The sweet sounds of summer don’t get any better than spending a Sunday evening on the waterfront listening to great music and song. Those sweet sounds are again scheduled to reverberate from Ladysmith’s amphitheatre courtesy of the Ladysmith Resources Centre.
The Concerts in the Park, which have become a summertime tradition, will feature four popular groups in the upcoming weeks.
“The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association is once again demonstrating its commitment to the community through the 2024 Concerts in the Park events," said Carmen Barclay, executive director of the association. "Funds raised will be added to critical areas, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.”
Founded in 1992, what is commonly referred to as ‘the Resources Centre’ has been performing a pivotal role in enhancing community well-being through its targeted support programs.
“The Concerts in the Park events are instrumental in creating valuable connections and networks for our organization," Barclay said. "These relationships empower the LRCA to address some of the most pressing needs within the community, enabling us to deliver transformative and impactful community programs through collaboration and partnership. The Concerts events are all free and the Resources Association relies on donations to help in the funding of their supportive programs.
“The areas being focused on this year include food security, restorative justice, transportation, the dads group and the volunteer counselling program,” Barclay said. “Focusing on food security, we try to meet the fundamental need for access to nutritious food, a cornerstone of health and well-being. The restorative justice program continues to work towards community healing and conflict resolution, fostering a safer and more cohesive society."
Other programs offer equally important services.
“Transportation services for seniors are not just about mobility but about maintaining independence and access to essential medical care," Barclay said. "The dads group provides a supportive network, recognizing the unique challenges faced by fathers and offering a space for growth and camaraderie. Lastly, the expansion of the volunteer counselling program is set to offer more comprehensive mental health support, reflecting the LRCA’s holistic approach to community wellness.
"These initiatives reflect a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of societal needs and the importance of targeted, compassionate action.”
The first concert will be Sunday, July 21 featuring the Rhythm Kings. Lazy Mike Mallon and Annie Mallon are the father/daughter team behind this award-nominated blues band. They carry a bag of old-school, classic electric blues, carefully curated from the long and rich history of the genre. A performance from the Rhythm Kings is packed with top-shelf renditions of a variety of classic blues songs as well as original material.
The following Sunday, July 28 the Amphitheatre will host the multifaceted Soul Shakers. One of the Island’s most popular bands, they bring high energy performances to every show. From classic soul, to R&B, blues and pop this band throws out that feel good, get up and dance music for your soul.
The concerts take the long weekend off, but the park will still be rocking with Ladysmith Celebration Days on the BC Day long weekend and then the musical fun will be back on Sunday, Aug. 11, with the golden era of music, the '50s, '60s and '70s. The Copper Canyon Band will be bringing the songs and sounds from such artists as Patsy Cline, The Eagles, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, and more, plus wrapping up with a special tribute to the King, Elvis Presley.
The final Concert in the Park will be on Sunday, Aug. 18 featuring a mixture of country rock and blues with Cactus Cadillacs. Also referred to as the Tom Mitchell Band, the group of professional musicians features Gord Bigham on lead guitar, Gord Greenwood playing bass, Gord Whyte beating the drums and Tom Mitchell on guitar and singing most of the vocals.
All the Concerts in the Park are performed in Ladysmith’s Transfer Beach Amphitheatre and start at 6 p.m. and donations are greatly appreciated.
