Local music lovers will want to check out some top-notch tunes every Wednesday evening this summer during Music in the Park at Lacombe.
Things kick off tonight with Flatiron Jazz for the first performance in the Music in the Park Program.
Presented by the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation, Music in the Park offers an opportunity for folks to enjoy an evening of entertainment and experience a wide range of musical styles.
“Originally, Music in the Park was started by a friend of mine, Lann Lieurance, who was a musician here in Lacombe, and he wanted to be able to have a performance series that offered high quality music on a free basis to the people in the community, on a regular basis,” explained Ellen Corea, a committee member for Music in the Park.
Music in the Park runs from June to August, every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to the park, enjoy the beautiful weather, good friends and an evening of free entertainment.
The bands go rain or shine. There will be signs if it is moved to an inside venue.
The organizers are also very excited to offer something very special this year; a new performing venue – the Echo Stage. A dedication for the stage starts at 6:15 p.m. on June 7th, said Corea.
Located on the site where the performers have set up for the past two years, the new stage will offer shelter for the musicians and their equipment as well as an improved sight line for the audience, she said.
“We’re going to dedicate it to the memory of Lann Lieurance who started the program,” said Corea.
Working from an initial idea, Peter Bouwsema from PJ Designs volunteered his time and talent to design a beautiful Post and Beam structure, she said. Wayne Froese from Top Peg Timber Construction was then brought in to make the dream a reality.
Volunteers Chad Collins donated his time as general contractor on the project and with framer Ryan Fauria (Down Home Builders), built the floor.
The finishing touch was the electrical, installed by Sparks and Awl, giving the stage the power to keep the sound going.
For this project, the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation (LPACF) was also pleased to have as their major partner Echo Energy who provided half the funding for the stage.
“I think this project really demonstrates the power Echo Energy has to positively impact our community. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to helping realize new opportunities,” said Echo Energy President Drayton Bussiere.
In addition LPACF received a greatly appreciated anonymous donation, a donation of materials for the floor from Castle Building Supplies and they fundraised for the rest of the funds, said Corea.
Music in the Park also runs along with another popular community feature – the Community Market – which was launched today as well.
The Community Market runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday evening until the end of August.
