Fonthill bandshell concerts ‘the place to be on a Thursday night in the summer’
Not unlike what one sees well before the start time of a popular parade, the grounds surrounding the Fonthill bandshell start filling up with lawn chairs early on Thursdays during the summer.
That’s because music fans know that for nearly 20 years, come twilight good seating spots are difficult to find, as hundreds of people fill Peace Park to take in the sounds of the sunset Fonthill Bandshell Summer Concert Series.
Concert committee chair Gayle Baltjes-Chataway said the series, which is launching its 18th season June 20, attracts a wide range of people, both those who’ve been coming for years and those just finding out about the weekly event. Many who attend come not only for the music, but also for the weekly farmers and supper markets, which get underway at 4 p.m., followed by the concert at 7.
“We have people that are very proud of the fact that they haven’t missed a concert in 18 years, and then because there’s so many people new to Niagara, we have, forever, people discovering us,” she said. “It’s very much a community event, and a welcoming place. It’s very much the place to be on a Thursday night in the summer.”
The hard-working committee has a running list of nearly 280 performers on their list for consideration every year, and whittle that number down to a dozen. Baltjes-Chataway said a great deal of effort goes into creating a series to appeal to as many demographics and tastes as possible.
Opening the season is Montrealbased blues artist Dawn Tyler Watson, winner of the 2020 Juno Award for blues album of the year, as well as six Maple Blues awards. Other acts with original music include Alex Pangman, a Juno nominee for her vocal jazz stylings; and the seven-piece powerhouse, soulfilled roots rock band Bywater Call, who also count numerous Maple Blues awards nominations to their credit.
Tributes this year include Hungry Hearts Band tribute to Bruce Springsteen; and for the July 18 Summerfest offering Forever Young, a tribute to Rod Stewart.
There are also a couple of special, combo music nights — the ‘80s Neon Mix Tape and 22K Magic, a tribute to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars.
Baltjes-Chataway said the costs of putting together the series has risen greatly in recent years.
The committee has been able to count on support of its sponsors, as well as annual donors who contribute a one-time fee of $100 a season for which they get a “Bandshell Booster” button to display.
This gives them a pass at the end of the evening when volunteers come around with donation buckets.
Donations can be made by etransfer at any time to fonthillbandshelldonations@gmail.com.
All that’s asked of concertgoers, Baltjes-Chataway said, is for them to give what they can and what they think is fair — whether it’s $20, $10 or a couple of coins.
“We understand times are tough and if a toonie is all you can give us this week, we appreciate every dollar you give to allow us to keep doing this and provide live music to the community,” she said.
Free parking is available at various locations in town.
For detailed program information, visit: fonthillbandshell.com.