After a “feat” of preparation, Oliver’s Music in the Park committee is sure that feet will be dancing on the grass on Thursday evenings this summer. Shows 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 will have food truck service. Audiences are invited to bring a chair, shades, and picnic items to enjoy the concerts. SEE POSTER BELOW.
Lining up the roster of performers was an easy feat this spring. All bands are tried-and-true audience favourites from the last six years. The Room to Dance duo of JC and Andy Plett return with groovin’ pop tunes to open the season on Thursday July 6. Rebel Luv’s Mikie and Ken on July 13 always get the audience up on their feet and moving.
Big vocals are a prerequisite for band shell performers. Lisa Salting, the gutsy lead singer of Naramata’s Uncorked! band is a fine example, and will rock it out of the park on July 20.
Audiences will be anticipating the return of The Blueshounds, who put on a high energy, hot performance last summer. A hooting hollering standing ovation rewarded the band’s sweaty workout on harmonica and blues guitar last year. Their July 27 date is also the Feed the Valley food drive. Goods will be collected by Oliver Food Bank.
On August 3, the Cliff McIntyre Band (a play on MacIntyre Bluff) returns after being almost rained out last year. The hardiest audience members crammed onto the stage to party with the band, dancing until the sun reappeared. Their mix of Americana, folk-rock deserves two full sets in the sunshine this summer, so sun dance moves are recommended to stave off any rain.
The Naden Band (Royal Canadian Navy) makes a welcome return August 10 after a hiatus of several years. Show tunes, jazz, sea shanties, pop… they play it all. Their bright brass and bright whites always impress the audience. This summer the Naval Security Team will exhibit a ridged hull inflatable boat along with other promotional displays.
Sister Soul brings the boys along on August 17. Fans of Diane’s sweet melodies and sister Joanne’s complementary hard rockin’ vocals will love the full sound of the Rattler’s Band on backup.
Winding up the summer on August 24 is the charismatic rocker Steve Jones and his “Patio Bandits”. Monika harmonizes and Ryan plays stellar keyboards. Steve, with several albums to his credit, connects well with audiences and earned a rousing ovation with his last Music in the Park appearance.
The Music in the Park committee has secured mouth-watering dinner fare for concert goers this summer. Two new food trucks will pull up on site at the bandshell on Thursday nights. Pit Stop Smokery shares its smoky goodness on July 6, and August 10, 17, and 24. Law of Attraction serves upscale tacos, paninis, and poutine on remaining nights. EnRoute Espresso & Tea returns with a truckload of iced and hot beverages plus baked goods for after-supper munchies. An arts council market will promote the activities and wares of its members at many of the concerts.
