The 2012 edition of the city's big Canada Day party will rock to the sounds of Sam Roberts Band.

The Juno-decorated, Montreal-based band will headline Surrey's free July 1 event at Cloverdale's Millennium Amphitheatre, organizers announced on Wednesday morning (May 9).

The concert lineup also boasts singer songwriter Hannah Georgas, alt-country group The High Bar Gang, Jerry Doucette, Blaze of Glory (a tribute to Bon Jovi), Andrew Allen and others. Also, dual stages will again feature bands involved in the Peak Performance Project talent contest.

Surrey's free Canada Day celebration has grown to become largest in the nation's western provinces. Last year, close to 100,000 people turned up for headlining band Trooper, amusement rides, games, food, fireworks and more. Presenting sponsors help pick up the tab to stage the event, including Coast Capital Savings, Chevron, Fruiticana, Great Canadian Gaming Corp. and CTV.

A special attraction this year will be aerial stunts by members of the Global FMX freestyle motocross team.

Roberts and band, a highlight of Surrey's 2010 Winter Olympics celebration site, have recorded several hits since breaking out in 2001, including "Brother Down," "Don't Walk Away Eileen," "Where Have All the Good People Gone," "Fixed to Ruin" and "Detroit 67."

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