“We’re making something out of nothing,” said Summerset Music Festival director Annette McArthur, whose lined up four more weeks of outdoor concerts in Fort Langley this summer.

What is being called Summerset Sundays, has seen Canadian musicians Andrew Allen and three-time Juno award nominee Jill Barber, grace the mini stage for a Trading Post patio audience of no more than 50 people.

“We’re creating a fund to help support musicians who have been severely impacted by COVID-19,” McArthur said, “Some have had to sell their guitars to pay bills.”

“We want to help with that – to keep guitars in hands and piano lessons happening for kids.”

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After a provincial health ban on more than 50 cars quashed Red Door Event’s August plans for a drive-in concert, the group carried on its mission to raise money for B.C. artists impacted by the coronavirus pandemic – in a more intimate setting.

Red Door Events is executing a concert series with social distancing restrictions in place “to keep live music alive,” said McArthur.

Tickets for the concerts are sold in pairs, via its website, and include dinner and a beverage at the eatery.

This Sunday, Aug. 16 a sold-out performance of soloist Kadooh is scheduled.

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The rest of this summer’s Fort Langley lineup is aimed at a diverse crowd, the director related.

“There’s something for everyone – from jazz, to country, to pop, to classic rock,” she said.

Last year was the first year for the Summerset Festival, held over three days in the orchard outside the palisades of Fort Langley National Historic Site.

Organizers estimated the event drew an estimated 10,000 people to the village to see the likes of Paul Brandt, Kim Mitchell, and April Wine perform.

Langley Advance Times