Beloved Area 506 festival is back, and there are some changes

Big news for music lovers: Saint John's beloved Area 506 live music festival is back as of tonight with a few tweaks.

The festival, a summer live-concertstaple that draws thousands to the waterfront, was sidelined last year because of the pandemic.

But organizers have made multiple adaptations to mitigate any COVID risks,engineering a site plan that minimizes unnecessary contact and maximizes entertainment value.

Performers say they are thrilled to finally be getting back onstage.

• Saint John's Area 506 music festival lands new home at old Coast Guard site
• Area 506 could go forward this summer if all goes well

On Friday, opening night, comedians James Mullinger and NikkiPayne will get things started, along with Fredericton band Grand Theft Bus.

Saint John musician Jessica Rhaye andthe Ramshackle Parade will take the stage Saturday night with a mix of past favourites includingmaterial from Rhaye'sJust Like a Woman:Songs of Bob Dylan tribute album and new material written during the pandemic.

"I can't wait," Rhaye saidin an interview with Information Morning Saint John on Friday.

"We played on the big stage at Area 506 in 2017, and I remember it being such a great experience. It was lots of fun it just felt good to be part ofSaint John concerts."

Seating in pods, concerts spread out over summer

The festival has altered its formatthis year in light of our new, pandemic-altered reality.

Seating will be in multi-person pods, masks will need to be worn until you get to your pod, food can be ordered in advance for delivery to your pod, and concerts will be spaced out over the summer as a series.

But the main thing, as Area 506 organizers note, is that "the music will feel amazing ...and the beer will be cold."

Area 506 runs from July 16 to Aug. 14, with musicians Ria Mae, Jenn Grant and Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Paradelined up for Saturday night, July 17.

A week later, Jimmy Rankin and Tomato Tomato will take the waterfront stage on Friday, July 23, followed by Nova Scotia rapper Classified, David Myles and Wolf Castle on Saturday.

The Waterfront Concert Series takes place on Long Wharf, just off the corner of Smythe and Station streets on the Saint John harbourfront.

The full concert series lineup can be found online, where tickets can also be purchased, at area506.ca.