Rock’n August’s traditional Friday night car cruise — attracting 600 classic, vintage, and even some newer-model vehicles — is one of the most spectacular events of the festival.
But it’s the subsequent Show 'N Shine Street Dance on Aug. 11 at St. Albert Place Plaza that recreates the nostalgia of rock ’n' roll. Dash Riprock returns as headliners, while first-timer Dean Ray Band opens the show.
Members of Dash Riprock often joke they have a “licence to stay young.” The band was formed 30 years ago when Michael Cearns (guitar) and Fred Miller (vocalist), who grew up together in Winnipeg, bumped into each other in Edmonton.
The duo had played together in bands since they were 13 years old, but lost touch after graduation. After rekindling their friendship in Edmonton, they reprised their early love of sharing music and formed Dash Riprock. Originally a five-piece, the St. Albert band expanded its size with the addition of two female vocalists: Kasara Jaxon of the Kit Kats and Crystal Hanson.
In addition to Miller, Cearns, Jaxon and Hanson, the current eight-piece is composed of Mike Hall (bass), Chris Beaudoin (drums), Bob Morin (guitar) and Ken Zeller (keyboard).
One of the band's strengths is a low member turnover. That aspect alone has allowed the band to develop a charismatic stage presence featuring dynamic and versatile vocalists, tight musicianship and hard-driving rock that delivers nostalgia and whimsy.
“We don’t have a magic recipe for staying together. We just don’t have much ego and we always try to do better. Everybody’s the same,” said Cearns.
“We work with great people," Miller added. "They are so much fun to be with. We laugh a lot and take pride in our commitment. We don’t like mediocrity. We try to be the best we can be.”
Both Miller and Cearns have high praise for Jaxon and Hanson’s vocal deliveries for the complicated arrangements they pursue.
“We do stuff that is hard but looks easy. And our players are very schooled. They are top-drawer and play with a variety of musicians in the area,” said Miller.
Dash Riprock has performed at K-Days, Taste of Edmonton, the Grey Cup’s Spirit of Edmonton and Mameo Beach’s End of Summer Party. The band last played Rock’n August five years ago.
“Music is an avenue of escape," Miller said. "Give something to people they appreciate, and they will have a good time. We’re there to make sure everybody has a good time – nothing more, nothing less.”
Opening for Dash Riprock is the Dean Ray Band from Red Deer. Ray is performing solo at both A&W’s Trivia Night on Wednesday, Aug. 9, as well as leading a four-piece at the Friday night Show ‘N Shine Street Dance.
The Dean Ray Band is attuned to country-rock music, singing favourite hits from a broad catalogue of singers. They range from Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Chuck Berry and Little Richard to John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Colin James and Bryan Adams.
Ray began his touring career as an Elvis impersonator before developing a Bryan Adams tribute show. Lately, he’s begun to write original material and may sing his favourite ballad, I’m Missin’ You.
“I’ve worked professionally for 16 years, and I’m focused on performing live shows and coming up with the right material. I love to get an audience involved. The more fun it is for them, the more fun it is for me.”
The street dance is Friday, Aug. 11 from 8-11 p.m. on St. Anne Street. Parking is very limited. Residents are asked to use Park’n Ride available at Naki transit stop.
