n incredible month of July here in
Stony Plain. The weather has been perfectly warm, even hot all month long. After a good start in June with Craig Cardiff and Joey Landreth, both had windy, blustery days and about 100 in the crowd, Summer Sessions broke the attendance record.
July 5th saw former Stony Plain resident Lexi Strate return and put on a solid performance. Now based in southern Alberta, Strate took the stage at Shikaoi Park to an enthusiastic crowd of 260, an attendance record. Some were friends and some were family. The majority however were Summer Sessions regulars who enjoy a day in the Park. Strate won the 2016 WCMA Pop Album of the Year and her show made it clear the award is deserved.
With July 12th, the women and the attendance continued to reign. Former Vancouverite turned Albertan, Ann Vriend, brought her keyboards, a first for Summer Sessions, told stories and sang songs. Her latest album, For The People In The Mean Time, has garnered her some award nominations and rave reviews across the country and in Shikaoi Park. Vfriend also played her tune Anybody's Different and let eveyone know there was soon to be a video out for it.
Why mess with a good formula. The Ladies from Edmonton are bringing out the people. This week, July 19th sees another keyboardist, Lucette. The difference here is she brought the whole band. Conner, Lucas and Daniel joined Lucette for an hour long set that saw led guitarist and co writer Lucas take a spin on the mic. One of the highlights of the night was an out of this world cover of Stand By Your Man. Lucette is one of the twelve finalists in Project Wild.
Closing out July on the 26th, the International Man of Mystery, Matt Blais. Calgary based, but self admittedly a man of the world, Blais brought 235 to the Park. The rock/folk style artist played a mix of covers and originals, even taking a run at Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again, a song he dedicated to his band who were not in attendance. This was a definite show, a performance that kept his introduction to a limit so that the stories could be woven into the music.
Coming up in August at Summer Sessions in Stony; August 2nd sees local favorites the Soap Box Duo followed by the series finale with Canadian Country Music Award winner, Adam Gregory. Large crowds are expected, show is at 7pm rain or shine in Shikaoi Park, Stony Plain, Alberta. Bring you blanket or chair, arrive early and get a burger and some popcorn from the Youth Center concession... See you then!!
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Enjoy local artists playing for free at Shikaoi Park, Stony Plain!
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Summer Sessions In Stony (Plain) Part 2
- Jazz Matthews