Mitchell performs his 'Rock N Roll Duty', Canadian icon headlining Canada Day in Kanata

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Jessica Cunha

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EMC News - Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell is set to headline the Canada Day in Kanata celebration this year.

The event committee landed the big name musician for the July 1 festivities, which will take place at Walter Baker Park.

"He's a Canadian favourite," said Diane McNulty, the director of programming for Canada Day in Kanata. "He's always in high demand. We've tried to get him before."

Mitchell released his most recent album, "Ain't Life Amazing," in 2007 and continues to tour and perform at community festivals and theatres. He is currently the afternoon host for radio station Q107 in Toronto.

FAMILY EVENT

"Canada Day is a family event so you want to cater to families," said McNulty. "I think we're keeping with the tradition of offering very strong identifiable Canadian artists that appeal to a wide demographic."

Mitchell first hit the Canadian music scene in the 1970s as part of the band Max Webster. With classic hit songs like "Patio Lanterns" and "Rock N Roll Duty," the singer-songwriter is recognized across the generations, said McNulty.

"His songs are timeless," she said. "He's the type of performer you go back to see because he's just that good. He's that entertaining."

The Juno award-winning artist said in a press release his biggest achievement is entertaining the crowds.

"Being able to take people to a special place, through our performance and music, when that happens, I've accomplished what I set out to do," he said.

'REALLY EXCITED'

McNulty, also a board member with the Kanata Haven Youth Centre, and the youth group have been volunteering their time for the Canada Day in Kanata event for the past seven years.

The volunteers from the Haven have a chance to learn how an entire festival is run and take part in the steps that make Canada Day in Kanata possible.

"The kids learn the whole process," said McNulty. "It's really important because it's not just a concert."

Getting a chance to work backstage with the bands is an added bonus, said McNulty.

McNulty will be putting out a call for local youth bands to audition for a chance to open for Mitchell on Canada Day.

"It's going to be good," she said.

"We're all really excited and really happy. He's an unbelievable showman."

Last year, about 30,000 people attended the Canada Day in Kanata celebrations with headliner Sloan, and McNulty said she's expecting the same number of attendees for 2012.

"I look forward to Canada Day every year but I really like Kim Mitchell," said McNulty. "He's part of Canadian music culture."




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