Local musicians have been performing at the concerts held in the Island Park for many weeks this summer and the show yesterday attracted crowds for the barbeque and concert.
Chairperson of the Portage Culture and Heritage Committee, Landeyn Aymont, says that the previous concerts that he has been involved with have been a success. Everyone has a great time and there are many talented entertainers.
The MMF Portage Local Culture & Heritage Committee organized the barbeque part of the event. Aymont notes it is great to be promoting local artists as well as supporting causes in the community.
“We fund some local concerts that are free for the public like the Kelly Human Memorial Tribute concert and the Louis Real Day Festival. As well as opportunities like stepping and fiddle lessons for youth, and some adults too.”
One of the event organizers and performers, Paul Shepherd, comments it is a great success to be able to keep the tradition going of the concerts in the park. There is a lot of preparation that goes into setting up the event and getting the artists lined up, but he says the food and music make it all worth it for everyone involved.
“It means everything to bring people together, it's maybe neighbours or friends you haven't seen for a while, and everybody gets out to enjoy the barbeque. Music just seems to let people have a good time and that’s what this is all about.”
Nelson Little and Troy Flamand performed at last night’s concert. Little notes this was his first time being one of the entertainers at a concert in the park. He adds it has allowed him to work with some artists involved with the concerts that he was excited about.
Organizers of the event were thrilled to have the musicians there to perform in Portage. Little is going to be sticking around in Portage as he is also entertaining at the Potato Festival coming up this weekend.
“It's just great to be here. We go out to play a lot, but it's always nice to play around home and bring the band here. I also have some work for the NACC coming up, the Potato Fest, and a couple of private events.”
Flamand was happy to perform in Portage as he has also had a busy summer of music as a guitar player. He mentions that he will be filling in for Doc Walker at one of their upcoming performances, and he is also taking the stage with Quinton Blair for the next couple of days at various events.
There is another concert in the park happening on August 22nd which they have lined up Johnny Dietrich & Kickin' Up Dust, as well as some other local artists.
