For those who like high energy modern rock music make sure you check out Exit 51 who will be performing at 2:30 p.m. on the main stage at Parksville Community Park.
Named after the highway turnoff to Parksville, the five-piece band is starting to get a reputation in these parts as a group that can fill a dance floor.
Their diverse play list includes a lot of dance music from the 90’s and newer as well as some twists on a few rock-n-roll classics.
Covering the music of bands like The Black Eyed Peas, The Black Keys, The Neon Trees, The Tragically Hip, Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, the party band has a set list that includes rock and top 40 covers.
For Canada Day the band has decided to include a lot more songs from some of their favourite Canadian bands including The Northern Pikes, Matthew Good, Tom Cochrane, Alannah Myles and Serena Ryder.
“We want to see lots of dancing on Canada Day. We are a high energy band and we will be playing music that gets people moving,” said Alan Messner, who plays bass for the group.
Shawn Tomczyk who plays lead guitar said after two years of playing together they have really come a long way.
“We all have unique things to offer and we will surprise the audience with what we can do.
There will be some foot stomping excitement when we hit the stage,” predicted Tomczyk.
Lead vocalist Jenn Buerge agreed that the band has really gelled and each one of them contributes to make it work.
“We have been practising a lot. I think our music will appeal to everyone,” she said.
Their other guitarist Jim Sinclair said they have fun taking old classics and rocking them up and said all of them share the same goals when it comes to music and that is to have fun.
Especially excited to be part of the big show is drummer Aaron Hallberg. The percussionist is sharing his drum kit with a few of the other bands performing that day.
Since some of the bands coming from Vancouver want to travel light, the Parksville band has graciously allowed them to use their back line gear which will already be set up on the stage.
“Lots of people have played my drums and liked them. I am happy to do whatever I can do to help them perform.
Hopefully it will be a good experience for everyone,” said Hallberg.