Sam Roberts Band tops the bill @

The Big Time Out 2009

The Big Time Out, Cumberland BC’s annual music extravaganza, has just announced its 2009 performers headlined by Juno-winner Sam Roberts.  This year’s lineup is a carefully-selected mix of electro, soul, brass and old-fashioned rock, all united in the cause of great music.

At the top of the bill is Montreal rocker Sam Roberts and his band.  Fresh from winning 2009 Juno awards for Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year, Sam Roberts’ driving and melodic tunes have been mainstays of summer mix tapes for almost a decade.


Sam Roberts broke on to the Canadian scene with The Inhuman Condition in 2001.  The albums’ warm, infectious melodies made it an instant classic, led by the straight up hooks of Don’t Walk Away Eileen and Brother Down.
Roberts’ most recent album, Love at the End of the World, immediately grabbed the number one spot on the Canadian charts, and the lead single, Them Kids, was an instant hit.

(Mother Mother)

Indie-sensation Mother Mother is returning to The Big Time Out as one of the most important new bands in Canada, quickly selling out the Commodore and with the first single from their new album getting heavily-playlisted everywhere.  Originally from Quadra Island, the quintet quickly caught the eyes and ears of the public with their tight, cynically-sweet lyrics and intricate arrangements.  The band deftly walks the line between complexity and pure pop, resulting in a totally unique and undeniably great sound.


Also returning to this year’s festival is Delhi 2 Dublin.  The band’s hard-driving, high-energy and irresistible Celtic-Punjabi fusion is a perennial favourite in Cumberland.  Delhi 2 Dublin first came together at the Vancouver Celtic Fest in 2006 and got national attention as part of 2007’s Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.  Delhi 2 Dublin’s five members perform with everything from the tabla to the fiddle to the laptop, remixing genres and cultures in the process.

(MarchFourth Marching Band)

Those who like their music big and brassy need look no further than another of the festival’s acts, the MarchFourth Marching Band.  Calling the Portland-based group a band is an understatement; March Fourth’s 22 musicians are supplemented by four stilt walkers and a six-member female dance troupe.  Fire breathing is also included.

Vancouver-based Sex With Strangers is covering the pure, unadulterated post-punk-indie-electro portion of the festival. Since being chosen by SPIN magazine as one of seven “undiscovered bands you should hear,” SWS has been confounding listeners and delighting audiences with their hyper-eclectic tracks and live show.

Mihirangi falls at the other end of the musical spectrum.  Originally from New Zealand, Mihirangi brings funky, acoustic soul in a lush, rich and complex style.  Her very unique show builds up intricate harmonies and tribal rhythms into soul-drenched bliss. On this tour she is joined by DJ Katch from Frankfurt. The chemistry between these two artists is exceptionally  dynamic.

We’re also supporting Vancouver Island acts with Victoria’s rock quintet, Jets Overhead, and Vince Vacarro, who gives modern rock a psychedelic twist.


Toronto’s musical collective LAL is the final link in this year’s lineup.  During their decade together, they’ve perfected a blend of South-Asian roots, West Indian fruits, and melancholic vocals with jazz sensibilities, hip hop influences, down tempo grooves, broken soul, and electro.

The Big Time Out takes place on Saturday, August 15 from 11am to 1am, and will include the legendary Union Saloon, the chill DJ Chai tent, collaborative dance pieces, acrobatics, aerialists, vendors and non-stop music. 

Early bird tickets are available for $55 until July 21, online or check out ticket outlets on our website. They are also available by phone at 250 334 4885.  Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Complete festival details and online tickets can be found at www.thebigtimeout.com/festival
About Cumberland Village Works

Cumberland Village Works was started in 2005 to bring music, culture and vibrant energy to the good people of the Comox Valley. Village Works won the Business of the Year Award, (shared with the Waverley Hotel) awarded by the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce in May, 2009. Village Works can be found at www.cumberlandvillageworks.com.