Cummings among acts announced for RFM

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This article was published 23/02/2018 (2994 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For the 15th instalment of Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa, the three-day summer festival is going back to its classic rock roots.

The first round of bands were announced Thursday for the milestone event, which includes Burton Cummings, Trooper, Three Days Grace, Headstones, Kim Mitchell, Chilliwack and Snake Oil.

“The past few years, RFM has kind of been at a crossroads,” said RFM president Brian Wenham. “We’ve tried some new things, new genres musically for the festival. And after careful consideration and deliberation by members of the board, RFM has elected to focus on tried and true, classic rock and roll.”

At a press conference held at the Keystone Centre, Wenham reflected on the festival’s humble beginnings.

“Our dreams were always larger than our budget … but the one thing that RFM never lacked since the very beginning, is support,” he said. “When it comes to the support we’ve received from our volunteers and our community, we have been rich. They’ve always been the reason to go ‘one more year.’”

Prior to RFM, Classic Rock Weekend lasted a brief three years, followed by one-offs like Shakin’ the Lake and Little River Rock Fest.

“A group of fans turned founders started a non-profit co-operative festival, and Rockin’ the Fields was soon born,” he said.

A familiar face is joining this year’s event — longtime Dauphin Countryfest promoter Rob Waloschuk. Back in the late ’90s, Waloschuk booked the bands for Classic Rock Weekend.

“I’m excited about it. I’m really looking to it,” Waloschuk said. “Burton Cummings coming to Minnedosa? I mean, come on, it’s going to be amazing.”

Waloschuk said this is just the first round of artist announcements, and fans can expect more as the festival nears.

“There’s something for everyone,” he said. “We have the Headstones, who have got an underground following … Three Days Grace obviously is huge still today, but they also have their classic roots.”

Burton Cummings is known for his major hits with The Guess Who in the 1960s and ’70s, followed by a successful solo career. Three Days Grace has been described as “post grunge, hard rock and alternative rock.” The band will release its sixth album in March.

Chilliwack were the original headliners of the first RFM festival, and have multiple hits from the early ’70s. Kim Mitchell is known for hit singles like “Patio Lanterns” and “Go for Soda,” along with his previous work with the band Max Webster.

With legendary hits like “Raise a Little Hell” and “We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time),” Trooper is often considered Canada’s No. 1 party band.

The RFM board hopes to build excitement for this 15th annual festival, and promises it will be “bigger, louder and better than ever.” The event takes place Aug. 3-5.

Early bird tickets are available until March 31. Visit rockinthefields.ca or call 1-888-330-8333.

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