BC-grown hitmakers 54•40, Doug and the Slugs confirmed for Peach Fest

Even now, thirty-plus years later, the 1980s are considered an evolutionary, revolutionary time for modern music. In the 80s, disco died. "New wave," electronic dance music and hip hop emerged. As did hair metal and, near the end of the decade, its mortal enemy, grunge.

Fresh bands and fresh artists were seemingly everywhere. And if you were Canadian, and especially if you were British Columbian, there were few names bigger than that of Doug and the Slugs and 54·40.

Both bands were founded and established in the lower mainland. Both clearly rode the new wave pioneered by the likes of Talking Heads and The Cars. And both would write and release a string of and catchy, interesting singles that found tremendous success throughout Canada.

We think it's safe to say there aren’t many Canadian baby boomers or Gen Xers alive who today can’t hum or sing at least a few tunes from both bands.

Stuff like "Too Bad," "Making it Work," "Tomcat Prowl," "Day by Day" and "Chinatown Calculation" from Doug and the Slugs, and "She-La," "One Day in Your Life," "Baby Ran," "Ocean Pearl" and "I Go Blind" (the latter famously covered by Hootie and the Blowfish) from 54·40.

And on Aug. 12th, both will be in town to play the Peter Bros. Main Stage of the 2023 Penticton Peach Festival.

"We're thrilled to have 54•40 back at Peach Festival," said festival president Shawna Guitard. "They are loved by fans of all ages, making them truly a multi-generational band."

As for Doug and the Slugs -- which sadly lost lead vocalist and driving force Doug Bennett when he passed away in 2004 but hired a great new singer, with Bennett's family blessings, in Kelowna's own Ted Okos in 2009 -- they'll somehow play the part of opening act.

It's a heck of a double bill, and it's coming just three nights after Canadian rock legend Kim Mitchell opens the festival and two nights after certified Canadian country music all-star Aaron Pritchett follows up.

For more info on the 2023 Penticton Peach Festival, which runs Aug. 9 through 13 and is currently in the midst of an announcement blitz, check out the website here.