Alan Doyle – actor, producer, best-selling author, and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s beloved Great Big Sea these past 20+ years— hardly needs an introduction.
With five solo albums under his belt, Doyle has been touring the world with his ace six-piece band for the last decade.
Doyle’s 18-track Here, Tonight (Live) album was released in 2022 and is made up of songs from his 2012 solo album Boy on Bridge, 2015’s So Let’s Go, 2017’s A Week at the Warehouse, and 2020’s Rough Side Out EP, as well as hits from Great Big Sea, including “Ordinary Day” and “When I’m Up.”
Alan is set to play StanFest with a kick-off concert on Thursday, July 20, along with The Beautiful, Beautiful Band, with special guests, Quote the Raven and Rum Ragged.
“Alan Doyle has been the most requested artist, by far, since Stanfest’s inception,” says Troy Greencorn, Stanfest’s Artistic Director. “After the past three years of cancellations and restrictions, it is time to celebrate. There is no better artist to lead the party. When we last presented Alan he ripped the roof off, with the entire crowd dancing and singing from start to finish.”
Listen to Here, Tonight (Live) below and learn more about Alan Doyle via our StanFest interview!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
I kind of did a two-sided release with a country-leaning EP Rough Side Out and the very folky EP Back to the Harbour. I suppose I was very comfortable releasing both sides of my musical interests.
You’re playing Stan Rogers Folk Festival this year. Is this your first time playing at the festival? If so, have you ever attended?
It is my second time playing the festival and I LOVED it the first time, so I’m stoked to be invited back.
With a stellar, hugely-Canadian lineup, who are you excited to check out at the festival?
Our evening features two other Newfoundland & Labrador acts that are rising quickly and I’m very excited to share the stage with them. Quote the Raven and Rum Ragged are both exceptional bands. It should be a great way to kick off the festival.
For someone who has yet to see you perform live, describe your performance in 3 words.
Sing With Me!
On Saturday, July 22, there will also be a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, so I have to ask, what is your favourite Gordon Lightfoot song?
Oh, “Did She Mention My Name” is awesome.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or festivals to tell us about?
July: Ottawa Bluesfest, Oxford Stomp in Calgary, George Street Festival in St. John’s, and Stanfest of course
August: Rock the Boat Music Festival on PEI, Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Regina Folk Fest, IronFest in Labrador City