Rock the Park in Parksville will be a homecoming for Ballenas Secondary School graduate Zachary Stevenson.
Stevenson, now based in Chicago, will pay tribute to the legendary Buddy Holly to wrap up the music festival, which runs from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 at the outdoor stage in Parksville Community Park.
“Buddy Holly was just a regular guy," he said. "A lot of the other rock 'n rollers kind of were larger than life personalities but Buddy just seemed like somebody really relatable. Kind of a music nerd — a bit of a rebel in his own way who loved rock 'n roll, formed a band with his friends and wrote his own songs and carved his own path."
Rock the Park, now in its third year, will feature a variety of tribute acts, covering bands such as The Rolling Stones, Def Leppard, Shania Twain, The Chicks, Queen, the Tragically Hip, Bon Jovi, Chicago and the Beatles.
Stevenson became interested in Holly during high school, when he was a huge fan of the Beatles — a band significantly influenced by Holly and his Crickets.
Interested in music from a young age, he took piano lessons in Qualicum Beach before taking on the saxophone in middle school and high school, where he also discovered a love for the theatre.
While living in Toronto, cast in the musical Hair, Stevenson auditioned for and won the role of Holly in The Buddy Holly Story.
“It was a role that just really clicked for me and was in demand in quite a few places," he said. “I found myself in Calgary, and then back in Vancouver and then an opportunity popped up to do the role in Kansas City, Mo., of all places."
He met his future wife in Kansas City and the two now divide their time between Vancouver and Chicago, plus visits to the Island as often as they can.
People always bring their own connection to Holly's music, Stevenson said.
“I kind of become a bit of a conduit in a certain sense to bring back memories that people have with the music,” he said. “I always try and bring some of myself to it, in the context of these concerts, as opposed to theatre. I’m not trying to be Buddy Holly. I’m not speaking in the first person. People know I’m not Buddy Holly."
Stevenson also writes new music in the spirit of Buddy Holly, with his band the Oh Boys. They just released a new single called 'Cry Me to the Moon.'
Rock the Park will kick off on Friday, Aug. 9 with Johnny Inappropriate's high-energy dance and rock covers. The day continues with the Spirit of Shania, Gaslighter's spirited homage to The Chicks, featuring the talents of Juno Award-winner Shannon Saunders and Bad Medicine’s authentic rendition of Bon Jovi's iconic hits.
On Saturday (Aug. 10), the music continues with Nautical Disaster’s energetic tribute to The Tragically Hip.
Absolute Def Leppard takes the stage next, followed by Sticky Fingers, who channel the Rolling Stones, and The Tribute then celebrates the Beatles' legacy. The day wraps up Absolute Queen, who deliver an authentic Queen live experience.
The final day includes West Coast Chicago, March Hare, Reckless (a tribute to Bryan Adams) and finally concludes with Stevenson's tribute to Holly.
Tickets are available at the McMillan Arts Centre or online at: shop.mcmillanartscenre.com.
Parking within the Community Park is always a challenge at this time of year as the lots fill up quickly. Concert goers are encouraged to park offsite and walk to the venue if possible.
On Saturday only, there will be a shuttle service before, during and after the concert with pick up at Ballenas Secondary School (135 Pym St), three stops along Highway 19 near the Heritage Mall (1209 Island Highway) and The Parksville Exchange (located by City Hall).
Volunteers are crucial to the festival's success, according to Lloyd Derry, entertainment director and Parksville Beach Festival organizer.
“We couldn’t pull it off with them,” said Derry. “We’re very grateful for them.”
