Is there anything better than enjoying a summer evening under the shade of Pioneer Park’s leafy, old-growth trees with a view of Mount Cheam in the distance?
Actually yes, there is!
Doing all the above while enjoying an intimate, close-up performance from amazing B.C.-based performers.
The Twilight Concert Series in Pioneer Park is back for the season, bringing live music to Agassiz’s summer nights in the form of free family concerts in the park every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to whip out their picnic blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the grassy park, setting sun and some great tunes.
The first performance of the season is July 18 with young, Surrey-based musician Ashley Pater. At only 15-years-old, Pater has honed in on a folk-pop style – music that tells a story with fun, pop energy.
“I find that folk music is very story-telling… cheery and upbeat, but also I [include] today’s pop where you can experiment with it and have different catchy tunes and beats.”
The young artist had a musical upbringing, singing along to Shania Twain and Mariah Carey in the car with her mom when she was little and performing her own music by age 9. Her grandfather was a huge influence, she said. He taught himself to play five instruments, and Pater has taken a similar approach, playing guitar, ukulele, piano and sometimes drums.
Now Pater has a YouTube channel and performs around B.C. and Canada at festivals, concerts and even in commercials. She’s racked up a number of awards such as the top solo act and fourth place overall in the 2017 BC Youth Talent Search and was named one of the ten young musicians you must hear by CBC Music last year.
“I’ve never been nervous, I love what I do and I just do it,” she said confidently.
And playing in Agassiz is a special honour to the artist because of a family connection to Harrison Hot Springs.
“I’m excited about all my shows, but this one – my dad used to live in Harrison, he grew up there – and so I find… I feel honoured in a way….it’s like experiencing his life there when I perform there.”
With her talent and drive, Pater is a can’t-miss Twilight Concert performer who is sure to delight all attendees.
“I just want to share my music – my stories, with as many people that want to listen.”
Pater’s latest EP, Wild Roses, is available on iTunes.
Other performances include Andrew Christopher on Aug. 1 and Harrison’s Todd Richard Aug. 15.
Events are cancelled in the event of rain.
