Making Memories: The music never stops at the Harmony Arts Festival
Since its inception, music has been a vital part of the Harmony Arts Festival experience. For many, the memories of magical evenings spent listening to rousing live musical performances is what brings them back year after year. At the Harmony Arts Festival, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, the music never stops. From the ONNI Sunset Concerts on the West Vancouver Community Foundation Stage in John Lawson Park to the daytime and evening PARC Retirement Living Garden Concerts on the PARC Retirement Living Garden Stage in Millennium Park, there is always something to engage every taste. If you’re a fan of old school blues you will be thrilled at the prospect of hearing Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne strut his stuff. If you’re more the type to swoon over perfect harmonies and lovely melodies, check out Reid Jamieson or the sounds of yesteryear at the Dal Richards tribute sponsored by Revera – Hollyburn House. Music lovers of every age can select through a variety of styles, from pop to rock, to folk to country, to timeless classics and top 40 to choose from!
This year, the Harmony Arts Festival is excited to present a brand new venue, the Park Royal Marina Club. Open for food and bar service each day from 12 noon, the venue will feature live music every evening from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. During the early evening between 6-8:30 p.m., visitors can listen to the sounds of duelling pianos as pairs of virtuosos show off their prowess on the keyboards. After that, as the lights go down over the harbour, things will get a little more adventurous as some of Vancouver’s top DJs pair up with the city’s best horn players to dazzle us with their turntable artistry. These acts include DJ Flipout – host of the popular ‘The 5 o’clock Traffic Jam’ show on 93.5 FM and local trumpet wizard, Malcolm Aiken – the two promise to create beautiful music together as the sounds of live horn mingle with turntables and digital effects. Not to be missed!
With all the beautiful music on offer at the Harmony Arts Festival we know how difficult it can be to decide which artists to see. Here are four critical, not-to-be missed concerts as a place to start.
Wil Campa y La Gran Union
West Vancouver Community Foundation Stage
John Lawson Park
Saturday, July 30 @ 7:30pm–8:45pm
Harmony Arts is honoured to present Wil Campa, one of Cuba’s most loved singers and performers for the first time on Vancouver’s North Shore. A veteran of the legendary Cumbre and Maraca bands, Wil Campa was nominated for a Grammy award in 2002 for his contribution to the ‘Tremenda Rumba’ CD. A tireless ambassador for his country’s music, he tours extensively and in the last decade has won over audiences in over 37 countries around the world. Audiences in West Vancouver are guaranteed to experience an unforgettable night of gentle swaying music and charismatic performance that will live on in memory long after the last notes have faded. Absolutely not to be missed!
Coco Love Alcorn
West Vancouver Community Foundation Stage
John Lawson Park
Wednesday, August 3 @ 7:30pm–8:45pm
Coco Love Alcorn is a living, breathing Canadian musical treasure. Anyone who has ever seen her perform knows that her live shows are like taking a flight through uncharted territory, but have no fear Coco Love Alcorn is the ultimate pilot. As a singer and songwriter, she has few peers in terms of the technique, passion and the sheer dazzling power that she brings to a performance. Her music is deep and personal, yet has a universal quality that draws all of her listeners in. At Harmony, she will be performing music from her latest release, ‘The Spirit Sessions.’ Arrive early and expect to be impressed.
R&B Allstars
PARC Retirement Living Garden Stage
Millennium Park
Sunday, August 7th @ 8:45pm–10pm
The R&B Allstars are Vancouver’s original party band. Originally formed in the 80’s, they quickly became a sensation with their amazing roster of vocalists, note perfect musicians and signature white tuxedos. After playing hundreds of shows, the band took a ten year break before reforming again a few years ago to play select gigs. Harmony is lucky to book the band with their revitalized line-up and new sense of purpose. Delving deep into the roots of Rhythm and Blues, Joanie Bye, Kirsten Nash, Al Lynch and new addition, David Steele know all of your favourite party songs and can sing them like nobody else! Add to that, the R&B Allstars crucial horn and rhythm sections and you’ve got the promise of a magical evening under the stars.
WDF (Warren Dean Flandez)
PARC Retirement Living Garden Stage
Millennium Park
Saturday, August 6 @ 8:45pm–10pm
WDF (Warren Dean Flandez) is a multitalented artist who was born in Yellowknife and now calls Vancouver home. At the age of 15, Warren began singing lead in a soul gospel choir under the direction of Checo Tohomaso, former backup singer and keyboardist of Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores. It was under Checo’s mentorship that Warren developed his craft by learning to channel the essence of soul greats such as Al Green and James Brown. In 2011 Warren released his critically acclaimed debut album “Vintage Love.” followed by a successful run on national television appearing on CBC’s Cover Me Canada. Warren is signed to Reliant/Warner Records in Canada and promises to give a moving, soul-stirring performance. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!
Hollyburn House Seniors’ Series
Parc Retirement Living Garden Concerts
For a complete list of performers, along with additional events at the Harmony Arts Festival, visit the website HERE.
