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Music in the Park returns Thursday

Thursday at 7pm in Gyro Park the Trail Pipe Band and Kate E. Shaw dancers will open the Kootenay Savings Music in the Park series.

Time to pull out a lawn chair and welcome the sweet sounds of music in the park.

Thursday night at 7 p.m. with true Scottish tradition, the Trail Pipe Band and Kate E. Shaw dancers will open the Kootenay Savings Music in the Park series.

Music and dance enthusiasts take note, because the 2013 concert roster promises something for everyone.

Throughout the summer, well-known local talents and out-of-towners will engage the audience with a variety of musical genres ranging from resonating bag pipes and big-band sounds to fiddling and smooth jazz.

On June 20, the Trail Maple Leaf Band, under the direction of Joe Fuoco, will perform a series of numbers, including show tune medleys and marching band standards.

Nearing its 100-year anniversary the band is still going strong and includes members from a 40km radius, with ages ranging from the teens to 92.

Next in line on June 27, is the Harmaniacs and Alpine Rox playing folk tunes both old and new.

That night, a little something special has added to the performance.

“The children’s harmonica ensemble will be the intro act,” said Ray Masleck, president of the Trail District Arts Council.

“I haven’t seen them yet, but reports are they are quite talented and charming.”

Own your western spirit for July as performances include Western Reunion, strumming old-time cowboy tunes on the 4th; and simple songs from the 1920’s by the Two-Bit Jug Band scheduled for the 11.

The concert series is held every Thursday night in the enchanting surroundings of Trail’s Gyro Park until Aug. 29,except for a Tuesday night performance on July 16.

“The Kootenay Fiddle workshop on July 16 is an annual event and one of the highlights of the season,” explained  Masleck.

Eight to 10 performers and instructors from across Canada show up with guitars, and fiddles in hand.

That night, the compelling music will be accompanied by artists dancing up a storm Cape-Breton style, with a traditional low-to-the-floor and intricate style of step-dance.

Additional acts include Tangerine Swing, an easy jazz quintet on July 18; and the melodic and the passionate alternative pop of “Picture the Ocean” on the 25.

August will be ushered in with the smooth sounds of the Clinton Swanson Quintet, a group of Nelson musicians which includes accomplished Trail drummer Tony Ferraro.

Admission is by donation at the gazebo in Gyro Park. For a complete listing of performances and information, visit trail-arts.com.



Sheri Regnier

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