The alternative rock group Tonic has been added to the 2009 CityFest lineup, joining country artist Terri Clark as the headline acts.

With hits like “Open Up Your Eyes,” “If You Could Only See,” “You Wanted More,” “Mean To Me” and “Take Me As I Am,” Tonic promises to make this year’s CityFest the best ever, said Councilperson Sophie Martin.

“We are so excited. We think this year is going to be the best CityFest yet,” Martin said. “We are really looking forward to this year.”

Keeping with CityFest tradition, the festival will mix a star country singer with a star rock group to reach out to a wider audience.

“We think adding Tonic to the lineup will attract a wider variety of people,” Martin said. “With CityFest, it’s an event where we want to reach all different varieties of people, age groups and demographics.”

Martin also said having a free event like CityFest is something you can’t find anywhere, and it is especially important during these tough economic times.

“We want to continue to give back to the community. With the economy the way it is, you’re going to have a lot of people looking for free events,” Martin said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to offer free events, especially family events.”

CityFest is June 6 this year, and it’s held the first weekend of June each year at Municipal Park.

Gates will open an hour early this year at 9 a.m.