Music in the Park

Celebrate summer nights with Music in the Park on Thursday evenings all summer long at the Rotary Park Bandshell. Bring your picnic and chairs, as well as your family and friends, and make this event one of the highlights of the summer.

SUMMER 2023
Every Thursday  |  6PM – 8PM
July:         6    |   13    |   20    |   27
August:   3    |   10    |   17    |   24    |   31
Rotary Park: 1990 Maxwell Avenue

This Week!

August 3  |  Bobby Garcia and the Cooper Country Band

Welcome Merritt local to the next Music in the Park! Bobby Garcia was born and raised and currently resides in Merritt B.C. He is from the Nlaka’pamux First Nations. He has deep roots in traditional country music which he writes and sings about in his first album These Boots.

Bobby grew up in a large extended family of multi-generational singers and musicians. He has a true passion for writing his own music about the small town and country life and performing at local festivals and venues across British Columbia. Bobby continues to shine as an up and coming country music artist.

While writing music is his go to, Bobby enjoys performing his original songs and the outlaw side of country music with his band. Bobby has won Musician of the year award twice in his hometown Merritt B.C. He has also performed at The Rockin’ River Festival in his hometown 3 times.

Musical influences include Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr, Waylon Jennings, and his Dad George Garcia, including a collaboration of a song that his Dad wrote on his album These Boots.

Check out his albums These Boots and When I Think About Us, and latest singles from his upcoming Album on iTunes, Spotify and Google music.

Spotify
Apple Music

Next Up!

August 10  |  Rule 857

RULE 857 is a North Okanagan classic rock band that covers some of the greatest tunes from the ’60s, 70’s, ’80s and 90’s. RULE 857 has a full sound accomplished by tight bass guitar lines, melodic synth, keyboards, solid percussion rhythms, effortless guitar riffs, scorching solos and vocals that will take you right back to the era of the tunes. The Band features Jenn Boal Vocals/Acoustic Guitar,  Jeff Gamble, Vocals/Lead Guitar, Roy Pesklewis on Bass Guitar, Laverne Berget on Keyboards; and Ish Din on Drums.  Learn more at rule857.com.

Full Summer 2023 Line-up

 

July 06 The Spiritual Warriors Contemporary Indigenous Reggae
July 13 Atlas Rock
July 20 The Doug James Band Rock
July 27 Outlaws and Lace Blues, country
Aug 03 Bobby Garcia and the Cooper Country Band Country
Aug 10 RULE 857 50s&60s and classic rock
Aug 17 Jackson Hollow Country and Bluegrass
Aug 24 Coquihalla Coyotes Blues and Rock
Aug 31 Randy Chillihitzia Country, 50s &60s, Rock

 

For More Information Contact:
Recreation Programmer
Merritt Civic Centre: 250-315-1050
Email: recreation@merritt.ca

Thank you for your performance!

JULY 6  |  The Spiritual Warriors

Internationally acclaimed music group, The Spiritual Warriors, create music inspired by the land and life in the coast mountains of the Lilwat Nation. With their unique blend of indigenous chants and contemporary roots, rock, reggae, The Spiritual Warriors are distinctly west coast. The band perform most of their songs in U’cwalmicwts and are passionate about preserving and promoting their language and culture. The uplifting reggae rhythm only underlines the beautiful harmonizing of the vocals sung bilingually in English and U’cwalmicwts, the Lil’wat Language.

The Spiritual Warriors, formerly known as Kalan Wi, are led by father and daughter, Leroy Joe ( vocals, guitar) and Daisy Joe ( vocals) and are accompanied by Richard Doucet (drums) Mike Rowe (bass) Cuyler Biller (lead guitar) and Quentin De Lorenzis (keyboards).  The band regularly collaborates with other First Nation artists and musicians to write and perform live. Ancestors, their debut Album was released in 2019 and has received 4 nominations at the Native American Music Awards in New York and won for BEST WORLD RECORDING. This truly unique band will take you on a cultural journey to the natural heartbeat of the Indigenous drum and the St’at’imc people.

LEARN MORE AT THESPIRITUALWARRIORS.NET

JULY 13  |  Atlas

Love Rock? Then make sure you come get into the beat with North Vancouver’s Atlas this Thursday, July 13, at Rotary Park (6-8 PM), featuring Merritt native, Guitarist Steve Ho.

Their sound has been described as classic rock ‘n roll with a twist. They draw influence from many of the greatest rock artists from past decades with some elements from their jazz education into their music. What makes Atlas stand out is that each member of the band is inspired by different genres from R&B/funk (Calvin), blues/country (Steve), punk/rock (Jackson), to jazz/pop (Austin). The combination of different musical influences makes Atlas unique while still carrying the traditions of rock music with big guitar solos, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals. Their live performances often feature moments to show case each member’s talents such as Austin’s wide vocal range, Steve’s melodic guitar solos, tight 4-part harmonies, Calvin’s unique bass lines and Jackson’s creative drum solos.

The group is active in the Vancouver and BC music scene, performing at various clubs, venues, and events year-round. They recently just released their debut EP titled, “Dusk ‘Til Dawn” which is available on all streaming platforms. The band will be heading out on tour this summer to promote their EP with several dates in Alberta and BC.

Lead vocalist and pianist, Austin Leitch| Calgary, Alberta
Guitarist, Steve Ho | Merritt, BC
Bassist, Calvin Dumont | Chilliwack, BC
Drummer, Jackson Hutton | Tel Aviv, Israel
Atlas often features guest musician
Nick Sinclaire on Alto Saxophone | Calgary, Alberta

 

WATCH THEM

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @ATLAS.BAND
MORE ON LINKTREE

JULY 20  |  The Doug James Band

Merritt’s own Doug James Band will be performing this Thursday, July 13, at Rotary Park (6-8 PM). If you haven’t seen this group perform before, mark this date on your calendar for a memorable show. Performing classic rock, this group is sure to get you dancing and singing along.

Watch The Band

JULY 27  |  Outlaws and Lace

Hailing from the Fraser Valley, Outlaws and Lace, with new lead singer and guitar/mandolin player, are ready to rock the bandshell at Rotary Park. Featuring a diverse genre of blues, rock, indie, classic country, and bluegrass, Outlaws and Lace deliver original and popular music inspired by the likes of Ashley McBride, Chris Stapleton, Carley Pearce, Elle King, Brothers Osborne, and Miranda Lambert, to name a few.  Bring your friends, family, and picnic and enjoy a lively and energetic performance at this week’s Music in the Park.

Facebook:  facebook.com/outlawsnlace
Instagram: outlaws.n.lace