Warm summer evenings will now come with a cool soundtrack thanks to the return of North Vancouver Recreation and Culture’s Live & Local concert series.
No matter the music genre that grips you best, Live & Local has something for anyone and everyone. It’s never been easier to find an outdoor jam just minutes away from your home.
No matter your age or the vibe you’re looking for, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with your loved ones and connect with your neighbours without needing to take out your wallet.
Concerts will take place around North Vancouver from 7 to 9 p.m. on set dates. Locations for venues include Seylynn Park, Lynn Valley Village, Panorama Park, Lions Gate Village, Edgemont Village, and Ray Perrault Park. There will be several performances at most of these venues, each with a distinct vibe to enjoy your summer with.
“This series is all about bringing people together to listen to great live music and meet up with friends, or make new friends in their neighborhoods,” said Heather Turner, NVRC director, recreation & culture.
NVRC has tapped many talented artists, both local and from out of town, to perform over the next month. This series began in early July and will run until the end of August. If you haven’t already been, we’d definitely recommend checking out a concert or two. After all, it is free. Here are some of the acts hitting the stage over the next month.
If you’re looking for something groovy and cool, you can’t miss Coco Jafro’s performance at Panorama Park in Deep Cove on Aug. 22. This group’s approach to music is inspired by cultures and tunes all around the globe, creating a unique sound which expresses the creativity of different international genres.
“I see Coco Jafro as a kitchen where we get ingredients from all over the world, then cook a fusion dish,” said leader Amine Said. A mix of Moroccan funk, acid jazz, and Latin beats, Coco Jafro brings life and harmony to their performances, connecting the audience through their music and the message of community through blending genres and cultures.
At their upcoming performance, the band will play some favourites as well as brand new songs to be heard for the first time, so definitely don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Bakara Band brings audiences alive with hope through its upbeat and high-energy Persian pop music. They’ll turn Lions Gate Village into a dance floor for all on Aug. 28, inviting everyone to jam along with them.
“Participating in music and dancing is not allowed by the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Milad Parpouchi, the band’s leader and keyboardist. “We’re grateful to live in Canada, and to perform at events like these, which celebrate the performing arts.” The band is excited to perform at the North Shore community, as its members see music as a “powerful vehicle to bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.” For Bakara Band, music is about connecting the community through joyous and uplifting tunes.
Big City Soul is a band of nine, known around Metro Vancouver for playing a mix of high-energy music alongside classical songs. If you show up to their concert on Aug. 7 at Seylynn Park, there is a guarantee that the melodic mix of instruments you hear will make you want to dance the night away.
The band is “delighted to be returning back to North Vancouver’s concert series, we last performed there prior to COVID,” said Ken Abel, who is a saxophone player as well as an original member of the band. “We’re gonna be playing a wide variety of music that people from all age groups will enjoy.”
NVRC has much more in store for you, and if you’re interested in knowing which concerts are playing where, we’d recommend checking out the full schedule and lineup for these local, free concerts on their website.
Just as every year, this year’s Live & Local series guarantees a thrilling, welcoming, and electrifying time for people of all ages. Everyone is invited to enjoy the good vibes during these late summer nights.
“Whether you want to dance or just like to enjoy listening to music outdoors, there’s something special about these evenings,” Turner said. “These events are a true celebration of community, and we invite everyone to attend.”
Zain Alragheb is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at [email protected].
