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!
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.
Next Up!
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
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
