Canada Day is a day that embraces the national pride, unity and rich cultural tapestry that is Canada, so it’s only fitting that on June 28, as a lead-up to our national celebration, folks in Greater Victoria and beyond will have a chance for an early start to the holiday at the Great Canadian Bash at the Starlight Stadium in Langford.
And as part of that celebration, it’s fitting that the iconic musical group, Big Sugar, will bring their magic to the stage in a tribute to Canada’s diverse musical chops.
“This event is all about bringing the community together,” says Jon Derry, the managing partner of the Collective Entertainment and Event Group that's hosting the event.
“It’s a beautiful venue and Big Sugar is the perfect band for an event that celebrates Canada. After all, they are now and for a long time have been, a major part of Canada’s music scene.”
Originally formed in Toronto in 1988 by Gordie Johnson, the band’s lead singer, lead guitar and primary songwriter, the group has, for more than two decades, been among the top 25 bestselling Canadian bands. Their music has always captivated audiences but has never been easily defined as it seamlessly combines elements of acoustic and alternative rock with reggae, blues and, well, just pure energy.
In fact, that diversity has been the hallmark of the group from its inception. Through various stags of its career, the band has produced sounds that range from high-volume rock to intimate acoustics, and fans of the group have been treated to an eclectic mix of music that never failed to entertain and delight.
As might be expected, the group’s music has won them a host of awards and widespread recognition in the music world. They’ve received a host of Juno award nominations, been inducted into the COCA Hall of Fame, won the Canadian Independent Music Association’s Road Gold Award and, in 2003, Gibson Guitar went so far as to release a special edition Gordie Johnson Signature Series SGJ guitar.
The band saw some changes following the pandemic shutdown years with Johnson reimagining Big Sugar as a power trio featuring bassist Ben Lowe and drummer Joe Magistro (of The B-52’s and The Black Crows).
In 2024 they started the year with a vinyl deluxe release of Five Hundred Pounds, a record that sold out before its release day, as soon as it was announced.
Big Sugar’s appearance at the Great Canadian Bash is part of their current 500 Pounds Theatre Tour which sees the entire album played, followed by some old hits and favourites.
The tour has thrilled their fans and garnered praise from fellow musicians like Jack White and Joe Satriani.
“That’s better than any award you are going to get. Holding a trophy doesn’t compare with having (praise from) people with such impeccable taste and such a high standards for anything they put their name on,” Johnson says.
“It’s certainly a more dynamic show. It’s not just pedal to the metal from the first song. The band get to play the album with the filter of experience and maturity.”
As amazing as a concert as Big Sugar’s will be, The Great Canadian Bash has even more to offer.
The legendary Juno Award-winning group Trooper will play on the same night as Big Sugar, and they're sure to thrill the audience with their huge collection of hits, vitality and sense of humour that has them on the road to legendary status.
“We’re also going to be hosting the Great Canadian Cookout as part of the event,” Derry says. “Local chefs will be on hand and there’s going to be some absolutely incredible food and drink. We also have other entertainment throughout the day with Nautical Disaster on hand to perform their Tragically Hip tribute collection.”
Tickets for the Great Canadian Bash are available here.
