Rockfest aims to broaden audience this year

Empire Rockfest 2013 held in downtown Belleville. Picture courtesy https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empire-Square-Live/268285379939757

By Courtney Bell

Organizers of the Empire Rockfest want to create an event to appeal to a broader range of age groups than in previous years.

Rain or shine the 2014 Empire Rockfest in downtown Belleville will be showcasing popular bands from the 1980’s to 90’s. This years Rockfest will feature Huey Lewis and the News, Glass Tiger, Weezer, The Trews, Sammy Hagar and Extreme.

Organizer Andy Forgie said you’ll have a great time. Empire Rockfest is an all age’s event. Tickets are available to purchase online, by phone or at The Empire Theatre box office. The event takes place July 24 to 26.

“ We want to try and appeal to as many age groups as possible. The majority of the acts we tend to get appeal to 40 and up,” he said.

This year, the band Weezer, who formed in 1992, will be playing in the live show. Members include Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell and Scott Shriner. This should attract more people in their 20’s, said Forgie.

Weezer is well known for their funny and eye-catching videos, according to Weezer.com, the official website of the band. The use of the Internet gave them an edge in the music industry. Popular songs by Weezer include, Say it Ain’t So, Island In The Sun, Beverly Hills, and Buddy Holly.

Empire Rockfest officially began in the summer of 2007. Mark Rashotte, the owner of Empire Theatre is in contact with talent agencies from Toronto to Nashville. Rashotte decides whether or not a particular act will be good for the show.

Classic rock is a big component of the live show.

Promotional manager for Empire theatre Andy Forgie said,

“Classic rock tends to be our bread and butter,” he said.

According to Forgie there is an average of 3,000 people each night that watch the show live.

Empire Rockfest is a very exciting event for the city of Belleville, helping businesses and entertaining many. Empire Rockfest is a great way for Belleville residents to showcase their city.