PORT COLBORNE ADDS COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES TO SUMMER PLANS

Port Colborne will be a hot spot for live music this summer.

City staff, along with members of the Main Street BIA and Downtown Port Colborne BIA, gathered at Lock 8 Gateway Park on Thursday (June 1) to announce this year's list of events and festivals lineup. The entertainment includes the new outdoor Community Concert Series, free for residents and visitors alike, in addition to Canada Day and Canal Days celebrations.

"Today, we're announcing a new summer community concert series that will feature a fantastic lineup of artists, including Freedom Train, The Dreamboats, Grace2 Tragically Hip tribute, Mystic Highway and many more," Mayor Bill

Steele said, and added that he is really looking forward to the upcoming shows.

"I love outdoor concerts, and it's even better when they are free right here in Port Colborne."

The Community Concert Series exists thanks to a partnership between Port Colborne's Main Street BIA and Downtown Port Colborne BIA.

Jesse Boles, chairperson of the Downtown Port Colborne BIA, said he is thrilled about the partnership to bring unique concert experiences to the community.

"Nothing quite says summer like outdoor entertainment and festivals," he said.

The first Community Concert will kick off the inaugural Day in the Park event hosted by the Main Street BIA on June 10 at Lock 8 Gateway Park. The event runs from noon to 4

p.m.

The Walter James Duo will take the stage at 12:30 p.m., and Freedom Train will follow at 2:15 p.m.

"We're excited. This is our first Day in the Park," said Kate Ostryhon-Lumsden,

a member of the Main Street BIA.

"This free, familyfriendly kickoff to summer is the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon."

The concert series will continue June 17, with the

Repeatles performing at H.H. Knoll Park starting at 6 p.m., followed by the Dreamboats at 7:30 p.m.

During Canada Day celebrations, XPrime will hit the stage on West Street at 6:30 p.m., followed by

Grace2: Tragically Hip Tribute at 8:30 p.m. on July 1.

Starting at 1 p.m., Avenue Inn will perform at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, followed by Mystic Highway: Tribute to CCR and John Fogerty at 4:30 p.m. on July 15.

Mackenzie Leigh Meyer and MY LIFE Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel will perform at King George Memorial Park during the Downtown Port Colborne BIA's Harvest Fest on Sept. 22.

The city's museum and culture department is also partnering with the Friends of Roselawn Centre to host a summer concert series.

Three concerts will be held at Roselawn Centre lawn from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Nu-Tones will perform on June 25; Second Hand News on July 16, and the Toronto All-Star Big Band on Aug. 27.