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Langley concert series celebrates Canada 150 at new amphitheatre

Bevy of homegrown talents featured in free concert series this summer
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Free entertainment, fresh air, and an opportunity to support local talent will be in the spotlight as the Township of Langley celebrates our nation’s milestone birthday with a Canada 150 Summer Concert Series.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. every Thursday throughout July and August, at the new amphitheatre in Willoughby Community Park. The unique outdoor stage with tiered grass seating for 200 to 250 people is located in the 7700-block of 202A Street, next to the Langley Events Centre. It was officially opened with a free concert on Thursday, May 25.

The government of Canada supported this $260,000 amphitheatre construction project through a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program investment of $130,000. This program is part of the national celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

“Gathering places help communities share cultural experiences and showcase local talent,” said John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City. “That’s why the Government of Canada is proud to support the Township of Langley’s new amphitheatre. I wish everyone a good time at the Summer Concert Series and at the many performances that will take place here for years to come.”

To celebrate Canada 150 and the opening of the new amphitheatre, the Township is working with volunteer Peter Luongo, past organizer of Langley Has Talent, to present the Summer Concert Series.

“Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy free performances in a beautiful setting,” said Luongo, adding the series will feature something for everyone. “We chose an eclectic range of musical acts that are locally and regionally-based, all of which are family friendly and will suit a variety of musical tastes.”

“You don’t have to go far to find creative and talented people to put together a concert series,” added Peter Tulumello, the Township’s director of arts, culture and community initiatives. “We have booked everything from a musical comedy presentation to an alternative rock concert this summer at the amphitheatre.”

The Langley Ukulele Ensemble will be featured on July 6 and the Langley Community Chorus presents “Happy Birthd’eh Canada” on July 13.

On July 20, Aldergrove alternative rock band Her Brothers will take the stage. Featuring brothers Gabe, Josh, and Levi Penner, along with their dad Jonathon, Her Brothers was the only band to ever win the Langley Has Talent competitions.

Portraits of Us, a folk music duo from Chilliwack, made up of Jason and Anna Ratzlaff, will perform on July 27.

On August 3, a lively performance of western, Celtic, and traditional tunes will be presented by Langley Community Music School Faculty members, with Rachel Button on vocals, Andrea Taylor on violin, Ray Pullen on electric guitar, and Mike Michalkow on drums. They will be joined by the LCMS Fiddlers.

Tiller’s Folly, a Celtic roots band, will present “Stirring up Ghosts” on August 10.

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On August 17, two acts will take the stage: Emily Taylor Adams, a country-western singer, and Jackson Hollow, a four-piece bluegrass band. Featuring singer Tianna Lefebvre-Sanyshyn, fiddler Mike Sanyshyn, banjoist Dave Barber, and bassist Kirby Barber, Jackson Hollow is a four-piece bluegrass band, which recently won the B.C. Country Music Association Gaylord Wood Traditional Country Award.

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“Confessions of a Grocery Clerk,” a musical comedy written and directed by Lauren Trotzuk, who was born and raised in Langley and graduated from D.W. Poppy Secondary School, will be presented August 24.

A single spot in the Summer Concert Series remains open, and the Township has put out a call for performers. Groups and individuals interested in taking part can fill out an application form, available online at tol.ca/events.

“With a review of submissions, we hope to create an inventory of available talent to potentially feature in future concerts at the amphitheatre,” Tulumello said.

He noted that the amphitheatre is a parks amenity that can be booked and rented to community organizations who would like to host events there. For more information, contact parksadmin@tol.ca.

Tulumello thanked local businesses who are sponsoring the Canada150 Concert Series, including Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.

“Without their generous support, we wouldn’t be able to pull off this showcase of talent at the amphitheatre this year. We are grateful for their participation,” he said.

For more information on the Concert Series, contact Canada150@tol.ca.

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