UMVA has learned that the city of Kingston is preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert, which took place on August 20, 2016, at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown.
The concert, which was part of their cross-Canada farewell tour, drew 6,700 fans to the sold-out arena and an additional 25,000 fans gathered outside to watch the livestreamed concert in Springer Market Square. In total, at least 11 million people watched the concert on CBC across Canada.
To mark the occasion, Tourism Kingston, the Kingston Music Office, and the Downtown Kingston BIA have organized a weekend of events from August 20 to 22. The festivities will kick off on August 20 with Rockin' the Square, featuring an interactive community singalong led by Choir! Choir! Choir!, where hundreds of voices will come together to sing some of The Hip's greatest songs.
The evening will also feature tribute performances from notable Kingston musicians, including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and Kasador's Cam Wyatt and Thom Draper. The event is expected to be a full-fledged concert with many songs, showcasing the band's iconic music.
On August 21, Springer Market Square will host a free screening of Long Time Running, the feature documentary that followed The Tragically Hip's 2016 Man Machine Poem cross-Canada tour and final concert in Kingston. The event is part of the city's weekly movie series in the square, which usually draws a few thousand people.
The Kingston Music Office will also offer Music Walking Tours, which will tell the story of The Tragically Hip's legacy in Kingston, and host a Music Merch Market, showcasing local musicians and makers. The event aims to bring together as many people as possible to celebrate the band's lasting impact on the city.
On August 22, a special community viewing party will be held for CBC's commercial-free rebroadcast and global livestream of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration. The concert will be shown on the big screen in Springer Market Square, and organizers hope to attract a crowd of around 25,000 people, similar to the number that gathered in 2016.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that there are several ways for fans to experience The Tragically Hip in Kingston, including the Music From Miles Around Exhibit, which will launch in June and feature never-before-seen artifacts and personal stories connected to the band. Other events include the Play Me Kingston public art installation, which will transform downtown into a living gallery featuring 10 large-scale guitar sculptures.
The city will also host a new jukebox musical, It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken, which will make its way to Kingston this fall, built around The Tragically Hip's timeless hits. Additionally, fans can explore The Tragically Hip's story through Kingston with the Music Creative Walking Tour, a free, self-guided route connecting visitors to places tied to the band's early years and lasting legacy.
Other attractions include The Tragically Hip Mural, located along the Waterfront Pathway, and the Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park, which was named after the late lead singer of The Tragically Hip. The pier is a popular spot for fans to gather and reflect on the band's legacy.
