Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Sounds abound

Big Sugar, Allison Crowe, Choclair, Ozomatli part of Jim Beam concert lineup for WSSF There’s no better mix of sports and music than is found in Whistler.

Big Sugar, Allison Crowe, Choclair, Ozomatli part of Jim Beam concert lineup for WSSF

There’s no better mix of sports and music than is found in Whistler.

Once again the concert lineups from the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival promise good listening, in addition to great athletic performance.

The 10-day, free outdoor Jim Beam concert series lets you catch the best in up and coming talent, live in the great outdoors, apres-ski or before evening’s adventures.

The series, like additional concerts during the week, positions a series of emerging artists in a key position, where a diverse Whistler audience might not only include fans but talent scouts.

"What’s neat about the show is that you have bands that were showcased in previous years, for example Nickelback, and look at them now!" says Kristen Robinson, WSSF music producer.

"It’s a real fusion of music, and there aren’t a lot of free, outdoor concerts these days," she adds.

"This new relationship with Jim Beam is unique in that a common passion exists to support emerging talent."

From Grammy-winner Ozomatli to up and coming indie artist Allison Crowe, this year’s lineup promises diversity.

The Jim Beam series kicks off on Friday, April 12 when Baby Blue Sound Crew and rap artist Choclair take to the stage. Choclair will play from his new album, Memoirs of Blake Savage . Harpoon Missile and Bishop follow the set. Harpoon Missile’s latest release, Boy, Interrupted , brings you songs of adrenalized hip-hop and rock aggression, from MC Harpoon, Rahmel, and Warchild.

On Saturday, April 13 the lineup includes Seanski, Toronto’s break beat and house band The New Deal, and L.A.’s Breakestra.

Sunday, April 14, the First Nations-influenced hip hop from War Party hits the stage, followed by Cole Cash, and Vancouver indie songstress, Kinnie Starr.

Hip hopper Starr, compared with Kingston’s Sarah Harmer and performer Jane Siberry, says she is "interested in erasing the lines that separate people." She sings from recent album, Tune Up , released through her own label, Violet Inch Records.

On Monday, April 15, Vancouver quartet John Ford, which features Rich Hope, and Big Sugar perform. John Ford, who have been described as a cross between ‘the Yardbirds, MC-5 and Boeing 67, have opened for 54-40 and the Tragically Hip.

Big Sugar plays from their album Brothers & Sisters, Are You Ready? , which was released in both French and English.

Freeflow, power-pop act Exitthisside, and Mazinaw play on April 16.

On Wednesday, April 17 catch Nanaimo native Allison Crowe, and music act Sideshow.

On Thursday, April 18, the metal and rap-flavoured Shocore, the Vancouver outfit with frontman Cory White, play from their Devil Rock Disco album, while 3 rd Strike get Whistler crowds pumping.

Friday, April 19 brings the music of Theory of a Deadman, while Pete, Chad, and the Whole Damn County take to the stage with original songs.

Saturday, April 20, features a whole lineup in conjunction the Big Air event. Science, Bullfrog featuring DJ P-Love, and the political activist messengers Ozomatli, who aim for music with a "positive outlet," are the headliners. The band was featured in the 2002 Snocore tour. More surprises are promised at the show, with a start time of 6 p.m.

Ivani Santilli (of album Brown), and Jive round out the lineup from this year’s showcase with performances on April 21.

Shows run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the village base of Whistler Mountain. On Saturday, April 20, the concert runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the Skier’s Big Air event.

The series complements the indoor, Kokanee-sponsored series, which takes place that same week indoors at bars throughout the village.