While Whoop Up Days dominates the week for entertainment, another big annual event happens on Saturday, Aug. 27— Bigwood 9.
Organizer Todd Carter noted Bigwood began as a staff party for three landscaping related companies, who had flexible hours which was a boon for the local musicians they employed.
“We had 40 or 50 people and two or three bands at the first Bigwood,” Carter said, noting the event has expanded to a big annual party for much of the local music community.
“We’ve had 200 or 300 people at the last four depending on the weather,” he continued.
This year they are expanding again, with out of town headliners , Edmonton rock band Royal Tusk and Saskatchewan band Fancy Diamonds performing in addition to Lethbridge alternative rock duo Sparkle Blood and local rock bands The Silkstones, surf rock band the Atomicos , 90s rock trio the Supervoid and the Dirti Speshuls will be performing just off Research Centre Road beginning at 6 p.m.
“I was at Royal Tusk’s show at Studio in May and was really impressed. and the Supervoid played in Medicine Hat and raved about how good Fancy Diamonds were,” Carter related.
“We want to get more people so we’re having headliners,” he continued.
“Sparkle Blood are a great girl and guy duo and the Silkstones are a new band who are doing a great job promoting themselves. The Atomicos are a surf rock band and My band (the Dirti Speshuls) are playing too . So there will a little something for everyone if you are a fan of rock and roll,” he promised.
He said it is hard to believe is has already been nine years.
“It’s nine years going on 10 so we decided we should go bigger or stop doing it. But it is always such a good time,” he said.
Gates open at 6 p.m., Admission is $25.
