CannaFest 2018 – Gene Simmons, Whitesnake, Bret Michaels

CannaFest 2018 – A Legendary Rock Weekend! 🎸🔥

CannaFest 2018 brought another massive lineup of legendary rock acts like Gene Simmons, Whitesnake and mote to Grand Forks, turning the small city into a rock and roll paradise! With 12,000 attendees in a city of just 4,000, the energy was electric, and the performances were unforgettable. One lucky fan even drove home in a brand-new Ford Mustang, making this festival one for the history books! 🚗🔥

CannaFest 2018 Weekend Opening Acts – Rising Stars & Local Rockers Set the Stage!

The B Stage at CannaFest 2018 was a platform for local and emerging artists, bringing fresh energy and diverse sounds to the festival. Maddog 2020 and Shavers Bench represented local rock with hard-hitting performances, while Joshua Belliardo from Spokane showcased his impressive musicianship. The Tokanees kept the momentum going with their signature sound, and Lisa Nicole added a country-rock twist to the mix. Ed Jeffers brought a taste of Las Vegas to the stage, delivering a performance full of energy and showmanship. These talented acts proved that great music exists at every level, making the B Stage a festival highlight.

Maddog 2020

Maddog 2020 brought their signature high-energy rock, kicking off the weekend with a powerful local performance. 🎸🔥
Joshua Belliardo

Joshua Belliardo from Spokane impressed the crowd with his electrifying guitar skills and dynamic stage presence. 🎶🤘
Shavers Bench

Shavers Bench, a local favorite, delivered a tight and energetic set, showcasing their deep roots in the Grand Forks rock scene. 🎤🔥
The Tokanees

The Tokanees kept the energy high with their unique blend of rock and rhythm, representing local talent in style. 🎸🎶
Lisa Nicole

Lisa Nicole charmed the crowd with her heartfelt vocals and country-rock fusion, proving why she’s a rising star. 🎤✨
Ed Jeffers

Ed Jeffers brought a taste of Las Vegas to CannaFest, delivering a smooth and electrifying performance that left the crowd wanting more. 🎶🔥

Thursday, August 9 – A Night of Classic Rock

The Thursday lineup at CannaFest 2018 set the stage for an epic weekend of music. The Vindicators, a local favorite, kicked things off with an energetic performance that got the crowd pumped. Toronto featuring Holly Woods brought nostalgic rock anthems, with Holly’s powerhouse vocals keeping fans singing along. Kim Mitchell turned the night into a party with hits like Go for Soda, while Tom Cochrane & Red Rider closed out the night with anthems like Life is a Highway, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement for the days ahead. 🎸🔥

The Vindicators

The Vindicators, a local favorite, started the night strong with their hard-hitting rock sound, getting the crowd pumped for a weekend of nonstop music. 🎸
Toronto

Toronto, featuring Holly Woods, delivered an electrifying set, bringing the crowd to their feet with iconic hits like “Your Daddy Don’t Know” and “Even the Score”. Holly’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s tight musicianship made for an unforgettable performance. 🎤🔥
Kim Mitchell

Kim Mitchell turned the stage into a rock-fueled party, keeping the energy high with fan favorites like “Go for Soda” and “Patio Lanterns”. His signature guitar work and engaging stage presence had the audience singing along all night. 🎸🎶
Tom Cochrane & Red Rider

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider took fans on an emotional journey, performing classics like “Life Is a Highway” and “Big League” with passion and intensity. Their set was a perfect mix of nostalgia and high-energy rock, leaving the crowd wanting more. 🚗🎤

Friday, August 10 – A Rock-Filled Night

Friday night at CannaFest 2018 was nothing short of legendary. Dr. Fun and the Nightcrawlers warmed up the stage with their bluesy rock vibe, leading into an unforgettable performance by Mark Farner, who thrilled fans with Grand Funk Railroad classics. The night turned into a rock and roll spectacle when Gene Simmons and his band took over, delivering high-energy hits and even leading the crowd in a stirring rendition of O Canada. Burton Cummings wrapped up the night with his timeless vocals, mesmerizing the audience with These Eyes and Stand Tall. 🎶🔥

Dr. Fun and the Nightcrawlers

Dr. Fun and the Nightcrawlers, a local favorite, brought their signature bluesy rock sound to kick off Friday night’s performances. 🎶
Mark Farner

Mark Farner, the legendary voice of Grand Funk Railroad, brought raw energy to the stage with hits like “We’re an American Band” and “Some Kind of Wonderful”. His powerful vocals and guitar mastery proved why he remains one of classic rock’s greatest frontmen. 🤘🎸
Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons and his band delivered a show-stopping performance, blending KISS classics with signature stage theatrics. The crowd erupted when he led a powerful rendition of “O Canada”, creating one of the most unforgettable moments of the festival. 🇨🇦🔥
Burton Cummings

Burton Cummings captivated the audience with his unmistakable voice, performing timeless hits like “These Eyes” and “Stand Tall”. His emotional delivery and legendary presence brought a sense of nostalgia and magic to the festival stage. 🎹🎤

Saturday, August 11 – A Legendary Finale

Saturday night at CannaFest 2018 was packed with legendary performances. Aviator Shades, a rising local rock band, kicked things off with a high-energy set. The crowd erupted when Nazareth took the stage, blasting out classics like Love Hurts and Hair of the Dog. Bret Michaels followed with a full-throttle rock show, belting out Poison anthems like Every Rose Has Its Thorn and Nothin’ But a Good Time. The festival ended on the highest note possible with Whitesnake, delivering an unforgettable performance filled with iconic hits like Here I Go Again and Still of the Night. It was the perfect way to close out CannaFest 2018! 🤘🔥

Aviator Shades

Aviator Shades, a rising local rock band, started the final night with a high-energy set that got the festival crowd ready for the big acts to come. 🎸🔥
Nazareth

Nazareth delivered a blistering set, charging through rock anthems like “Love Hurts” and “Hair of the Dog”. The band’s gritty vocals and hard-hitting riffs had the crowd headbanging from start to finish. 🎶🔥
Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels brought full-throttle energy to the stage, delivering Poison favorites like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Nothin’ But a Good Time”. His charismatic performance and connection with the audience turned the night into a true rock celebration. 🎤🤘

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Whitesnake

Whitesnake closed out the festival with a powerhouse set, leaving fans in awe with rock anthems like “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love”. Their soaring vocals, masterful guitar solos, and epic stage presence made for a perfect festival finale. 🎸🔥

Final Thoughts

By 2018, CannaFest had solidified its place as one of the most exciting rock festivals in Canada. The lineup featured some of the biggest names in rock, including Bret Michaels, Whitesnake, Burton Cummings, Gene Simmons, and Night Ranger. 12,000 fans packed into a city of just 4,000, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. From the energy of Tom Cochrane to Gene Simmons leading the crowd in “O Canada”, every moment was a highlight. CannaFest 2018 was proof that this festival was growing into something truly legendary.