Summer is nearly here and it’s shaping up to be a season of music and fun in Sooke.
One of the first celebrations happens this month when the Sooke Folk Music Society presents Summer Music in the Park.
It’s the society’s way of giving back to the community by presenting a collection of five groups of musicians for a free afternoon of entertainment that will feature some of the most talented folk musicians in the region.
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“This is a chance to give something back to this great community and to spread the word our society exists and that our music continues year round,” said Ray Spenser, a local singer-songwriter whose own brand of folk-roots/americana music has left audiences smiling for years.
“Folk music is really about storytelling,” said Spenser. “Performers tell their stories in ways that connect with the audience and make them part of the story experience.”
The shows will take place at Ed Macgregor Park on June 23. There is no admission charge for the family-friendly event.
The program kicks off at 1 p.m. with the duo of Genevieve Charbonneau and Jack Connolly performing as Heartwood to bring the audience songs of love, loss, political mayhem and fun.
Next on tap are Lisa Bosman and Sue Hansen.
Bosman is a Vancouver Island singer/songwriter who originally hails from Virginia and combines her love of acoustic folk with a love of storytelling. Hansen, also from Vancouver Island, has her own brand of music with strong roots in the tunes of James Taylor and Janis Ian. Together this duo will meld their styles into a seamlessly entertaining hour of tunes that will leave toes tapping and the audience humming along.
No sooner will that act end but the stage will be taken by Anna and Adam. These two young artists met a year ago and have been expressing their love of playing, singing and performing acoustic pop (and some originals) just for the sheer love of the sound.
Willis Taylor and Wes Toews are next on the stage. Think Bob Dylan and Neil Young meet BB King and Gord Downey in a midnight boxcar. It’s an act like no other that features a depth of soul that can’t be defined.
Finally, Summer Music in the Park will present Bijoux Du Bayou. for 21 years this group has delivered a mix of Zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans, Tex-Mex, and Acadian music sure to get people on their feet and dancing.
“This festival is sure to leave audiences wanting more,” said Spenser.
“In fact, we’re counting on it. Our society provides folk music to Sooke year round and there’s always room for one more at our shows.”
The Sooke Folk Music Society hosts a monthly coffee house at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
mailto:tim.collins@sookenewsmirror.com
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