The Old City Quarter’s live outdoor music concert series has already begun, and although it is shorter than last year, promises to be just as diverse.
The Sounds of Summer’s lineup for 2024 will bring both fresh and familiar faces to the downtown neighbourhood at three main stages from noon to 1 p.m. every Friday until mid September.
Last year saw 16 shows and this year will see 11 free performances.
Event coordinator James McRae is back for his sixth year curating the series and said he reached out to musicians who have yet to play in the series, but also those in different lineups than before.
Singer-songwriter from Ladysmith, Ryan McMahon, had wanted to perform during last year’s series but was unable to due to other bookings. He was, however, able to secure a spot this year for the second-to-last Friday this month. He’ll be performing with keyboardist Joel Spillette.
One aspect McRae has always encouraged is for performing musicians to play their own original music.
“A lot of gigs, unless it’s a festival, they’re playing other people’s music. This is nice in that they can do their own music ... And a lot of them jump at the chance at that,” he said.
Looking to the future, McRae said he hopes to be able to book more Indigenous musicians, or music from different cultures, to be able to spotlight during the series.
The remaining two performances in July will be held at Wesley Square, 335 Wesley St., and feature McMahon on July 19 and the Tony Turner Trio on July 26.
In August, at the Station, 321 Selby St., the Westlanders start off the month on Aug. 2, followed by the Skye Douglas Project on Aug. 9, Benson Brass Collective on Aug. 16, Tami Blaser and Kelly Fawcett on Aug. 23, and Just Us on Aug. 30.
The concert series wraps up with two performances in September at the Heritage Mews, 321 Wesley St., with the Renovation Blues Band performing on Sept. 6 and the Palace Band playing Sept. 13.
More information on the performances can be found online at www.nanaimojazzfest.ca.
