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Summer Sounds audiences growing weekly
The free live music concerts in Cranbrook’s Rotary Park, held weekly on Saturdays in July and August, are growing steadily in attendance by all age groups.
The program is facilitated by the Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society (FPPAS) volunteers and are open to everyone.
The first concert of 2022 was held on July 9 and despite the unstable weather, attracted just under 400 people coming and going from 6 to 10 p.m. The next Saturday, July 16, with temperatures hovering around 30 Celsius, more than 500 people found it to be the best place to enjoy its atmosphere of music in a shady spot, having a Fisher Peak Brewing Company beer with their friends, or dancing in front of the stage.
“It makes us feel very good to watch this program develop into a popular summertime activity for our community and an attraction for visitors. We are motivated by the positive comments received each week by attendees,” stated Maureen Frank, FPPAS Director.
On Saturday, July 23, Kimberley’s Heather Gemmell opens the third Summer Sounds & Dancing in the Park concert of the eight-week series at 6 p.m.
Gemmell performs with a choice of traditional instruments, kinetic stage percussion, and old-timey lyrics. She places herself into the category of authentic folk/roots, with a slight hint of bluegrass. From delicate stories of love and loss to tongue-in-cheek murder ballads, to interpretive tales from her life, she writes from the heart and shows her true self on stage.
At 7 p.m., HY2, a versatile duo who now call Cranbrook home, will perform covers from classic rock, oldies, blues, country and more, to get you up and dancing!
Barbara Young and Gary Horne have one of the best vocal blends in the East Kootenay and enjoy playing all types of music from dance to ballads and from the ‘50s to present day. Gary is originally from England where he performed music of various genres, and Barb is from Calgary. Both are guitarists while Gary occasionally lights up a keyboard or bass too.
Then, Four Deer Run brings the night to a dancing climax starting at 8 p.m.
Kootenay musicians Mike Guarnery, Curtis Kaldestad, Brian Bova and local singer/song writer Kevin Martin entertain with covers of the best from numerous generations of rock music. Four Deer Run has something for all those folks who like that good ole rock’n’roll!
This concert is proudly sponsored by Lotic Environmental, a consulting company that has contributed to local performing arts initiatives for many years. Additional program funding comes from the Columbia Basin Trust through the Regional District of East Kootenay.
This free community initiative would not be possible without program partners, volunteers and the many Kootenay artists that rehearse for hundreds of hours to prepare a performance-ready presentation.
The public is reminded of the City of Cranbrook’s Clean Air Bylaw No 3940 that prohibits smoking or vaping in public places to protect the health and safety of everyone.
Volunteer opportunities and more details at www.fisherpeakperformingartists.com
Lead image: Heather Gemmell. Photo by Murray Hayward
Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society
