PNE lineup 2017: Mother Mother, ZZ Top, Doobie Brothers coming to this summer's fair
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has released its concert lineup for 2017, as well as a list of new attractions in honour of Canada 150.
This year's summer concert series has something from every genre, according to organizers — including Mother Mother for the indie rock crowd, Billy Currington for country music fans, and Colin James for those who love the blues.
"We wanted to have something for everyone," said Mike McDaniel, CEO and President of the PNE.
"Our fair, very similar to a number of fairs in North America, these are the acts that are doing those circuits ... there are ones that will play these events, or they won't.
"People say, 'Why don't you get any artist that's on the radio today,' but it doesn't work like that."
The series' shows are at the amphitheatre. McDaniel said there are multicultural acts also planned for other stages within the fair.
Other attractions including a new, nightly drone lights show and a giant video games arcade dubbed "Toytopia." The Craft Beer Fest and PNE Prize Home lottery are also returning favourites.
Certain attractions are only being offered this year to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. Those wearing red and white on opening weekend will get a discounted entry, and the Kaleidoscope on Parade with "the colours of Canada" will be held every day.
The PNE runs most days from Aug. 19 to Sept. 4 starting at 11 a.m. PT.
Here's the summer concert schedule in full:
Saturday, August 19: Mother Mother
Sunday, August 20: Billy Currington
Tuesday, August 22: The Pointer Sisters
Wednesday, August 23: High Valley
Thursday, August 24: ZZ Top
Friday, August 25: Chicago
Saturday, August 26: Colin James
Sunday, August 27: Huey Lewis and The News
Tuesday, August 29: Tom Cochrane with Red Rider
Wednesday, August 30: The B-52s
Thursday, August 31: The Doobie Brothers
Friday, September 1: Rick Springfield
Saturday, September 2: The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo
Sunday September 3: iHeartRadio Beach Ball (concert lineup to be announced shortly)
Monday, September 4: iHeartRadio Beach Ball (concert lineup to be announced shortly)
