It may be a chance for local dog lovers to show off their favourite canines – but, musically at least, it’s also a ‘Salute To Youth.’
That’s the theme of the live stage offering ongoing entertainment at the White Rock Peninsula Rotary Club’s second annual Pooch Parade this Sunday coming to the boat launch area of West Beach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Among the performers typifying young talent on the Semiahmoo Peninsula will be local country-folk favourites Alanna and Brianne and emerging singer Ava Carich, who was recently chosen as a finalist in the ongoing Diamond In The Rock contest at the Roadhouse Grille. Also showcased will be folk-rock singer-guitarist Tyson MacNamara and singer-songwriter Lucas Cole.
Wrapping up the concert will be a set by Joey Mullins and his band, Itchy Neighbourhood.
Langley and Surrey-based band Mullins and Itchy Neighbourhood are moving forward with their music in spite of the tragedy that struck last month when lead singer Adam Dick succumbed to a heart attack.
“Even though we only have three of us left in the group now, we’re still together as one,” Mullins said. “We’re still out here, practising and performing.”
Twins Alanna and Brianne, just turned 15, have won accolades throughout the Lower Mainland over the past two years for performances featuring an eclectic mix of guitar-based folk, country and new country. They’ve also been well-received in Nashville and are planning a second trip there this year.
While Carich, 14, has been singing in public a year, she’s managed to rack up 45 performances at local venues such as the Farmers’ market and the Good Day Sunshine Cafe, as well receiving the People’s Choice award in her school talent show. A guitarist for the last seven years, she’s also working on adding piano to her list of musical skills.
McNamara, 19, has been playing guitar for five years and singing for only one. He enjoys playing to crowds and considers folk-rock his genre, while acknowledging influences such as Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder and Mumford & Sons.
North Delta singer-songwriter Cole, 18, describes his style as a melding of blues, folk and rock, influenced by the work of his idols Neil Young, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bob Dylan and Bryan Adams.
Also performing will be Crescent Beach Pipe and Drum Corps, and soprano Miriah Reitmeier, well known from local theatre productions, who will sing O Canada at opening ceremonies.
Registration is by donation. Proceeds to support the Peninsula Rotary Club’s community projects.
