Winner Named to Perform #LiveAtTheLake

Toronto's Ascot Royals win the chance to open Molson Canadian Live show

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Following a month of competition with nine other bands, the Ascot Royals have been named winners of Molson Canadian Open Live, a contest for Canadian musicians to open next weekend's Live at the Lake outdoor concert. Over the last few weeks, each band battled it out online for the chance to open the show, which will be headlined by Eric Church, in a yet to be released location in Muskoka, Ontario.

"We're absolutely buzzing to open such a big event!" said Ben Chauveau, Ascot Royals' keyboardist. "The band's looking forward to playing in front of so many new faces and being part of the exclusive show! Thanks for having us; it's going to be a treat."

From an initial list of 164 bands that entered from across Canada, a top-ten was shortlisted by an esteemed panel of judges including Stuart Johnson (Canadian Independent Music Association), Shawn Marino (Universal Music), Kevin Goodman (Front Row Centre), Ryan Spalding (Dine Alone Records), Devo Brown (Host/personality for Kiss 92.5), and Keith Smout (All My People). To enter, each band submitted three videos online, and once shortlisted they looked to secure support from the public, seeking cheers from fans in order to impress the judges. More than 3,000 cast their vote to show support for their favourite group.

"This entire experience is one that has been unique, from the selection of the bands to the planning of the concert," said Terri Chow, brand manager for Molson Canadian. "We have over 800 people who have won tickets to attend the show, and there's an excitement brewing despite the fact that they don't yet know exactly where the show is taking place."

Molson Canadian has a rich history in music, as Live at the Lake is preceded by such marquee events as Mega Keg, Blind Date, and the Molson Canadian Rocks series, which most notably hosted more than 450,000 people at Downsview Park benefit concert in 2003.

To learn more, or to see videos from the ten finalists, visit http://molsoncanadian.ca/en/live/index.aspx. The Ascot Royals section features singles Defoe, Buttercup and Do It All Again.

SOURCE: Molson Coors Canada