Okanagan country-rock artists The Shawn Lightfoot Band open the Civic Sounds concert series in downtown Vernon at Civic Plaza Thursday, July 4.

Okanagan country-rock artists The Shawn Lightfoot Band open the Civic Sounds concert series in downtown Vernon at Civic Plaza Thursday, July 4.

Free concerts start in downtown Vernon Thursday

Downtown Vernon Association is once again offering free concerts every Thursday at Civic Plaza. This week features The Shawn Lightfoot Band.

Music is about to fill the air when Civic Sounds returns to downtown Vernon this week.

The series of concerts are offered free of charge to the public every Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m.  The concerts take place on the grounds of the Civic Plaza, located in front of the Vernon museum and the former library building.

“These free concerts have been offered in downtown Vernon for 11 years and this year will be no exception,” said Lara Konkin, marketing and events coordinator with the DVA.

The rockin’ country sounds of the The Shawn Lightfoot Band kick off Civic Sounds this Thursday, and will be followed by concerts every Thursday until Aug. 22.

Next Thursday, July 11 is 11-piece R&B band The Legendary Lake Monsters, followed by The Mumble Bees July 18 and Cheaper than a Porsche July 25.

The August lineup consists of The Young’uns, who have performed at Civic Sounds for the past 10 years, Aug. 1, jazz -blues artists  Kath and the TomKats Aug. 8, classic rock band The Goods Aug. 15, and the Celtic-Maritime sounds of Cod Gone Wild Aug. 22.

Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio will provide dance lessons and entertainment during intermission for all concerts.

“The DVA encourages people of all ages to set up a lawn chair or lay out a blanket, have a picnic and enjoy the show,” said Konkin. “Many of the downtown restaurants have to-go menus and would be happy to provide a meal for you, your family and your friends while you are listening to the entertainment at Civic Sounds.

“We all need to remember summer is no picnic for the food bank. Please donate a non-perishable food items in support of the Salvation Army. Cash donations are also welcome.”

Washroom facilities are available during the concerts.

Civic Sounds is sponsored by BC Hydro, 107.5 Kiss FM, the City of Vernon and the Downtown Vernon Association.

 

Vernon Morning Star