A new free outdoor concert series is coming to Airdrie with hopes of showcasing a diverse lineup of local and award-winning musical talent. Music in the Park will take place throughout the summer at Nose Creek Park.
“The City of Airdrie built a beautiful new amphitheater and this initiative really came forward as a way to get performers into the space and allow the citizens of Airdrie to come and enjoy it,” said Rebecca Nielsen, a community developer with the City.
“Nose Creek Park is a beautiful venue overall, and has lots of great amenities for families. This is just one more thing of interest to bring people down to the park to enjoy it.”
Music in the Park takes place each second Thursday throughout the summer – July 4 and 18, Aug. 1, 15 and 29 – from 7 to 9 p.m. Opening acts, according to Nielsen, hit the stage at 7 p.m. and will play a 45-minute set before the headliner performs at 8 p.m. for about an hour. The site will close at around 10 p.m.
Nielson said a main goal for Music in the Park is to provide different genres of live music, so there is “something for everyone.”
“[There will be] a variety of different blues-based music and then our opening acts are really a very wide variety. Some are local and some are more regional acts,” she said.
On July 4, concert-goers will experience the “swampy storytelling style and modern rock flare” of the Mitch Belot Band. Following the band, according to the City, headliners Tim Williams and Kevin Belzner will bring a multi-instrument, blue-roots performance to the stage.
Danny Vacon, “the reigning king of rock in the indie scene,” according to the City, will open July 18. That night’s headliner will be 2014 Calgary Blues Music Association Blues Vocalist of the Year recipient Mike Watson.
Aug. 1 sees As High As We Go open for the reggae-blues-ska inspired Vic Ruggiero and Jory Kinjo.
The Aug. 15 opener is yet to be announced, but headliner The Groove Crew will get people moving with the band’s funky sound.
On Aug. 29, Debra Power will headline. The Airdrie resident, according to the City, is known for her powerhouse vocals and keyboard skills. The opening act is yet to be determined.
The series is presented in partnership with Airdrie Music Festival Association, a newly established non-profit organization that aims to bring musical talent to the city. According to the June 17 City council agenda, the partnership “ensures this project is not only for the community, but also created by the community.”
Bowl seating is limited at the amphitheater, Nielson warned, and it’s recommended residents bring a blanket or festival chair, as additional seating will not be provided.
A licensed area and concession will open at the venue starting at 6 p.m., according to the City, and proceeds from the concession will help support the Airdrie 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
In the event of severe weather, the City will cancel that evening’s show.
Music in the Park is open to all ages and is free to attend.
For more information, visit airdrie.ca
