Some sweet sounds will be serenading Chilliwack on the southside starting Thursday night.
Southside Rocks the River returns with a free outdoor stage near the Vedder Bridge for the next three Thursday nights.
It will be a chance to showcase some excellent local bands and singer-songwriters, says organizer Jeff Bonner of Tractorgrease Studio.
The idea is for residents to stroll down the Vedder Rotary trail, from Garrison or from downtown to enjoy some live music, he said.
“We’re trying to mix it up this year for all ages,” Bonner said.
The Aug. 13 lineup will be rockabilly trio The Dusty Aces, followed by Lori Paul and Spiderlodge, indie rockers Midnight Lions and singer-songwriter Matt Lowen.
“We’ve assembled some of the most entertaining and creative local musicians to play this year.”
They’ll be putting the spotlight on young songwriters and up and coming bands this year, which is something Tractorgrease already has a reputation for doing as part of the Music Songwriters 101.
“We’re also lucky enough this year to be able to host some bands that are on tour who will show up later at the café.”
West My Friend or Chicken Like Birds will be playing after shows at Tractorgrease Cafe when everything shuts down at the riverside stage by 9:30.
Southside Rocks the River is partnering with Chilliwack Community Arts Council this year, a local arts umbrella organization, that is bringing along some local artisans and food trucks to spice up the musical atmosphere.
“Bring a folding chair or a blanket and a jacket maybe in case it gets cooler at night,” he said.
The Southside Rocks the River dates are Aug. 13, Aug. 20, and Aug. 27.
The action is set to start at 4 p.m. when the artisan booths open, then yoga by Inner Vision Yoga at 5 p.m., with the music going live at 6 p.m. There’s also a Core Fitness/Stretch starting at 7 p.m. by Inner Vision Yoga and the Chilliwack Family YMCA.
Here’s the rest of the lineup:
On Aug. 20, it’s The Lounge Hounds, Maggpie, The Tractorgrease Folk, and West My Friend
On Aug. 27, it’s Gerald Charlie, Relic’s Jetboat, Little Wild, and Chicken Like Birds.
There is free parking just off Vedder Road at the Vedder trailhead, and the concert stage will be just to the right of it.
