a prediction of close to 20,000 (park maximum). Probably his Oscar-winning wife
has something to do with that.
"There's a big anticipation around here for Keith Urban. Is he bringing anyone
with him? It would make sense. Even for (Kidman), it would be good publicity,"
she said.
There has been no confirmation Kidman will be with him, though.
Redneck Woman Gretchen Wilson performs Saturday and record-breaking,
award-winning Brooks and Dunn hit the Centennial Park stage Sunday.
Stokley said the country acts are a change for Bayfest. "Our intention was to
try country with the one show."
Instead, the no-go rock show left Stokley scrambling as "there was really no
major rock bands available."
Stokley wouldn't say which group reneged "because of the confidentiality of the
contracts."
Instead, the only rock to be heard will be in tomorrow's lineup, which includes
Collective Soul.
Brooks and Dunn, who always draw large numbers wherever they go, was the first
act signed for Bayfest.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are still going strong 18 years after they formed a
partnership. They recently became the most honoured artists in the history of
the Academy of Country Music when they won their 20th trophy.
The duo, which is touring until December, also recently announced a two-year
contract with the Las Vegas Hilton, where they're set to play next March.
"We're reading the Wayne Newton books now," joked Dunn.
While Brooks and Dunn have proven themselves time and again, Wilson is on the
road in her first headlining gig.
The Redneck Revolution Tour is in support of her album All Jacked Up, in which
the Grammy Award-winning singer stays true to her country roots.
Local country artist Shelly Rastin is also in this year's Bayfest lineup.
The Strathroy woman will open tonight for Urban and she means to take full
advantage.
"I'm hoping I'll get a chance to talk to him and congratulate him on his
success and talk a bit about his road on the way up," Rastin said. "He'll
probably have this huge glow all around him."
She plans to give him a copy of her CD and ask him about collaborating in the
future.
Rastin, who plays guitar and harmonica, has worked with Canadian rocker Randy
Bachman, co-writing songs. The London Life employee said she's not nervous
about performing tonight, she just wants to make sure she uses this opportunity
to help her career.
Rastin will play for 45 minutes. She said she'll sing some of her older songs,
some music that was the result of working with Bachman plus some "brand-new
stuff that's never been released before."
Tickets are still available for all shows.
THE LINEUP
Tonight: Shelly Rastin, Adam Gregory, Keith Urban; gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Tomorrow: AKA, Astronaut, Flatlined, Everclear, Collective Soul; gates open at
5:30 p.m.
Saturday: Face 2 Face, Aiden McGill, Crystal Gage, Gretchen Wilson; gates open
at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Barnard and Brohm, Aaron Pritchett, Brooks and Dunn; gates open at 2
p.m.
IF YOU GO
What: Sarnia Bayfest has been rocking the area for eight years. About 60,000
concert-goers attend annually and about $325,000 has been raised for local
charities.
When: Tonight through Sunday.
Where: Centennial Park, Sarnia.
Tickets: Four-day pass, $90; country pass, $80; Keith Urban, $34; Collective
Soul and Everclear, $15; Gretchen Wilson, $32; Brooks and Dunn, $30. (Service
charge is $3.) Call 1-888-637-4474; online at www.sarniabayfest.com; at area
St. Willibrord/Libro Financial locations, including London.
Camping: Available across the road from the park, near the marina.
Lawn chairs: Allowed for the first time in areas near the back of the venue.
BY THE NUMBERS . . . .
20,000: Capacity of people per show
440: Bags of ice (12 kg bags)
25: Vendors (of various specialties)
600: Kegs of beer
125: Number of bathrooms
7: Maximum number of buses fit backstage (plus 5 transport trucks)
115: Number of volunteers in beer tents
600: Number of towels for artists
40,000: Number of drink tickets sold per night
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