Concerts on the Canal kick off Friday

Ten shows are scheduled with headlining acts

A diverse lineup of artists is on the bill for this summer’s Concerts on the Canal series.

Hosted by the Downtown Welland BIA, there are 10 shows scheduled with headlining tribute acts like Desire (U2 tribute), Destroyer (KISS tribute), the Practically Hip (Tragically Hip tribute) and more.

Most shows go Friday nights, with a 7 p.m. start time. The first performer of the season to play the floating stage at Merritt Park Friday will be headliner Steve Strongman with Jesse Crawford getting things started.

Admission to each concert is free.

A Taylor Swift tribute show is also part of the program, with a matinee taking place July 14 at 2 p.m.

Part of the International Canoe Federation World Polo Championships, Honeymoon Suite, a popular Canadian band in the 1980s with roots in Niagara, will perform on Monday, July 30.

Amanda MacDonald, executive director of the Downtown Welland BIA, said each concert will draw people from other parts of Niagara, along with many tourists who are in the area at the time.

“We’re looking at anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 people a night,” said MacDonald. “I think we’ll see more than just Wellanders at these events.”

The uniqueness of the stage on the canal, coupled with food and drink vendors, should serve as a great substitute for the former supper market that used to be held on Merritt Island midweek, said MacDonald.

“This is a real go-to event during the week,” she said.

Other original bands playing include Turbo Street Funk on Aug. 17 and My Son the Hurricane on Aug. 24.

Pink Floyd Niagara and a Garth Brooks tribute are also on the schedule.

Concerts on the Canal Lineup

Friday, June 22

Steve Strongman; Jesse Crawford opening act

Sunday, July 1

Pink Floyd Niagara (Pink Floyd Tribute)

Friday, July 6

Fresh Horses (Garth Brooks Tribute); Cory Cruise opening act

Friday, July 13

Desire (U2 Tribute); Cory Cruise opening

Saturday, July 14

Taylor Made (Taylor Swift Tribute), Start time 2 p.m. Friday, July 20

Practically Hip (Tragically Hip Tribute); Jeff Beadle opening Monday, July 30

Honeymoon Suite (ICF Canoe Polo World Championship Opening Ceremonies)

Friday, Aug. 10

Destroyer (KISS Tribute); Ruckus opening

Friday, Aug. 17

Turbo Street Funk; Andrew George opening

Friday, Aug. 24

My Son The Hurricane; Strange Shakes opening