Americans have drawn their fair share of criticisms against our neighbors to the north. After all, it is because of Canada that we got Celine Dion, the sadly less angered Alanis Morrisette, and Nickelback. On the other hand, we received Jim Carrey, Bob & Doug McKenzie and one of the best songs from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut next to Saddam Hussein’s mock apology “I Can Change!”. So, how does Canada respond to all of this lovely sentiment? By hosting one of our major music festivals in their country! Yes, Rock On The Range has officially set a date in the snowy overhead we call Canada. While this is not necessarily more or less beneficial to either side in terms of international relations, we can say that the lineup itself appeals to a rather mainstream audience and will probably sell lots of tickets. It also feels like a nice courtesy gesture that reads, “We forgive you for Chad Kroeger.”

Rock On The Range was originally conceived in the wonderfully dull state of Ohio, where the most popular rock and alternative bands squeezed together behind one classic headliner. In 2007 there was ZZTop, in ’08 we had a reunited Stone Temple Pilots. What is our new classic headliner for 2009 that will simultaneously spark this summer’s rock season and introduce Rock On The Range to Winnipeg? How about:

Billy Talent, Rancid, Rise Against, Shinedown, Theory of a Deadman

Not a bad start; but based on the U.S. version, there is still a ways to go in lineup announcing. Speaking of the lineup for this year’s Rock the Range (U.S. style), how about a refresher?

Adelitas Way, Alice in Chains, All That Remains, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, Billy Talent, Black Stone Cherry, Blue October, Buckcherry, Burn Halo, Cavo, Charm City Devils, Chevelle, Crooked X, Drive A, Early Pearl, Flyleaf, Framing Hanley, Halestorm, Hoobastank, Hurt, Korn, The Leo Project, Mötley Crüe, Pop Evil, Rev Theory, Saliva, Saving Abel, Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Slipknot, Static X, State of Shock, Trapt, The Used, X Factor 1

Rock On The Range 2009 will come to Columbus, OH yet again on June 16 & 17 before heading to Winnipeg on June 27. Typically, ticket prices run between $50-65 per day depending on whether or not an attendee wants field access; if you dig the lineup I suggest ponying up the dough. Personally, I’d love to see Slipknot for a 3rd time in the last 8 months (do they ever stop touring?), but I’ll be waiting for Mayhem and Bonnaroo so one manages. Be prepared for a heatwave, Canada – the hottest acts on our teenage white girls’ rock stations are about to cook you into ham (that’s Canadian bacon for you Americans).