Douglas Park will once again serve as a backdrop to a Langley City outdoor music event called Boppin’ in the Park this Friday.
This is an event that was started years ago now by an organization called You’ve Gotta Have Friends (YGHF).
It’s a monthly summer outdoor concert series at the bandshell on Douglas Crescent, which continues to grow and attract not only area residents but people from nearby communities, explained YGHF founder Pat Weibelzahl.
“Our Mandate: You’ve Gotta Have Friends is a community initiative that involves all citizens in creating a welcoming community where everyone belongs,” she said.
“Boppin’ in the Park is a free, fun, family-friendly event with great music in a beautiful setting. We encourage people to bring a lawn chair or blanket and picnic basket and enjoy an evening of music, maybe a little dancing and meet up with old friends or possibly discover a new friend.”
Last month, Boppin’ featured Langley’s own Maritimes tribute with the Seabillys.
This week’s show features music by Does Your Monkey Bite, who will perform everything from disco to rock ‘n’ roll, to 1980s hits to new country, Weibelzahl said.
The festivities this Friday, July 13 run from 6 to 8 p.m., and folks are encouraged to grab a blanket or chair and head down to the park.
“It’s always lots of fun,” said YGHF’s Janice McTaggart.
“At You’ve Gotta Have Friends we look for different ways to bring people together to have fun and get to know one another,” Weibelzahl added, noting that Boppin’ in the Park grew out of a free community dance the organization started hosting about a decade ago.
“The first few years, we did themed dances with Bob Foster from Crazy Bob’s doing a great job as DJ for us,” she explained.
“For the past seven or eight years Boppin’ in the Park happens at the Douglas Park bandshell. We bring in local bands showcasing various types of music,” Weibelzahl added, extending an invitation to anyone interested in attending.
“It’s all about inclusion and belonging,” she said. “Typically we have a crowd of between 100 to 150 people in attendance. Along with music, children enjoy our bubble machine, beach balls, and we have a concession stand offering soft drinks, coffee and munchies.”
As for next month, the Aug. 10 concert will feature the rock’a’billy stylings of Six Gun Romeo.
