Niagara Parks and Polaris Music Prize combine for new concert series
The Niagara Parks Commission has teamed with the Polaris Music Prize for a new weekly music series this summer.
The series will feature a diverse lineup of Canadian performers all recognized by Polaris in the past. Established in 2006, the music prize awards $50,000 to the best full-length Canadian album, as determined by a jury of Canadian journalists, broadcasters and bloggers.
Previous winners include Arcade Fire, Feist and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Controversial Columbian-born singer Lido Pimienta won last year’s prize.
The free series starts with multiple nominee Basia Bulat June 30 and The Darcys July 1 on the Niagara Stage, located in Queen Victoria Place at the foot of Murray Hill. Shows continue every Saturday to Sept. 1.
David Adames, chief operating officer for the Niagara Parks Commission, says the series stemmed from last year’s Ontario Live Concert Series. Polaris was approached for a new series, and responded with a list of Canadian acts to keep the music going.
“It’s wonderful to have this calibre of talent,” he says. “And for the talent, they’re very appreciative of playing at Niagara Falls and at Niagara Parks. It’s a great venue.”
He hopes to see the series continue next year.
“We see music as a key cultural activation for Niagara Parks.” The mostly complete lineup: June 30 — Basia Bulat
July 1- The Darcys
July 7 — Weaves
July 14 — Philippe B
July 21 — Nap Eyes
Aug. 4 — Antoine Corriveau Aug. 11 — Jessy Lanza
Aug. 18 — To be announced Aug 25 — Tanika Charles
Sept. 1 — Fiver
All shows begin at 8 p.m. and are followed by fireworks.