With the Funtastic Music Festival and Canada Day festivities taking place this week, it’s a busy time for concerts in the North Okanagan and for one band in particular.
Not only is Vernon’s The Legendary Lake Monsters playing Funtastic Sunday as well as the evening Canada Day festivities, both at the DND Vernon Army Camp, the R&B group is also headlining Armstrong’s Valley First Music in the Park tonight.
The event features a few special additions to help celebrate national Multicultural Day.
From 5 to 7 p.m. patrons can enjoy a free swim and games at the Armstrong Aquatic Centre as well as a special performance by Aloha Polyenesian Dance Studio, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the stage in Memorial Park.
Then the fun continues as The Legendary Lake Monsters take the stage at 7 p.m.
The brainchild of upright and electric bassist Rod MacDonald, trumpeter/flugelhorn player Al Szeliga, and Craig Carmody, sax and flute, the Legendary Lake Monsters is a high energy band with a horn section that covers a wide range of styles including swing, salsa, Latin, rock, pop and R&B.
“We wanted a name that was reflective of the whole Okanagan Valley and the size of the band – something unique and memorable,” said MacDonald. “The legend of the monster in Okanagan Lake predates the arrival of the Europeans in the area and is recognized throughout Canada. And we didn’t want to call ourselves The Ogopogos.”
The band chooses songs that use horn arrangements to create a dynamic and lush sound combined with a definitive groove in the rhythm section, including tunes from artists such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Louis Prima, The Mambo Kings, Gloria Estefan, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, and James Brown, to name a few.
“We play music that’s fun for everybody,” said MacDonald. “Our approach to music is collaborative with everyone having input into the songs, the arrangements, the dynamics, etc. It’s important to all of us not to be boxed in by genre, leading to some unlikely tunes.”
The remaining band members are Alex Barss, sax, Steve Durant, keyboard and vocals, Paul May, guitar, timbales and vocals, Dave McDonald, trumpet, Brian McMahon, trombone and timbales, Caren Miller, vocals and percussion, Rennie Sirianni, drums, and Alex Szibbo, sax.
“(Tonight) promises to be a night filled with something for everyone,” said Patti Noonan, executive director with the Armstrong Spallumcheen chamber of commerce, which produces Music in the Park. “Music and dancing is encouraged. Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks and beverages – or even your dinner! Relax, enjoy the fresh air and time with family and friends.”
Valley First is proud to sponsor the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Music in the Park series until Aug. 22.
The credit union is promoting hunger awareness through its Feed the Valley program and those attending Music in the Park can donate non-perishable food items or make cash donations at the nearest Valley First branch, online through www.valleyfirst.com or through the Food Banks B.C. online donations portal.
