Printed from the Niagara Falls Review
Classic rock, new pop on tap for New Year’s Eve concert
JOHN LAW
Saturday, November 11, 2006 - 02:00
Local News - Classic rockers Foreigner, Canadian guitar great Colin James and pop newcomer Justin Hines will get the party started New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls.
Organizers tried appealing to all ages for this year’s bash at Queen Victoria Park, according to Niagara Parks Commission events manager Sarah Wood.
“There’s something for everybody with this lineup,” she said. “Pending the weather playing its part, I think it’s going to be a great night.”
The lineup was announced Friday by the Niagara Parks Commission, which took over the event last year from the Winter Festival of Lights. Partners include the Niagara Fallsview Casino, City of Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill Tourist Area.
Not only will the show still be televised live across Canada on CanWest Global, the TV portion expands from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, running from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
This means more music (all three artists get TV time instead of the usual two) and more of Niagara Falls in the spotlight.
“We find that most people turn on the television leading up to (midnight on) New Year’s Eve,” said Wood. “We felt we could warrant going the extra half hour.
“It certainly means more impact for the destination. The commercial time we’re allotted because of this partnership with Global means (Niagara Falls) will get more time on air.”
It’s one of the most diverse lineups the event has ever offered.
Foreigner, despite nearly 20 years removed from its last hit, is still a popular concert draw. Songs like “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded” and “Urgent” are classic rock staples.
It won’t be the same band, however - only guitarist Mick Jones remains from the original group. Singer Lou Gramm bolted three years ago.
No stranger to New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls, Colin James is bringing his Little Big Band with him. The group, a side project to his solo career, recently released its third album.
“Colin James has been here several times, but he has a huge following in this area,” said Wood.
Toronto’s Justin Hines performs despite a joint condition called Larsen Syndrome which relegates him to a wheelchair. His career took off 10 years ago when he sang the national anthem at a Toronto Raptors game.
Wood said the annual concert “gets a little harder every year” to organize. Entertainment comes at a premium on New Year’s Eve, and bands are in high demand.
“Getting them to commit to New Year’s Eve, especially when they’re out on tour, gets harder to do.
“And we’re competing with destinations that have significant dollars to play with.
“We have what we have, but I think we’ve put together a great roster.”
jlaw@nfreview.com
ID- 269306 © 2006 , Osprey Media. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Niagara Falls Review acticles reprinted with permission by the authority of Joe Wallace, City Editor of the Niagara Falls Review.
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