The Mary Winspear Centre is gearing up for a busy summer, including the new Summer Concert Series beginning later this month.
The series, which is designed to attract the crowds of people who attend the Sidney Street Market on Thursday nights, begins May 29. The series will feature different performances every second week through the summer.
“The idea was to run a series of concerts and entertainment during the same night as the market so those who attend the market have a chance to attend right afterwards,” explained Carey Salvador, the Winspear’s marketing coordinator.
“There is going to be something for everyone, a mix of different shows and styles and a lot of great local talent.”
Salvador added that the Centre has aimed to provide tickets at affordable prices and will be selling tickets to the shows at their booth during the Sidney Street Market. Ticket sales for the shows have already begun online.
The shows, Salvador continued, will begin at 8 p.m. and will be a mix of musical and performing arts groups.
Kicking off the series is local band The Lion The Bear The Fox with special guests Sam Weber and Ian Sherwood. Byrd Dawg, an Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel tribute band, takes the stage June 12. Award-winning Canadian songstress Holly McNarland plays July 3. Victoria Ballet is confirmed but not yet scheduled.
“We’re really looking forward to the shows and the different mix of things we have scheduled,” said Salvador, adding that the Centre is also teaming up with the Peninsula Academy of Music Arts and Mountain Dream Productions to host summer camps through July.
For more information, registration forms or advance tickets to the Summer Concert Series shows, visit www.marywinspear.ca.
Coming up at the Mary Winspear Centre
• Summer Rocks summer camp at the Winspear Centre in partnership with the Peninsula Academy of Music Arts. This camp is for youth aged 12 to 18 and caters to all instruments. Runs July 21 to 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a Saturday matinee performance. Learn new songs, how to write music, how to lead a band, play a solo, sing harmonies and more. Cost is $275 per person per week and registration deadline is July 18. Call 250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca for more information.
• The Mary Winspear Centre and Mountain Dream Productions presents a singing, acting and dancing Musical Extravaganza July 7 to 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This full day summer program is an action packed, fun filled two weeks. Young performers ages 9 to 18 will learn all about acting, singing and dancing. Call 250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca or www.mountaindreamproductions.ca.