I cannot believe it’s here and gone again. Iceberg Alley Performance Tent 2019 was one to remember– not that I’d ever expect anything less. It was another 10 days of fabulous performers, including Metric, Colin James, Black Jack Billy, Alan Doyle (check out our post about his performance last year!) with a surprise Great Big Sea reunion, and Our Lady Peace. This year, I was lucky enough to take in TWO amazing shows: Bret Michaels with Haywire and Timber, and David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell, and Loverboy. Can you say classics?? The shows were phenomenal and the venue continues to kick ass.
In case you’ve never been, here’s a little rundown of what the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent is like:
- It’s a giant blue tent pitched on the banks of Quidi Vidi Lake (think circus tents)
- There are about 10 days of incredible concerts in mid-September
- Hardly any lineups!!!
- They have a separate, attached tent for toilets so you never have to go outside
- They
lay out a floor so you don’t have to worry about your heels sinking in the grass - Free stadium-style seating on the back wall facing the stage
- There are multiple bars where you can get liquor, beer, craft beer, and wine (again, no lineups!!)
- Local restaurants have food booths with amazing eats
- Covered smoking area
- This year they had a candy bar!
- VIP section with premium seating as well as private bars and bathrooms
- All at a competitive price– you won’t break the bank at Iceberg Alley
Now let’s talk about this year’s shows:
As a long-time classic rock/hair band super-fan, I was thrilled to hear Bret Michaels, the singer from Poison, was coming to the Tent. Poison’s classic hit “Nothin’ But a Good Time” is my #1 pump-up song! I am so thankful to the folks at Iceberg Alley for having me at the show.
St. John’s-based Timber opened up the show and Canadian band Haywire kept the party going before Bret Michaels took the stage. I love that Iceberg Alley gives a space for local artists to perform.
Bret Michaels, as pretty as ever, rocked the Tent with all Poison’s classic hits. You might have spotted me jamming out to “Your Momma Don’t Dance,” “Unskinny Bop,” and “Talk Dirty to Me.” All the phones lit up when he sang “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” and “Something to Believe In.” He even performed songs from other classic rock artists like Journey and Kiss. His energy was contagious. Bret really seemed to love The Rock, and I think he made everyone’s night when he promised a Poison reunion here in Newfoundland in the near future. What a dream!
On the last night of the festival, my friends and I headed down to the Tent for classic rock icons David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell, and Loverboy. I was stoked! Hit after hit after hit! It was a sold-out show and the crowd was on wheels. As it turns out, some local rock legends also decided to come out and enjoy the show…I finally met Alan Doyle! Unfortunately, all the concert pictures from that night are super blurry– probably from me jumping up and down nonstop all night! (sorry not sorry!)
Iceberg Alley Performance Tent ROCKED again this year. It never disappoints! The festival has become a well-oiled machine and is honestly one of the most enjoyable concert venues I have ever been to. We cannot wait for next year!
all the best,
char
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