Hey kids, rock 'n' roll

Attention music festival junkies. When summer comes, the Edmonton Rock Music Festival lays out the best of outdoor entertainment.

Nestled in a hill at Hawrelak Park’s Heritage Amphitheatre, the grassy site is surrounded by tall moss-covered trees that are home to bushy-tailed squirrels and birds.

This man-made collision of nature and entertainment is the perfect venue for a laid-back weekend of classic rock on Aug. 14 and 15.

“It’s going to be a whole lot of fun combined with great music, great food and really comfortable atmosphere. The Heritage Amphitheatre is one of the jewels of the river park area and because the amphitheatre is covered, we’re protected from the elements,” says Kennedy Jenson, festival executive director.

Now in its fifth landmark year, the two-day event will host an eclectic format of nine rock acts ranging from international luminaries to top-tier regional acts.

Friday’s top bill goes to Sweet led by bassist Steve Priest and Saturday’s featured pop-rock headliners are Pat Benatar and guitarist Neil “Spyder” Giraldo.

Boasting a professional and personal partnership for 35 years, Benatar and Giraldo just completed a 27-stop anniversary tour in the United States. For the four-time Grammy Award winner, the Edmonton Rock Fest is the first stop in a shorter Western Canadian leg.

“Pat Benatar is an icon on the international music scene. Her pitch is great and she has such a powerful voice for such a little sprite. And the fact of her professionalism and the fact she puts on a great show, shows the respect the industry has for her. It’s a testament to her talent and her career.”

Sweet, on the other hand, is one of the ’70s and ’80s dazzling glam rock bands, a leading act that helped define the powerful explosion of rock at the time. They spun memorable anthems such as Action, Fox on the Run and Ballroom Blitz.

“They wore the big hair, the shiny pants and heavy makeup,” Jenson said adding, “We were really lucky to get them after Dr. Hook cancelled.”

Opening the Friday night festivities is Punch Drunk Cabaret, a throbbing blend of rockabilly and old-time rock ’n’ roll mixed with a dash of outlaw country.

“They’re a must see band. They are so high energy and fun. They’re a no brainer in the start position.”

Sandwiched in between Sweet and Punch Drunk Cabaret are The Stampeders, a ’70s group once dubbed a country band due to a their sizeable collection of denim outfits and cowboy hats.

But the trio hit fans’ soft spot with major hits such as Sweet City Woman, Ramona, Wild Eyes and Hit the Road Jack.

“This is a band that fits anywhere. They were even playing on the pop-rock charts.”

The biggest Canadian name on Saturday programming is Kenny Shields & Streetheart.

“They’ve performed at the festival before and they’re very popular. Edmonton loves Streetheart. They have great songwriting and the songs remind people of when life was good. They also bring positive energy to the stage through their music and their personalities.”

Another great Canadian performer, Rik Emmett could rest on his laurels from his Triumph years. But even after a dozen platinum albums and a star on the Walk of Fame, he keeps reinventing himself.

“He is a great singer-songwriter from the ’70s and ’80s. As time marches on, many singers lose their top notes and their range decreases. Not this guy,” laughs Jenson.

Vancouver’s Barracuda sing a time-honoured tribute to Heart.

“They’re very accomplished in their tribute and are even endorsed by guitar player Roger Fisher from Heart.”

Another Edmonton band playing on Saturday is The Joint Chiefs, a blend of classic blues, rock, pop, soul and R&B. Andrew White founded and fronts the band. The current lineup includes Ralph Pretz (guitar/vox), Jeff Bartlett (bass/vox), Dean Pierno (drums) and Stef Kijek (keys).

“They’re a terrific cover band. They’ve been members of the music community for over 20 years and they’re a very strong band in terms of performance and musical ability.”

Opening the Saturday party is The Stephanie Harpe Experience. Originally from Fort McMurray, Harpe is a soulful young singer with great pipes who has found a niche in the regional music scene within the last year.

Jenson spent a 35-year career singing rock, pop, jazz and musical theatre. She grew up listening to rock classics, and for her there is an enduring quality to the lyrics and melodies.

“It was great songwriting. They were so well crafted. I don’t think there are as many cleverly written songs today as in the ’70s. Today lots of songs lift or borrow from other songs and the melody lines aren’t as interesting.”

She also believes classic rock’s popularity lives on due to a generation of baby boomers unwilling to give up their youth.

“If they come to listen to their favourite songs, it perpetuates itself. And if we continue with good programming, music fans keep coming. And it’s not just the boomers. Our demographic is getting younger. We’re excited about this festival and we want to impress this festival is open to a broad range of people.”