“It’s a ‘new and blue’ theme this summer, after last year’s ‘tried and true’ lineup,” says organizer Penelope Johnson of Oliver’s Music in the Park. “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.” Of course, concerts will pump out the rock and pop classics, with big band and world music as well.
Music in the Park run 6:30 – 8:00 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. Audiences are invited to bring a chair and some shades to enjoy the concerts.
Award-winning rock band Moving Lines (pictured below) 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.
UPDATE #1 Crowd pleasers REBEL LUV take the stage on Thursday July 11, replacing blues-rock super group, Yard Katz, due to a sudden medical emergency. Duo Mikie and Ken mix it up with rock, country and pop tunes. Always dedicated pros, we expect a great couple of sets from these two seasoned rockers!
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.
Ranging from mellow country and bluegrass to manic rock, The Melomaniacs (pictured below) 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.”
UPDATE #2 Returning for a third year in a row on August 8 are the magnificent Blueshounds. These gents play boogie blues with Gerry Pearson’s harmonica and vocals front and centre. Expect great guitar licks from Lefty Stewart. We’re also super excited to see Rob Robertson and Cliffe Fraser in the band this year — previously of Rob ‘n’ Walker. The Blueshounds replace Synergy after they had to bow out this season.
The summer closes with two familiar favourites. 13 Broken Bones (pictured above) 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.
