Summer nights are going to be hot in Hope, with a fresh new lineup of live music every Friday night.
The Hope and District Arts Council is once again bringing entertainment to Memorial Park, with Concerts in the Park. This year’s shows will be on Friday nights, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. and wrap up at 8:15 p.m.
First up this Friday, July 7, is Gerald Charlie and the Black Owl Blues Band. They are returning to the stage after opening the same series last year with their down home blues standards and originals. Charlie has been a staple blues musician of the Fraser Valley for many years. A favourite of Hope &District Arts Council’s Concerts In The Park series, Charlie returns for his eighth annual performance.
Next Friday, July 14, Sons of Bitumen will bring a roots vibe to the park’s stage. Come out to see Hope local slide guitarist Sam Masterton. He’s put together a fine trio of performers for your mellow listening pleasure.
On July 21, the indigenous group M’Girl will bring percussive-based hand drum songs that blend harmonies into a contemporary gospel style, reflecting both their cultural practice and their personal story of home. Each M’Girl lives within the urban environment of the Lower Mainland.
Swampwater, a local Hope group, plays the park on July 28, bringing a series of high energy rock and pop cover songs.
The Robin Layne Trio will evoke memories of summer days full of adventure and playfulness on Aug. 4. With roots in jazz, Latin and African traditions this groove heavy ensemble delivers music that will uplift your spirit, put a smile on your face and take your ears on a journey into the stratosphere.
The park will be filled with the sounds of bluegrass on Aug. 11, when the Vancouver-based Tishomingo String Band hits the stage.
Ndidi Cascade and Friends come to the park on Aug. 18. Cascade, who is of Nigerian-Italian-Irish-Canadian heritage, is a Vancouver born and based hip hop vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist. She has showcased her music across North America and internationally. Her music has been featured on Much Music and MTV Canada and she has shared the stage with talents such as De La Soul, K-OS and K’naan.
The last show of the summer is all indie, with This Way North on Aug. 25. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia this guitar/drums two-piece is punchy and left of centre, with a universally appealing groove and melody. Cat brings solid groove based, dynamic power drumming, while Leisha sways with swampy slide guitar, slimmed down soul vocals, live looping and compelling alt-pop melodies.