There’s something about live music under open skies that makes summer in Portage la Prairie extra special, and organizers behind Concerts in the Park are making sure that tradition continues.
Luanne Anderson is one of four core organizers behind the free event series, which takes place every second Thursday evening at the Ukrainian Connection Bandstand in Island Park.
“Concerts in the Park existed before COVID, with different people organizing it,” notes Anderson. “Then after COVID, so many people said they missed the music. The first summer after COVID, we did one show only to just get back into setting everything up. Last year was our first full season. This will be our second season.”
Music, food and family-friendly vibes
Each show runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with food vendors on site starting at 5.
Food options vary from week to week, including local favourites like No Ordinary Dog, Got to Have That Lemonade, and others hosted by groups like Portage ARC and the Portage Friendship Centre.
“We of course encourage if anyone hasn’t been before, to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and just come and enjoy the evening,” says Anderson. “It’s a beautiful setting. If anyone hasn’t been to it, it’s a really great setting to hear music.”
Turnout often ranges from 250 to over 400 people per show and Anderson says the layout of the bandstand area helps everyone feel welcome.
“There are people who perhaps come in wheelchairs. They still have good sight lines, but they don’t have to feel like they’re right in the centre and too congested for mobility,” she adds.
This year's lineup
From rising stars to seasoned local favourites, this summer’s lineup includes a mix of genres and performers from across Manitoba:
Thursday, July 10
- Wes Parisien
- Jimmy Sharpe
- Northern Reflections
Thursday, July 24 (Ladies Night)
- Jo-Hannah Atchison
- Emma Peterson
- Melissa St. Goddard
Thursday, August 7
- Paul Shepherd
- The Janzen Boys
Thursday, August 21
- Archer Company
- Will Benn & TJ Murdock
- Johnny Dietrich & Kickin’ Up Dust
Thanks to support of local sponsors, admission to the entire series is free.
“We have a whole mass of different people who come out,” remarks Anderson. “Group homes, citizens in Portage. There’s just a great group of people that come out to hear the music and they tell us they love it. That’s why we do it.”
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