Canadian National Exhibition Bandshell performers line-up

News Release

What: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has something for everyone in 2012 at the
Toronto Star Bandshell including pop superstars, legendary jazz players, rock bands, soul
groups and more. A full list of performers can be seen below. All performances will be held in
Bandshell Park.

Saturday, August 18 - 7:30pm
Big Sugar with Flash Lightnin’- Big Sugar recently released Revolution Per Minute, their first
new studio release in almost a decade. Led by Gordie Johnson, the ‘Godfather of scorching
arena rock gone Jamaican’, who took the band from Queen Street to national institution, Big
Sugar is known for their innovative style and extraordinary live performances.
With a sound once described as “bad-ass sludge-boogie,” the boys of Flash Lightnin’ have
scraped the grime off the streets to create a self-titled debut album full of sex, sweat, smoke and
sleaze. This band is pure rock ‘n’ roll.

Sunday, August 19 - 7:30pm
Nick Carter with Andrew Allen - Hot on the heels of the release of his new album, I’m Taking
Off, American singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, entertainer and actor Nick Carter takes over
the CNE Bandshell on the first Sunday of the fair. Well known as a member of the pop group
Backstreet Boys, Nick went on to release his first solo album called Now Or Never during the
group’s hiatus.

Tuesday, August 21 - 7:30pm
Boogie Wonder Band - If anyone can prove that disco is still very much alive, it’s this 10-piece
band set to bring the greatest hits of the 70’s to vibrant life.

Wednesday, August 22 - 7:30pm
Freddie McGregor - In celebration of 50 years of Jamaican Independence, Grammy®
nominated singer, songwriter and producer Freddie McGregor brings his multi-platform reggae
sound to The Bandshell for the first time.

Thursday, August 23 - 7:30pm
The Magic of Motown - The Spinners - The greatest soul group of the 70’s returns to The
Bandshell this year after being rained out in 2011. Powered by a soul-infused backing band with
sparkling strings and horns, and four lead voices singing in perfect harmony, the lush, seductive
sound of one of soul music’s greatest treasures continues to wow fans the world over.

Friday, August 24 - 7:30pm
Don McLean with Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson - Don McLean is one of America's most
enduring singer-songwriters and is forever associated with his classic hits American Pie,
Vincent (Starry Starry Night), Crying, And I Love You So, and Castles In The Air. McLean has
sold over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide.
Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson channel the great couples of music history. They share an
intense spark on stage that makes every performance magical. Both singers, Dustin also plays
guitar and Kendel plays the fiddle.

Saturday, August 25 - 7:30pm
Trooper with Poor Young Things - One of Canada’s own multi-award winning, multi-platinum
selling classic rock and roll bands comes to Raise a Little Hell on the second Saturday night of
the CNE.
Thunder Bay, Ontario’s Poor Young Things’ brand of emotive working-class rock sounds like a
kind of raw mix of Tom Petty meets Powderfinger. Their debut EP, Let It Sleep, is the precursor
to a full length album to be released later in 2012 which they are currently working on with
producer Jon Drew (Arkells).

Sunday, August 26 - 7:30pm
Last Night of the “Canadian” Proms - The Proms come from the British Tradition of popular
concerts famous for lots of sing-along numbers, patriotic flag-waving and audience participation.
As well as traditional Proms pieces, this concert will also feature Canadian music and other
numbers from the Elmer Iseler Singers, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Canada, and
Special Guests from the Pipes and Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, led by conductor
Dr. Lydia Adams.

Tuesday, August 28 - 7:30pm
3OH!3 with The New Cities - 3OH!3, a fun, American electro-pop duo comprised of Sean
Forman and Nathaniel Mott, bring their eclectic sound to The Bandshell this year. The group
will be releasing their new album in the Fall.
Montreal-based six-piece band, The New Cities is as much of a real electro band, as they are a
real rock band. Having racked up an inspirational array of accolades, including a JUNO Award
nomination, an ADISQ and two Canadian Radio Music Award nods for Best New Group, The
New Cities are set to release their second album in September.

Wednesday, August 29 - 7:30pm
Arkells with The Darcys - Canadian rock band Arkells make their debut at the CNE Bandshell
after a coveted win at the Junos® this year in the Group of the Year category. They also
captured the New Group of the Year award at the 2010 Junos®.
Toronto art rock quartet, The Darcys’ latest release is an interpretation of Steely Dans AJA, and
the second in a three album deal with Arts & Crafts. DOWNLOAD the album for FREE at
www.thedarcys.ca.

Thursday, August 30 - 7:30pm
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone plus Paul Revere & The Raiders - Regarded as one
of Rock and Roll's finest and most versatile entertainers, the multi-talented singer/actor Peter
Noone is well known to audiences worldwide as “Herman” of the 1960s era British pop/rock
band, Herman’s Hermits.
Also performing will be equally impressive Paul Revere & The Raiders. Their combination of
goofy slapstick comedy with impeccable musicianship and vocals is what makes this band a
unique, “over the top”, rockin’ entertainment experience.

Friday, August 31 - 7:30pm
The Tea Party with Jordan Cook - After the better part of a decade apart, Jeff Martin, Stuart
Chatwood and Jeff Burrows are together again! One of Canada’s premiere rock bands, The
Tea Party’s unique brand of Eastern influenced progressive rock sounds as fresh, vibrant and
powerful as ever. They have spent much of the past year playing rave reviewed shows in
Canada.

Saturday, September 1 - 7:30pm
Arturo Sandoval - A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval is
one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a
renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. Arturo Sandoval has been awarded six
Grammy Awards, and nominated 12 times; he has also received six Billboard Awards and one
Emmy Award.

NOTE ABOUT WEATHER: Bandshell Concerts go on RAIN or SHINE. The only time they are
postponed or cancelled, is when there is an electrical storm, which could compromise the safety of both
CNE performers and visitors. In that case, an announcement will be made from the stage.

About the CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest fair and one of the top 10 fairs in North
America. Founded in 1879, the CNE celebrates its 134th year in 2012, when it takes place from August
17 to September 3. Each year over the course of its late summer 18-day run, the CNE attracts
approximately 1.3 million people. On average, it generates an economic impact of $58.6 million on the
Greater Toronto Area and $80 million on the province of Ontario each year. For the past two consecutive
fairs, the CNE has been awarded Eco Logo certification, confirming it as the "greenest" fair in North
America, and the most "environmentally friendly" large scale event on the continent. The CNEA Horse
Show and Casino open before the fair, on Monday, July 30. HorseCapades opens July 31.
To learn more visit: www.theex.com

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