Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society will once again host its Music in the Park series featuring live music every Tuesday night, throughout July and August at Waterwheel Park.
Society chair Bob Johns confirmed each night of entertainment begins at 7 p.m., and this year, the lineup of musicians comes from far and wide.
“It’s a pretty outstanding lineup,” he said. “In the past, we’ve made a job of highlighting the local musicians, but this year, our idea was to bring in musicians from the outside. They are all very high-grade.”
Johns confirmed that each night, the featured artist or band will play two one-hour sets.
“They are always nice evenings, and everyone has a wonderful time,” he said. “If we get a good band on, it’s normally packed and if there’s a good crowd, that band will sometimes play past 9 p.m. The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society also provides gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers, so it’s a great opportunity to come down to the park, grab a burger for supper and watch the band.”
Entry is by donation, and all the funds go to the society.
“The funds help offset the costs of the musicians, but obviously, we seek sponsorship as well,” said Johns.
The event attracts an audience from all over the Cowichan Valley.
“It’s primarily run for the entertainment of the people in Chemainus, but we get people come in from Duncan and Ladysmith, as well as tourists living in Chemainus at the time too,” said Johns.
The July schedule of music is as follows:
• July 8: Howie and the Howlettes — a western swing group
• July 15: Bluegrass Fever — described as a Vancouver Island favourite
• July 22: Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific — jazz, swing, Latin, dixieland and marches all mixed into one act
• July 29: The Hampshire Youth Choir — a group from England which sings medieval hymns, folk tunes and songs by The Beatles
