Simms Summer Concerts continue Sunday, July 19, with The Sharp Seven performing live jazz at Simms Millennium Park.
The Sharp Seven is a Vancouver Island jazz ensemble dedicated to presenting vibrant, accessible jazz performed by experienced local musicians. The group performs timeless jazz standards, swinging favourites, Latin grooves and imaginative new arrangements, creating a sound that is polished, relaxed and full of energy.
The band was originally formed from a shared love of jazz and a simple dream: vocalist Ralph Barrat’s wish to sing with a big band. With encouragement from Vancouver Island University Big Band Director Greg Bush, that vision became Ralph Barrat & The Sharp Seven, affectionately known as #7.
While the lineup has evolved over the years, The Sharp Seven continues to share the warmth, spontaneity and joy of live jazz with audiences across Vancouver Island. Now featuring vocalist Mel McCutcheon alongside Paul Nuez, Grahame Edwards, Michelle Draper, Jack Reynolds, Beau Stocker and Dave Lymburner, The Sharp Seven delivers an evening of timeless jazz, outstanding musicianship and plenty of groove.
The free concert begins at 7 p.m. at Simms Millennium Park, located by the 5th Street Bridge and across from Lewis Park. The concert will run until approximately 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music by the Courtenay River.
New this year, food trucks will be set up at 6 p.m. before select concerts. The Weenie Wagon and Phat Parrot will be on site for the July 19 concert, so come by early to grab your spot and have dinner by the river.
Upcoming Simms Summer Concerts performances include Shotgun Kelly on July 26, Blues Jam on August 9, Stealing Dan on August 16 and Time Well Wasted on August 23. There is no concert on August 2.
For more information, visit www.courtenay.ca/simms or call the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371.
About Simms Summer Concerts: Simms Summer Concerts is a free outdoor music series presented by the City of Courtenay during the summer months. The series features performances by local and visiting musicians in a family-friendly park setting. Sponsored by the Comox Valley Record and Jet 98.9 FM.