The First Annual Haverock Revival Festival kicked into full effect this past weekend (July 8/9) in Havelock, Ontario at the Havelock Jamboree Grounds — braving ever changing weather from heat and humidity to an incredible light show from Mother Nature on Friday night. Bringing a change from the annual Country Music event that happens later this summer, the Revival brought out Classic Rock acts the likes of David Wilcox, Loverboy, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, Sass Jordan and more.
Although attendance may have been a little lighter than hoped, the organizers put on a top notch event and the several thousand that did setup for the weekend, made the most of the two-day camping festival and definitely got their money’s worth – with classic rock legends, autograph tents, a variety of vendors and food trucks galore.
Friday night kicked off with a rousing set by Sass Jordan, followed by David Wilcox busting out one of his best sounding performances in years. Wilcox knocked off his hits River Boat Fantasy and The Bearcat with a polish and thunder that was only equaled by the lightning storm that came as his set was wrapping up. Canned Heat and the DownChild Blues Band rounded out
Friday’s line-up and even managed to survive a brief power outage that didn’t slow anyone down.
Saturday’s line-up and weather were equally varied as the sun beat down until Trooper played Raise A Lil’ Hell to an enthusiastic and raucous crowd that didn’t mind the skies opening up in a full scale downpour.
Fans were treated to set after set of great classic rock by the likes of Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, Chilliwack and Kim Mitchell who had the whole crowd chiming in with a sing-along for his classic Patio Lanterns.
Loverboy rocked into the night followed up by headliner George Thorogood & The Destroyers and fans kept going until the wee hours of the morning.
All in all the Haverock Revival was a great kick off for what looks to be a great addition to the summer festival series.
