REVIEW : Eddie Money, Charlie A'Court Nudie the Turks at Charlottetown SummerFest, Canada Day, July 1st 2011.

With memories of “Wheat Kings and pretty things” fresh in their minds, fans were eager to see what tomorrow would bring.

As 6pm came around on Canada Day, festivalgoers again returned to the white-tent gate to enter what would become another spectacular night of ROCK.

Shortly after 7pm, Nudie and the Turks took the stage to a small, but very enthusiastic crowd. A perfect fit for Canada Day, these guys took East Coasters’ from all over on a musical journey which showcased traditional Island music at its best. Throughout the 40 minute set, many, including myself could be seen stomping our feet to the PEI beat.

Once Nudie & The Turks had left the stage, more fans began to gather around in anticipation of the appearance of Truro NS blues/rocker Charlie A’Court.

Once 8pm had passed, A’Court took the stage to a legion of dedicated, screaming & dancing fans. Throughout his set, A’Court went through his catalogue of old, and newer tunes.

Charlie could be heard giving excellent renditions of songs such as “You’ve got a Friend in Me”, “Carolina”, and “Take Me Down”.

While these tunes really stuck out for me, the entire set was excellent, and another spectacular choice for an opening act, though the only thing deserved may have been a bigger crowd.

Finally, as 9pm comes closer, the grass is becoming less visible, as thousands of fans pour in to see Eddie Money rock out with some of the best top 40 hits around.

As 9:25 quickly approached, Eddie quickly took the stage and went through every hit such as “No Control”, “Walk on Water”, “Wanna Be a Rock n’ Roll Star and “Gimmie some Water.

Money can also be remembered for paying tribute to our soldiers at war with his tune “One More Soldiers Coming Home”.

Fans much enjoyed the first part of the show but as the end neared, and the first chord of “Take me Home Tonight” was played, fans began screaming the words of what is perhaps his biggest hit, having been released in 1986.

The highlight for me was the final song of the main set. As Eddie performed “Two Tickets to Paradise”, fireworks began to erupt from behind the stage, prompting many “ou’s” and “ah’s” from fans.

After thanking everyone and leaving the stage, fans began chanting “EDDIE. EDDIE. EDDIE”. Any rocker knows that means an encore, so Eddie agreed and wowed the crowd once more.

At one point in the night, Eddie even praised his Canadian fans as being true rock and roll lovers, rather than being into ” hip hop crap”.

This concluded night two of what’s been a spectacular SummerFest, it’s only going to get better…

Fans will be treated one last time tomorrow night to the legendary 70s-80s rocker MEAT LOAF, of recent Celebrity Apprentice fame.

Tickets are still available for $69.00 and can be purchased at the TicketPro tent located by the front gate at Confederation Landing Park.

Posted by Cole McLean

Cole is the founder of Atlantic Canada Rocks, launching the community nearly a decade ago. Cole listens to many types of music daily, from Bruce Springsteen to Katy Perry to Metallica. In his time at ACR, Cole has covered dozens of shows and interviewed several artists from Joe Satriani to Mariana’s Trench.