AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – So you think Barenaked Ladies sound good on your car
stereo? You should hear how good they sound live on stage at Volkswagen’s
DriversFest 2000. Volkswagen of America today announced that Barenaked
Ladies will be the feature performers at its DriversFest 2000, on Sunday,
July 23, 2000, at the Pond of Anaheim, Calif.
Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian pop sensation, will treat Volkswagen owners
to two new songs from their forthcoming album as well as hit songs such as
“If I Had $1000000” and “One Week” that brought them their phenomenal success.
Barenaked Ladies’ new album, due for release on September 12, 2000, is a
follow up to the 1998 smash, “Stunt,” which was number 3 on the Billboard
Top
200 and sold over 4 million copies.
Barenaked Ladies began modestly in 1988, when the band formed as part of
Toronto’s burgeoning music scene. Soon after, the band released their major
label debut, “Gordon.” Blending alt-pop rock with hints of folk and
country,
the success of “Gordon” propelled the Ladies to super-star status in their
homeland, while enabling the band to tour extensively worldwide.
Two more albums followed in the mid 90’s, but it wasn’t until the live
album “Rock Spectacle” was released that the band got its first Top 40
single
in the states with “Brian Wilson.” Less than a year later,
singer-guitarists
Steve Page and Ed Robertson, bassist Jim Creeggan, drummer Tyler Stewart,
and
keyboard and accordion player Kevin Hearn, released the multi-platinum smash
“Stunt” with the hit singles “One Week,” “It’s All Been Done,” and “Call And
Answer.”
DriversFest 2000 is an annual event that brings together Volkswagen owners
from around the nations and celebrates the spirit and fun of the brand. It
features hands-on driving events, sporting activities, live rock music and
much more.
Last summer, more than 9,000 Volkswagen enthusiasts converged on Long
Island, New York, for the first-ever national Volkswagen owner’s event.
DriversFest ’99 provided enthusiasts the opportunity to drive new models on
professionally designed courses; a Volkswagen car show with more than 500
entries; in-line skating; swimming; biking; a day-long music festival and
much
more.
DriversFest 2000 will begin on July 23, 2000, in Anaheim, Calif., on the
grounds of the Arrowhead Pond at 10 a.m. and will be capped off that evening
beginning at 7 p.m. with Barenaked Ladies. Ticket prices are $25 per person
for the entire day and night’s activities, including the concert. Children
under six get in free of charge when accompanied by a parent.
True to its name, DriversFest 2000 will feature four closed driving
courses, designed and staffed by racing professionals, for participants to
test their skills in new Volkswagen models. One of the courses will be
dedicated exclusively to Volkswagen’s popular New Beetle. A highlight of
the
New Beetle driving experience at DriversFest will be the addition of a V6-
powered, 204-horsepower New Beetle Cup racing car — the same car used in
Europe for the New Beetle Cup professional race series.
For a donation to charity, DriversFest 2000 attendees will have the
opportunity to take a few
thrilling “hot laps” in a New Beetle Cup car with pro celebrity drivers,
like
three-time Le Mans winner Hurley Haywood.
The Car Show will build on last year’s outstanding showing with even more
entries from owners of vintage air-cooled, customized, restored, and late-
model water-cooled Volkswagens. At least 1,000 cars are expected. Owners
wishing to enter their Volkswagen will be able to do so via a toll-free
telephone number (+1 800-435-4201) or on www.vw.com.
The Volkswagen Village area will offer a chance to look at new vehicles;
look for and buy genuine Volkswagen Accessories; talk shop with Parts &
Service personnel, shop for Volkswagen and exclusive DriversFest 2000
merchandise and apparel; get a sneak peek at new Volkswagen commercials; and
even more.
