For the third summer in a row, area audiences will be treated to free music in the park on Sunday evenings thanks to the Rotary Club of Midland.
This year’s concerts get underway June 15 with Shawn Mei and the Academy of Funk, and wrap up Aug. 31 with an extended evening of music featuring Passport, Karla Crawford and Mark Stewart.
The season’s lineup includes a variety of performers to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes.
Midland Rotary Club member and concert organizer Mike Proulx said the concerts have proved popular, attracting up to 600 people per evening.
“We’ve had excellent response,” he said.
As the organizer, as well as a member of the group Passport, Proulx has seen the view from both sides of the stage and loves the picture.
“From the stage perspective, we see people gradually coming in with lawn chairs and blankets, some people with grandkids and kids, people biking along the path who stop and pull up a piece of turf, or driving through the park and stop. It’s a real nice feeling.”
When he comes to enjoy the free concerts, Proulx said, “I look around and see people from all walks of life, lawyers, street people, factory workers. It’s for everybody and it’s free.”
Music is near and dear to Proulx heart. He’s been playing for more years than he cares to remember, since he was four. “Music puts a smile on your face. Being able to play music is a gift.”
And he thoroughly enjoys sharing his gift with others.
He said the bandshell is a great place to be Sunday evenings.
“Concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m. in June and July, and 6 to 8 p.m. in August because it gets darker earlier and we are concerned about people exiting in the dark.”
The Rotary bandshell was built to commemorate the Rotary Club’s centennial anniversary and Proulx said the free concerts are just another way for the club to give back to the community and say thanks to everyone for supporting the annual Rotary auction and food drive. Although it’s been suggested they take up a collection at the concerts, Proulx said they don’t want to do that.
With the support of local businesses and the Rotary Club, they are able to pay the performers to help ensure a quality evening of entertainment.
Proulx said the club wouldn’t be able to do it without the generosity of the concert series sponsors.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support including the Rotary Club of Midland (main sponsor), Huronia Alarm and Fire Security Inc., Huronia Communities Foundation, Mink Insurance, MTN Communication Systems, North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, Service Master, and Tripp’s Paint and Living Lighting.”
The Rotary bandshell is located at the east end of Little Lake Park, just down the hill from the Huronia Museum. There is plenty of free parking in the nearby North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre parking lot.
“We guarantee good weather,” Proulx joked. “Last year, we had one evening we were rained out partially through the evening and the first year we had one rainy Sunday. We promise good weather.”
Signs at each end of Little Lake Park Road alert audiences to the evening performances.
This year’s Music in the Park lineup is: Shawn Mei, and the Academy of Funk on June 15; Midland Secondary School Band on June 22; Alliance Church Group on June 29; Steve Hanmore on July 6; Orillia Silver Band on July 13; Passport on July 20; Karla Crawford on July 27; Mark Stewart on Aug. 3; Vicious Circle on Aug. 10; Passport on Aug. 17; and Stormfront on Aug. 24.
The season wraps up with an extended concert set for Aug. 31 with Passport playing 2 until 4 p.m., Karla Crawford on stage from 4 to 6 p.m. and Mark Stewart performing from 6 to 8 p.m.
