With everything going on south of the border, being proud to be Canadian and saying it aloud is music to most ears. Celebrate the country's 158th birthday in style at Duncan's Charles Hoey Memorial Park with some other great music to your ears in full 39 Days of July fashion.
"What a wonderful way to share a national holiday, in the park as a community enjoying great diverse entertainment," said organizer Longevity John Falkner.
This day of celebrating diversity, as well as one of education, and awareness will kick off at noon as Mbira Spirit gets the party started on the VITALS stage with their country music brimming with soulful glee and deep intercultural Zimbabwean roots. Next to the stage at 1 p.m., is local educator Kelly Roxanne Gervin who, when not inspiring in the classroom, does so through her songwriting and performing.
Get lost in the beauty of the culture and music of Cowichan Tribes' Tzinquaw Dancers at 2 p.m. The inter-generational dance troupe will perform traditional Quw'utsun dances and songs from the Cowichan Valley.
Keeping in step with the previous act, the Kathy White Dancers will get to show off some moves rooted in Scottish culture at 3 p.m. If you don't have a great red and white outfit to wear to the party, your next best move is to rock a Hawaiian shirt, and vibe with Tropic Mayhem who will rock the crowd at 4 p.m., with the sounds of summer.
Let there be cake. Celebrate the country's birthday on a high note at 4:20 p.m. with a slice of sweet goodness. The line will begin at the corner of the train station for a piece of one of the donated cakes from Superstore.
Once you've had your fill, treat yourself to a taste of the sounds of the valley-based band Offcutz at 5 p.m., who will will be serving up countrified folk covers sprinkled with some spunk, and finesse.
At 6 p.m., join Cowichan Valley based five-piece acoustic band Hill 60, as they keep the party going with their original tunes. Canada was built on those who migrated here just like the father of the McCandless Family Band who came over by boat from Ireland, and in true Canadian fashion ended up having a family that became a wonderful band of fine musicians. This talented troupe takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Walk the party over to City Square stage for 8:30 p.m., where the Beautiful Maladies will close the festivities as they present their memorable tribute to the music of the great Tom Waits.
"I hope those who attend never forget how much the arts and cultural sector is required, as well as desired to maintain a healthy community," said Falkner.
