Summer concerts include new bands in 2022

After a cool spring, live music fans are ready for some “hot fun in the summertime”.  Oliver’s Music in the Park concert series promises a “hot” lineup of bands, courtesy of the Oliver Community Arts Council.

Audiences will gather every Thursday evening at the Oliver Community Band Shell from July 7 to August 25 from 6:30  to 8:00 p.m. Admission is by donation. An art market and food vendors will be onsite.

Local band Cliff McIntyre opens the season on Thursday July 7 with their fusion of rock, roots, and country folk. A little Nitty Gritty, a little John Prine and Chris Isaacs, all with a Rolling Stones edge. This summer, Ken Repkow joins the band on lead guitar, chiming in on vocals with Ed Dukes (bass), Bettyanne Hampton (accordion), and Don Parmenter (harmonica and guitar).

A summer favourite, 13 Broken Bones returns with classic rock ‘n’ roll on Thursday July 14. Jacquie Demoskoff is a powerhouse with her gutsy vocals, fronting the four gents on guitars, keyboard, and drums.

Ben Klick, BCCMA award winning country singer

July 21 promises to be a highlight, with Ben Klick taking the stage, fresh from his success at the BC Country Music Awards. Ben Klick released his debut album “Life Worth Living” in summer of 2021, now followed by his catchy single “Girls”. He entranced the audience at the BCCMA awards with his romantic ballad, “Fishin Off the Moon”. Audiences won’t resist two-stepping to the band’s “Meet Me on the Dance Floor”. The concert will also benefit the Oliver Food Bank, and food donations are encouraged.

The Blueshounds bring on some rockin’ boogie blues on July 28.  They may hail from Penticton, but their harmonica, blues guitar and drums recreate the sweltering Delta blues sound, with favourites by Muddy Waters, classics like Crossroad Blues or the Cajun tune Butterfield Boogie.

Damn Chandelier from Langley BC

On Thursday August 4, Damn Chandelier harmonizes on the hits of the 70s. While Fleetwood Mac inspired, this four-piece band from Langley also covers the Eagles, Steely Dan, Tom Petty, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Rollin’ Coal returns for a second year in a row on August 11, after the band impressed the Oliver crowd last summer. Sue Ruuska’s mighty vocals are backed up by sax, guitar and upright bass on a mix of Latin, rock and reggae tunes.

Fans off swing and jazz will enjoy the South Okanagan Big Band on August 18.  This 18-piece band plays ‘40s vintage music, pop tunes, big band favourites, and Broadway hits.

Nankama Drum & Dance

The Nankama Drum and Dance ends the summer with an interactive music celebration on August 25. After a lively first set, the colourfully costumed troupe teaches the rhythms of West African djembe, and invites the audience to join in the drumming and dancing. Families with children are especially welcome.

All concerts run rain-or-shine on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Oliver Community Stage band shell, 6359 Park Drive. Rain venue is on–site at the Oliver Community Centre. Suggested donation is $5. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info: OliverCAC@gmail.com Presented by the Oliver Community Arts Council. The arts council is grateful for the generous support of the Oliver Kiwanis.