Live bands, a riverside breeze, lounging on blankets, and, on a couple of nights, the scent of sizzling eats and the buzz of a night market.
That’s what summer looks like in Trail.
Starting Thursday, June 26, and running through to Aug. 14, the Trail and District Arts Council is firing up another season of Kootenay Savings Music in the Park at beautiful Gyro Park, a local summer staple that blends top-tier entertainment with an unbeatable riverside backdrop.
This year’s series brings back the fan-favourite Night Markets, introduces two new special events, and continues the tradition of showcasing a rich mix of homegrown talent and touring artists, all with an eye on keeping it family-friendly, community-driven, and easy on the wallet.
“It is a pleasure and a challenge to program a lineup of fabulous local acts and touring groups every year,” says artistic director Nadine Tremblay.
“We are aiming to create a fun and affordable family night out for locals and visitors with music that will appeal to everyone.”
The opening night on June 26 sets the tone with a triple feature of local favourites: the Trail Maple Leaf Band and their classic concert band sound, the stirring pipes of the Trail Pipe Band, and the precision footwork of the B. McJones Highland Dancers.
On July 3, local five-piece Truckvancar brings their Alt. Soul-Reggae-Rock blend to the park, before Montreal’s Tina Leon headlines with a genre-bending mix of jazz, funk, soul, and pop, drawing deep from her Motown influences.
By July 10, things get theatrical with Rossland’s genre-hopping Stubbs and the, who perform multilingual originals and covers with style, followed by the wildly original Shuffle Demons, fusing jazz, funk, blues, and rap into an electric stage show.
“It’s rewarding to see all generations enjoying the music in the park together, while relaxing on their blankets or dancing to the bands,” Tremblay says.
“The whole experience is a summer staple around here.”
And for many, the Night Markets are the highlight of the season.
They return on July 17 and Aug. 14, running from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., complete with food trucks, craft vendors, a beer garden, and live music.
July 17’s triple bill starts with Twin Fiddles and Friends playing Old Time fiddle tunes.
Contemporary roots artist Mimi O’Bonsawin follows with her luminous melodies, and the night closes with Meredith Moon, whose folk stylings are matched by her mastery of unique instruments and storytelling.
July 24 brings something new: remarkABILITY Fest, a celebration of community inclusion created with Diverse Family Roots.
On stage, Rock Squad, a four-piece classic rock band born out of a Rock4Autism awareness event, takes the lead.
Rhythm by Nature will also host interactive drum workshops to get the crowd moving and making music together.
The lineup doesn’t slow down there.
July 31 features Australian folk sensation Kim Churchill, known for his breezy, beach-inspired sound, followed by Shooglenifty, a high-energy blend of Scottish traditional and modern groove.
Aug. 7 welcomes the Tenise Marie Trio, offering a distinctive fusion of Western and Eastern folk influences, and John Reischman and The Jaybirds, who bring a modern edge to Appalachian-rooted bluegrass.
On Friday, Aug. 8, things shift into party mode with the debut of Music in the Dark Beach Dance Party, a dusk-to-dark DJ showcase headlined by the dance-floor-ready Apollo Suns from Winnipeg.
It’s a $10, no-alcohol, all-ages (15+) event that promises to light up the night from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The season finale on Aug. 14 doubles as the last Night Market.
Bella Cat hits the stage first with her high-voltage mix of funk, R&B, blues and pop.
Closing things out are The Latin Lovers, a seven-piece powerhouse that turns the park into a dance floor with Spanish covers and audience-participation harmonies.
Admission to regular Thursday shows is by donation ($3 minimum suggested), while the Music in the Dark party has a $10 entrance fee.
For full access all summer, a $30 season pass is available online or at the park.
“Kootenay Savings Music in the Park is the perfect opportunity to bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic, hit the water park, get outside, and listen to live music from local favourites to touring talent with friends and family,” says Tremblay.
And yes, don’t forget the golden rule: “No Smoking, No Dogs, and especially No Smoking Dogs!”
To keep the events accessible and each the parking crunch, free shuttle service from the Trail Memorial Centre will be offered on the three busiest nights, July 17, July 24, and Aug. 14.
Rain in the forecast?
Check the Bailey Theatre’s Facebook page by 2 p.m. for potential venue changes.
Find more details on the full lineup at trail-arts.com.
