It’s a ‘new and blue’ theme this summer, for Oliver’s Music in the Park with an injection of blues and bluegrass into the popular mix of rock and pop classics, big band and world music.
“We’re thrilled that half of this summer’s bands are new to our stage, and a few will be including some blues and bluegrass in the mix,” says Penelope Johnson, organizer of Oliver’s Music in the Park.
Music in the Park runs Thursday evenings 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Oliver Community Bandshell, admission by donation, with $5 a suggested minimum. An inclement weather venue is in the community hall next door. All shows have food truck service and audiences are invited to bring a chair and some shades to enjoy the concerts.
Award-winning rock band Moving Lines has been described as “hyper-intense”, with powerhouse vocals from Jill Fai and meaty guitar licks from Kevin Fai. Backed up with bass and drums, Moving Lines opens the season on July 4 with an energetic show.
Blues-rock supergroup, Yard Katz, has been at the forefront of the Penticton music scene for several years. Their blend of blues, rock, and soul has earned them a devoted fan base that yowls for more from these cats. The Katz performs Thursday July 11.
Big bands are always popular at Music in the Park. On July 18, the South Okanagan Big Band takes the stage, with jazz standards from the 40s plus a variety of pop hits. Their date includes a food drive for the Oliver Food Bank, with non-perishable items collected that evening.
The South Okanagan Big Band brings jazz standards from the 40s plus a variety of pop hits. Contributed photo.
Ranging from mellow country and bluegrass to manic rock, The Melomaniacs, as their name suggests, cover the gamut of popular music. The guitar-playing duo adds in wailing harp, stomp box and snappy banjo rolls for a full eclectic sound on July 25.
On August 1, the crowd-pleasing Rollin’ Coal trio returns for a mix of Latin and pop classics, lead by remarkable vocalist Sue Ruuska and backed by stand-up bass, sax and guitar. “Sue’s a ‘unicorn’,” explains Johnson, “her unique voice ranges from rich alto to clear mezzo, and she always packs an emotional punch.”
New Oliver band Synergy turns up the power on August 8 with a mix of rock, blues and pop. Lead singer Stephen Clarke has warmed up for Doug and the Slugs, and band mates are well-seasoned professionals. They have performed at the Elks Hall, but are wired to be in front of a larger summer crowd.
The summer closes with two familiar favourites including 13 Broken Bones which rocks the park on August 15. Gutsy vocalist Jacquie Demoskoff powers over the guitars, keyboards and drums to deliver hits from the ladies of rock.
Closing out the summer with a bang on August 22, Nankama Drum and Dance bring West African rhythms to the stage. A mix of beats, stories, and dancing gives way in the second half to an interactive drumming circle. Families with children particularly enjoy this concert.
Every concert provides picnic fare. Pit Stop Smokery shares its smoky goodness on July 4, 18, August 8 and 22. Law of Attraction serves upscale tacos, paninis, and poutine on remaining nights. EnRoute Espresso & Tea brings a truckload of iced and hot beverages plus snacks and treats. An arts council market will promote the activities and wares of its members at many of the concerts.
Music in the Park is a program of the Oliver Community Arts Council (OCAC). For more information visit oliverartscouncil.org.
This article was contributed by the OCAC.
