WESTLOCK – It was the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, as hundreds gathered for Westlock’s first presentation of Music in the Park.
Residents and visitors gathered in backyards throughout the town and at the St. Mary School park for the Aug. 14 celebration of music, organized by the newly formed Town of Westlock Community Events Committee. The inaugural event held afternoon and evening performances.
“It was a huge success,” said Westlock’s community events committee director Tina Wold, noting the positive feedback and comments from attendees who enjoyed the fun afternoon event and, many who stated, “This is what the town needs”.
The inaugural Music in the Park, sponsored by the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Series (CATS) averaged about 80 people in each yard, with close to 200 people for the evening performances.
The event featured the songs and tunes of several local artists including Sweet Harmony Duo, True North Jazz — an eight-to-10-piece ensemble — Francis Kavanagh, and Lyle Moulton, with Ian O’Brien who rounded out the afternoon performances, while evening entertainment at the St. Mary School park included the Joe Ireland Band, led by Francis Kavanagh and local band Wiesinger.
The artists performed musical pieces that involved both vocal and instrumental numbers and featured a variety of genres including jazz, folk, pop, country and contemporary songs, among others. Wold said the performers were just as happy to be part of the event as those who listened to their music.
“I think it’s always a great learning experience to listen to a different genre of music,” she said.
Following a successful inaugural event, the committee will be meeting over the coming months to look at a possible return for the event next year, which is still to be confirmed. It would include some areas of improvement to make the event even better for residents, noted Wold, adding that if it does return, one area they will take into consideration is adequate travel time between venues and performances.
“There’s always tweaking to be done. We do know that we will give the audience time in between performances,” said Wold. “After every event people love talking to the entertainers, just to learn who they are and what kind of instrument they are playing. They love engaging with the entertainers.”
Next on tap for the Westlock Community Events Committee will be the Community Showcase at the Rotary Spirit Centre next month, which will feature local groups and organizations as well as registration opportunities for fall programs in Westlock.
