That’s quite a lineup for music in the park

The series kicks off tonight with Kenny “Blues Boss”Wayne in the headline slot

Bring your family and lawn chairs as Music in the Park returns Friday night for another summer of free concerts at the Annette Beaudreau Amphitheatre in Memorial Park beside the JohnsonBentley pool, offering a variety of music from country to funk.

The free Friday night outdoor concert series that runs in July and August has been gaining in popularity, attracting an average of 1,000 people per week and over 8,000 over the series. For many, it is their Friday night routine.

Performances start at 6:40 p.m. with an emerging artist, followed by a 45minute opening act with the headlining artist taking the stage for a 60-minute set at 8 p.m.

The program is becoming well-known to artists as well, said Karma Lacoff, executive and creative director of Creative Okanagan, who programs Music in the Park.

Last season, Creative Okanagan received 40 applications for Music in the Park.

This year there were over 100 applications, including 20 from the Lower Mainland, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“I went through every single one of them,” said Lacoff. “It took me a long time to give them all a serious listen.”

Lacoff strives to book 80 per cent or more of the bands from the local talent pool, working to create the best experience for the audience with as much variety as possible

The Okanagan is lucky to have a community of professional musicians who can be showcased during series like Music in the Park, said Lacoff.

The Westbank Opry will not be performing at Music in the Park this year.

“I really wanted them to play,” said Lacoff, noting the Opry had been scheduled to perform one Friday, but couldn’t make it.

Kicking things off tonight will be Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, one of three acts in this summer’s series that tours internationally.

Wayne grew up in New Orleans, but now calls the Okanagan home. He tours the United States, Europe and performs on blues cruises.

Wayne with his boogie-woogie piano will have a Àve-piece band of Okanagan players. Sherman “Tank” Doucette, who often performs with Wayne, is expected to play with him.

Opening for Wayne will be Black Cat Soul, a local blues, roots and soul band who have played Music in the Park previously in the headline spot.

The emerging artist will be Lucas Wentworth, part of the Wentworth family of musicians, who will be singing and playing his own music and covers on keyboard.

The goal with emerging artists, who are not ready for an opening slot yet, is to get them up on stage and exposed to a large audience, said Lacoff. Usually at the time they go on stage, there’s a minimum of 500 people in the crowd.

“It’s a good Àrst step for these emerging artists to get their name out there and get people to have a little taste of the best of what they can do,” said Lacoff, noting they usually play about three songs.

Ruth Cipes will be the performing indie pop and pop rock as the emerging artist July 13.

“She does a really lovely cover of a Ruth B song called Lost Boy”, said Lacoff.

Proper Man, a local band, will be the opening act playing high-energy music reminiscent of the 80s with a new wave meets punk sugar tunes.

The New Groovement, an 11-piece funk, soul, hip hop band out of Victoria takes the stage at 8 p.m.

“It’s primarily funk soul with a little bit of hip hop layered in on top,” said Lacoff. “The hip hop is really accessible. I love how it’s integrated into these other genres in a really nice fusion.”

Laura Close will perform as the emerging artist July 20. Close has played at Music in the Park as an emerging artist many times.

The local Blues Brothers tribute, the Soulmen Duo will be the opening act, followed by the Wheely Nawties.

Lacoff said she always likes to have a couple of really good cover bands and when she heard the country rock music of the Wheely Nawties, she had to book them.

“They’re musicianship is just amazing,” she said.

Roots and blues musician Sue Foley will headline July 27 with an extended set, taking the stage with a three-piece band.

Foley, a triple-threat as lead guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, recently released a new album, Ice Queen.

Originally from Ottawa, Foley has been living in Austin, Texas. She won a Juno in 2001 for Best Blues Album and holds the record for the most Maple Blues Awards.

Joshua Smith, who plays roots and folk, returns to Music in the Park to open for Foley.

Smith takes other people’s songs and does a completely different rendition.

“His original songs also sound like something that could have been pulled right out of your heart,” said Lacoff.

Emerging artist Shaeden Hawes will start the night off with his indie folk rock. Hawes did fairly well in the CBC Searchlight competition with his song, Montreal.

Food vendors will be at the park. West Kelowna Recreation will be at the park with kids’ games and activities.

On the web: westkelownacity.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/music-in-the-park.aspx