Last week Fredericton’s Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival was abuzz with the news that Georgian country-rockers Blackberry Smoke wouldn’t be headlining the festival, or even getting into the country on account of some legal troubles. Today the festival announced they had found their replacement, and that Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real would be taking the place honour on September 14th.
Aside from the musical pedigree of being son to the famed Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson is a genuine headliner in his own right. He met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil Young concert, and between the two they created the bluesy rock sound of Promise of the Real. The band has toured throughout North America, produced two full length albums, and made international appearances alongside the likes of BB King and John Fogerty. Coming full circle after that fateful meeting, they also act at Neil Young’s full time touring and studio band.
“Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s mix of blues, country, roots and straight-up rock marks the perfect replacement for Blackberry Smoke, and like Drive by Truckers and others, reinforces our desire to present exceptional new talent that our fans have been yearning to see at Harvest,” said Festival Programming Director, Brent Staeben. “Lukas’ remarkable musical pedigree and his current partnership with Neil Young speak for itself, but it’s the energy and passion in the band’s live show that truly grabs you,” he said. “We’re especially proud to be able to secure Lukas for Harvest fans, given his commitments that week to Neil Young and his father Willie.”
Immediately following the festival Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real will be hitting the road for their September 17th appearance with Neil Young and Nelson Sr. at Farm Aid , the massive Virginian concert created in 1985 by Nelson, Young, and John Mellencamp in support of American farming families.
Harvest Jazz & Blues will be offered refunds for individual ticket purchasers and Wednesday/Thursday pass holders who had expected to see Blackberry Smoke. Refunds will be available at their point of purchase between Tuesday, August 2nd and Monday, August 22nd. All online and phone ticket purchases can request a refund by sending an email to info@etixnow.com. All tickets purchased from the Harvest Central kiosk can make refund requests in person.
For more information on Harvest Jazz & Blues visit www.HarvestJazzAndBlues.com