Admission is free! Set against the scenic backdrop of Deer Lake Park (get directions), the 2024 Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, community and culture. Join us on Saturday, August 10 for an eclectic lineup featuring legendary artists, rising stars and diverse musicians who will fill the air with soul-stirring melodies and infectious rhythms.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the scene, the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival offers an inclusive, family-friendly environment with some of the region’s most popular food trucks, a beer garden and more. Mark your calendars for a weekend of pure musical magic and vibrant experiences!
2024 Lineup
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Mavis Staples
Time: 8:45-10 pm
Mavis Staples is an iconic American singer and civil rights activist renowned for her rich, soulful voice and powerful presence. Born on July 10, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, she rose to fame as a member of the Staples Singers, a family gospel group led by her father, "Pops" Staples. The group became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, blending gospel, soul, and R&B. Staples’ solo career has been equally impactful, earning Grammy Awards and critical acclaim for her work. Known for hits like "I'll Take You There," she continues to inspire with her music and commitment to social justice.
Learn more
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Calexico
Time: 7:15-8:20 pm
Calexico is an eclectic indie rock band formed in 1996 by Joey Burns and John Convertino in Tucson, Arizona. Renowned for their genre-blending sound, they weave together elements of Americana, Latin, and jazz, producing a distinctive blend often labeled as “desert noir.” The band’s evocative music features mariachi horns, twangy guitars, and cinematic atmospheres. Albums like Feast of Wire and Edge of the Sun have garnered critical acclaim, with songs that capture the essence of the American Southwest. Known for their rich storytelling and diverse instrumentation, Calexico continues to innovate and captivate audiences worldwide.
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The Suffers
Time: 5:45-6:35 pm
The Suffers are a dynamic Gulf Coast Soul band hailing from Houston, Texas, founded in 2011 by lead vocalist Kam Franklin and bassist Adam Castaneda. Combining elements of classic soul, rock, and Caribbean rhythms, their vibrant sound is both nostalgic and fresh. Known for energetic live performances, The Suffers have gained a devoted following with albums like The Suffers (2016) and Everything Here (2018). Their music reflects a rich cultural tapestry and social consciousness, earning them accolades and performances on major stages like The Late Show with David Letterman. The Suffers continue to redefine contemporary soul with their unique, heartfelt style.
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Crystal Shawanda
Time: 4:45-5:25 pm
Crystal Shawanda is a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful blend of blues, country, and rock. Born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, in 1983, she launched her career in Nashville, gaining recognition with her debut album, Dawn of a New Day (2008), which became the highest-charting album by a Canadian First Nations artist. Shawanda's evocative voice and storytelling have earned her accolades, including a Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year for Church House Blues (2021). Her music reflects her Indigenous heritage and personal journey, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
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the della kit
Time: 4-4:30 pm
The della kit is a Vancouver-based singer and songwriter whose music fuses jazz, soul, and R&B. Known for her ethereal voice and reflective lyrics, she debuted with moonbeams & frequencies in 2023. Blending vintage and modern influences, the della kit crafts emotive, atmospheric sounds that captivate listeners.
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Festival information
Join us on August 10, 2024 for the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival! The Festival is held at Deer Lake Park, on the lawn behind Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Admission is free!
Food vendors, and beer and wine service will be available on site.
Food Trucks:
- Lemon Heaven (VEG/V/GF/DF)
- JJ's Hot Cobs (VEG, V, GF, DF)
- Rocky Point Ice Cream (VEG/V/GF/DF)
- Green Coast Coffee (VEG, V, GF, DF)
- The Jerkshack (VEG, V, GF, DF)
- Shameless Buns (VEG, V, DF)
- Yo Bones BBQ (VEG, V, GF, DF)
- Kyu Grill (VEG)
- Reel Mac & Cheese (VEG, DF)
- Cravings Kettle Corn (VEG, V, GF, DF)
- Mom's Grilled Cheese (VEG)
- Chickpea (VEG/V/GF/DF)
- Rotato & Potato (VEG, V)
*List subject to change
VEG - Vegetarian
V - Vegan
GF - Gluten Free
DF - Dariy Free
Beer and wine:
Beer and wine service are available within the designated area with last call at 8:30 pm. You must be of 19 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Please be prepared to produce 2 pieces of valid ID, including 1 photo ID. Credit/Debit are the only forms of payment accepted. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
Outside food/beverage:
You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:
- No outside alcohol is permitted on site.
