An estimated 7,500 people packed Deer Lake Park on Saturday to hear Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats play – making this year’s Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival one of the most successful in recent years.
Organizers of the event had expected a record crowd after early bird tickets sold out, and that’s exactly what they got. The event, which is in its 19th year, was sold out.
To make room for all the people, the marketplace, merchandise and sponsors’ tents were moved to the upper lawn, leaving more space for concertgoers.
Another big change from past years was the paring down of musical acts in an effort to focus on “quality versus quantity.” This year’s blues festival featured six acts, all playing on one main stage, including The Rural Alberta Advantage, Nikki Lane, The Suffers, Begonia and Amythyst Kiah.
But the big draw this year was headliner Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.
“It’s a good lineup,” Jordan Duffy told the NOW.
He and his wife, Brandee, decided to attend the festival when they heard Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats were headlining. It was the couple’s first time at the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival.
“It’s a really great venue,” Brandee said.
“It’s nice, the incline, too. You can get a nice view of the stage still,” Jordan added.
Vancouver Island residents Michele Sandilands and Burke Montague agreed.
“Look at this venue, it’s amazing,” Montague told the NOW.
He and Sandilands, both first-time attendees, were at the festival with a group of friends who had all come out to see Rateliff.
“We love blues,” Montague said.
