Skip to content

Big Time Out back in Cumberland

The Big Time Out is back in the Village for 2012, after a little side trip last year to Ash Berry Farm.

After a little side trip down Royston Road into the welcoming arms of Ash Berry Farm last summer, the Big Time Out is back in Cumberland for 2012.

And as organizers shift into high gear this spring another phenomenal performer roster is shaping up for what has become known as one of most innovative music events the West Coast has to offer.

Since its inception in 2005, the Big Time Out has become well-known for the feast of visuals, sensational sounds, cutting edge bands and unforgettable performances. This tradition continues in 2012 as organizers not only bring the show back to the Village Park — but to the heart of the village as well.

In addition to two days of sweet music in the park venue, BTO is hooking up with local pubs, halls and eateries to present programming right in downtown Cumberland.

“This shift in the BTO framework reflects a deepened connection between Village-proper and the event,” says BTO producer Kevin Haughton.

The vision is to stimulate positive interaction between local businesses, residents and the beautiful music loving folks who visits Cumberland for this annual happening.

The 2012 lineup is only just beginning to take shape but Island music lovers are already stoked about the sounds that will descend on the village Aug. 18 and 19.

From the depths of the hobbit-filled, blind-cavefish-dwelling experimental metal-rock underworld comes Black Mountain.

Black Mountain doesn’t have a creation myth, or not exactly. Drawing on blues, psychedelia, acid rock, and the Velvet Underground, Black Mountain's sound is a cross between the darkness and grit of the Warlocks and Brian Jonestown Massacre's trippiness.

The band came together in Vancouver in the late 1990s, at a time when the city wasn’t particularly renowned for its raucous, all-encompassing psych-rock scene.

That lack of sonic spirit led to a certain kind of esthetic freedom. It helped birth a sound — swampy, psychedelic, ecstatic, wild, and experimental — unlike much else in the indie-rock universe.

Black Mountain's sound has never been anchored to any one style, time, or genre.

But with their most recent release and soundtrack to the post-apocalyptic surf film by the same name, Year Zero, Black Mountain go to a place that is intergalactic and downright ruthless, with a sound big enough to stand up to the vastness of the ocean, the bigness of the sun, and the lives of the people left living. Black Mountain could actually pull off being the last band on earth.

From post-apocalyptic rock to time travel — the BTO lineup will also include notorious time trippers Elliot Brood. This Toronto trio writes songs steeped in history, but filled with present-time relevancy.

And these musical troubadours have done their share of actual traveling, too, acoustic guitars and banjos slung over their sharp suits as they barnstormed across Canada and beyond.

Their ‘death country’ roof-raising rhythm stomp sound has been sending audiences into a frenzy.

Aurora Jane and Kemal Evans are the other performers confirmed so far.

Artistic director Vig Schulman has much more music and other awesome antics up his sleeve. BTO veterans who have become accustomed to this annual feast of sights and sounds will not be disappointed.

Advance tickets are only $75 for the full weekend and this will include off site venues as well. But this price will only last till May 12. Kids under 12 are free.

Visit the BTO website at http://thebigtimeout.com to find our more about performers, event details and other ways to engage the BTO magic.

— Big Time Out