BURTON, BEACHES & BERG – Three words sum up London ties to Western Fair Concert Line-up
Happy Days are here again this September 8-17. Music lovers get ready to rock with a triple-treat concert line-up with London linkages.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023, legendary musician Burton Cummings and his band take the stage for a highly anticipated concert. Returning to his roots, the Canadian icon will deliver a captivating performance that will transport audiences back in time while honoring his profound connection to London’s music community.
Burton Cummings & His Band
Burton Cummings, with his unmistakable vocals and unmatched artistry, rose to prominence as the lead singer and primary songwriter for The Guess Who, one of Canada’s most iconic bands. A key figure in the group’s success, Cummings played a vital role in shaping their sound, which catapulted them to international fame.
Over the years, The Guess Who and Burton Cummings have graced the stage of the Western Fair multiple times, leaving an indelible mark on the fair’s musical history. The Guess Who delighted audiences with their performances in 1994 and 2000, showcasing their timeless hits to enthusiastic fans. Meanwhile, Burton Cummings has had an enduring connection with the Western Fair, having performed in 1986, 1996, 1999, and most recently in 2018. Excitingly, Cummings is set to make a triumphant return in 2023!
Cummings’ connection to London runs deep, and at the heart of it lies the late Jack Richardson, a Juno Award-nominated Canadian music producer, and former faculty member of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program for almost 20 years.
Richardson considered a pioneering force in the Canadian music industry, played a pivotal role in producing The Guess Who’s biggest hit records from 1969 to 1975, working closely with Cummings and the band.
Tuesday, September 12, promises to be an unforgettable evening of melodic brilliance and nostalgic resonance. A celebration of the enduring legacy of both Cummings and Richardson, a testament to their artistic genius, and evidence to the profound connections between musicians and the communities that shape them.
The Beaches
The Thunder Queens
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, prepare for an exhilarating night of rock and roll as The Beaches, one of Canada’s hottest all-female rock bands, takes the stage at the Western Fair. This highly anticipated concert will showcase the undeniable talent and infectious energy of The Beaches, supported by the thunderous sound of Thunder Queens, an emerging punk rock band from London itself. Thunder Queens is comprised of Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals) Lola Hayman (drums, vocals), and Clara Magnan (bass, vocals) and together they have been making waves in the local music scene with their raw energy, blistering guitar riffs, and captivating performances. This all-female concert lineup promises to celebrate the strength and diversity of women in rock music.
The buzz has begun, and anticipation mounts as the Trans-Canada Highwaymen prepare to take the stage at the Western Fair on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Comprised of four iconic Canadian musicians, this powerhouse collective promises an unforgettable rock and roll evening, displaying their incredible talent and indelible mark on the music industry sharing stories and laughter.
Trans-Canada Highwaymen. Chris Murphy, Moe Berg, Craig Northey, and Steven Page (left to right)
Consisting of Chris Murphy of Sloan, Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness, The Odds lead vocalist Craig Northey, and former Barenaked Ladies member Steven Page, the Trans-Canada Highwaymen bring together an unparalleled array of talent and hits.
Their collective impact on Canadian music is immeasurable, and their combined discography is a treasure trove of beloved classics.
Among the members of the Trans-Canada Highwaymen, Moe Berg stands out not only for his musical prowess but also for his deep connection to the London community. As a faculty member of Fanshawe College in the esteemed Music Industry Arts program, Berg has nurtured and mentored aspiring musicians for years, shaping the next generation of talent.
Berg’s expertise and dedication to the craft have made him an invaluable resource for students at Fanshawe College. His experiences as a musician, songwriter, and producer have provided aspiring artists with unique insights into the music industry. Many musicians and bands owe their success to his guidance and production including London’s very own, Lost in Japan.
The upcoming Trans-Canada Highwaymen concert at the Western Fair serves as a testament to the enduring power of Canadian rock and the immense impact these musicians have had on the nation’s musical landscape. As they take the stage together, fans can expect a musical journey through the hits that have become the soundtrack of our lives.