ity parks are heating up this July and August with the return of the annual summer concert series.
The concerts are free and for all ages. The shows are 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and in July are held at the Bowen Park amphitheatre and in August are held in Maffeo Sutton Park.
Deb Beck, a City of Nanaimo recreation coordinator, said the city worked hard to find acts that would fit a wide range of musical interests.
This year’s performers include The Big Mess, Flashback Freddy, The Notables, The Royal Canadians and more.
For performer Fred Wortley, Flashback Freddy, this is the first year performing during the event.
Wortley said he’s looking forward to singing his signature good old rock ’n’ roll.
“The main thing is I want people to have fun and stomp their feet or clap their hands,” he said. “I just love this music it makes my heart warm.”
Wortley gets his musical inspiration from performers such as Johnny Cash, Elvis and Buddy Holly.
He said he’s looking forward to playing outside on a beautiful summer evening and sharing his music with others.
The musician has performed for 39 years and said it’s just something he loves to do.
The concert series also gives people a chance to explore the city’s green spaces.
“We love to provide free opportunities for people to come down and listen to music in the summertime,” said Beck. “We’re trying to promote community by having people come down to the park.”
She said the city aims at getting people out into community parks to show residents the recreational opportunities that are available.
This year the July concerts at Bowen Park will highlight the amphitheatre.
“It’s such a beautiful location,” said Beck.
She said its a smaller more intimate venue.
In August the concerts are being held at the Lions Pavilion in Maffeo Sutton Park.
For more information please call 250-756-5200 or go to www.nanaimo.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com