Merritt is most definitely coming alive with the sound of music, as Music in the City launches this Thursday evening in Spirit Square.
Now in its second season, the summer music series will feature a variety of genres including both local artists and B.C. musicians, said coordinator Robyn Grebliunas who promises something for everyone.
“We’ll have youth performers, retired performers and everything in between,” she said, adding that some of the favourites from last year’s season will be making another appearance.
The 2010 season of Music in the City ran for nine weeks drawing crowds as large as 150 people and organizers are hoping to build on that success.
Thursday’s show, which starts at 6 p.m. will feature local talent as well as a Zumba dance performance that guests are welcome to participate in.
“It’s free and it’s a great summer evening event for the family,” said Grebliunas. “Come down, sit in a lawn chair, enjoy the sunshine and the music and take advantage of a free marketing opportunity.”
In addition to expanding the music series to a 12-week program that will run from June 16 to Sept. 1, Grebliunas says this year they will be incorporating other family activities as well as a community market place.
“We really welcome participation from local vendors,” she said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for sports groups to do registrations or ticket sales and for people to sell food, drinks, arts and crafts – really anything goes.”
Participation in the market place will be free and businesses are welcome to set up for the two hours every week, explained Grebliunas adding that businesses can also participate by making donations, as there is still a need to fund the 12-week program, which is supported largely by funding from the City of Merritt and the Merritt Rotary Club (noon hour).
“The City of Merritt has really embraced this project and rotary has also been a key part in launching it, but it will take the community to continue building it.”
Just like last year, two weeks this season will take place at Rotary Park instead of Spirit Square due to funding provided by Rotary.
Grebliunas is excited for the summer series as well as the other initiatives like Music in the Park and SaySo that continue to brand Merritt as the Country Music Capital of Canada.
“It’s not just about country music, but about expanding our thinking to include all genres of music. I like to think it’s about keeping the music alive.”
“Recent visitors to the city were so impressed that there is music everywhere.”
