Organizers of the SARS relief concert in Toronto released the order of performers for the July 30 event today, and they promised some surprises throughout the day-long show.
The concert will be divided into two parts, with the afternoon session kicking off at 1:30 with Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi and the Have Love Will Travel Revue. The rest of the afternoon performers, in order, are:
- Sam Roberts
- Kathleen Edwards
- La Chicane
- Tea Party
- The Flaming Lips
- Sass Jordan with Jeff Healey
- The Isley Brothers
- Blue Rodeo
- style="list-style: none">The evening session begins at 5:45 p.m. with Mr. Aykroyd and Mr. Belushi, followed by:
- Justin Timberlake
- The Guess Who
- Rush
- AC/DC
- The Rolling Stones
Performances will generally range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes per band. The length of the Rolling Stones' set, or what songs they will play, has not been determined, organizers said at a press conference in Toronto.
Riley O'Connor, vice-president of House of Blues Concerts Canada, hinted that the Stones may team up with other performers.
"I think you can expect a few surprises during the day," he said.
Gates at Downsview Park will open at 8 a.m.
Ticketmaster Canada warned people not to show up at the park without tickets, because none will be sold on site. Ticketmaster also said people should be wary of anyone selling tickets for less than the $21.50 (plus service charges) face price.
"This is typically a ploy to move counterfeit tickets, and we're advising the public to stay away from any street sellers," Ticketmaster spokeswoman Patti Babin said.
Oranizers also announced that about 50,000 reserved parking spots will be available, with lots located within a six-kilometre radius of Downsview Park. Some will be within walking distance of the venue, while others will provide a shuttle service.
Special-needs parking and shuttle service will be available.
Concert goers are urged to book spaces early by calling 1-877-365-7090.
Bicyclists will not be able to bring their bikes on site but can lock them to the fence around the perimeter of the site.
"We suggest that those concert goers choosing this method please keep in mind where they have parked their bikes so they can find it upon exiting the park," a press release said. Getting off the site by car or public transit could take several hours, it added.
John Heinzl