- No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).
Feel free to bring a refillable water bottle to use at our water filling stations.
Portable Washrooms (including accessible washrooms) and hand sanitization stations are available throughout the site.
For first aid and medical services, please visit the first aid tent. Lost and found items will be held at the Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival information tent.
Getting here
To promote public safety and reduce traffic gridlock, the following traffic plan will be implemented:
- From 2-11:30 pm Deer Lake Ave will be closed to eastbound traffic between Sperling Ave/Canada Way and Deer Lake Parkway. Traffic coming onto Deer Lake Ave will enter at Sperling/Canada Way and proceed west to Gilpin/Deer Lake Ave. All parking lots/roads will have turn restrictions in effect at their exits to manage congestion.
- From 9-11:30 pm bus service will divert off Deer Lake Ave. The 144 (both 144 Metrotown and 144 SFU) will stop at the City Hall Bus Loop and at stops on Canada Way.
- Due to Metro Vancouver water main replacement work, Canada Way is closed northbound from Sprott Street to Norland Avenue and closed southbound from Sprott Street to Spruce Street. View map
Only accessible parking for guests with a SPARC pass (space allowing) is available on site.
Please consider using public transit, carpool, bicycles, ridesharing, taxis or an offsite parking lot.
Public transit
There are convenient transit routes to Deer Lake Park from most points of the city. #144, 110, #123, and #133 buses stop right outside the site and there are frequent connections to nearby SkyTrain stations. Check TransLink or Google Maps for directions.
Cycling
- Consider riding your mobility device to the site, or combining bike and transit. From East Vancouver or North Burnaby ride the safe, beautiful, and flat Central Valley Greenway / Lakes Trail all the way to Deer Lake — or, take your bike on the SkyTrain to Sperling Station then ride the Lake Trail 12 min to Deer Lake. From Metrotown or South Burnaby ride Royal Oak Ave to the Deer Lake Trails (a gentle 17-min downhill ride). For more options click the Google Maps cycling icon.
- A Free bike valet will be available on site for secure bicycle storage. You are welcome to leave your helmet or panniers attached to your bike. The bike valet is also equipped to receive ebikes, scooters and strollers.
Check out the past artists that have performed at the festival over the last 20 years.
Questions and answers
No, there is no limit for the 2024 Blues + Roots Festival.
Yes.
There is no public parking available onsite except for those guests with SPARC passes. Please consider using public transit, taxis, bicycles, ridesharing or an offsite parking lot.
Bike valet will be available on site.
Time | Performance |
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4-4:30 pm | the della kit |
4:45-5:25 pm | Crystal Shawanda |
5:45-6:35 pm | The Suffers |
7:15-8:20 pm | Calexico |
8:45-10 pm | Mavis Staples |
The pathway from the SPARC accessible parking location to the main site is a minimum of 16 ft / 5 m wide, with a flat concrete surface and minimal sloping. Portable toilets with a 32” wide self-closing door, flat entrance, reinforced grab bar and extra room for turning. A ramped platform directly ahead of the main path will be reserved for accessible seating. The platform will have shade tents and a handful of folding chairs for those who require them.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:
- No outside alcohol is permitted on site.
- No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).
Check out the list of food trucks that will be available on site
Yes! There will be two locations to refill your water bottle on site.
If you are interested in being a food vendor at our outdoor festival, please send us a letter listing the previous events or festivals you sold at, a photograph of your booth set up and a menu with prices. Contact [email protected] or 604-205-3046.
Lawn chairs are permitted. Please leave all tents, tarps or umbrellas at home.
For the safety of all guests, please leave the following at home:
- tents, tarps or umbrellas
- weapons or anything that could be considered to be an offensive weapon (including knives of any kind)
- frisbees or balls
- animals (working service dogs are permitted)
- flags, signs on sticks or banners
- barbeques or fires
- musical instruments
- laser pointers
- fireworks
- alcohol and drugs
- all smoking and vaping products
Due to artist contracts, professional recording equipment will not be permitted onsite. Drones, video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited.
Yes, If you've misplaced an item, or if you you've found something, please visit the info tent.
No, there is no smoking or vaping (including tobacco and cannabis products) permitted in Deer Lake Park.
Animals are not permitted on site with the exception of working service animals.
Have questions? Contact us
General inquiries
[email protected]
Sponsorship requests
[email protected]
Food service opportunities
[email protected]
Thank you to our partners: