By Kathy Rowe
Mark your calendars for the July Sunday Summer Concert Series on July 9, 16 and 23. CCRA, WRCA and WRSRA are pleased to bring musical entertainment to you this summer.
There will be a new act for our series this year and we are excited to bring it to the community. Juno award nominee singer Alex Pangman and the Alleycats will be performing swing music on Sunday, July 9 at 7 p.m. The Alleycats are the musicians who accompany her.
Swing music is a style of jazz that came from African American roots and the songs will be from the time known as the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s. This promises to be a very enjoyable concert.
Alex is a talented vocalist who has performed at nightclubs and concert venues across Canada. Over the years she has collaborated with many artists, including Jeff Healy and Ron Sexsmith.
Alex has a strong adoration for jazz and in particular swing style. Her love for songs of the 1930s and 1940s fuels her passion for performing and recording. In 2016 Alex’s album “New” received a Juno award nomination for Jazz Vocal Album of the year. She is also a radio broadcaster on JAZZ.FM91 and on her Saturday night program Swing Set she shares songs and stories of the Swing Era.
Alex inherited cystic fibrosis and in 2008 she had a double lung transplant. In the summer of 2013 she began to experience organ rejection and underwent a second double lung transplant. By the spring of 2014 she was recording music again! Hers is a heartfelt story. Understandably, Alex is a huge advocate for organ donation. She stated, “Medicine keeps me alive, and I’ve had amazing surgeons and nurses and great family support; but, the only reason why I’m still here is because two different people chose to be donors.” Thanks to medical science we are thrilled to be able to hear Alex perform for our community on July 9.
Back by popular demand, James Funnyhat will be performing two matinee performances (3:30-4 p.m. and 4:20-4:50 p.m.) on Sunday, July 16 for children. Last year he delighted children and parents alike with his musical stories and interactive performances. We are thrilled that James will be back this year.
On Sunday, July 23 at 7 p.m. our treasured local pop/rock and reggae cover band Port United will be performing. If you have ever been out to the community events through the year, you will have seen this band perform. Port United will get you up dancing and singing along with their popular tunes. We are excited to have Port United back once again to close off the series.
As you can see, we have something for everyone once again this year. The shows are free and will be performed outdoors, weather permitting, behind the Port Union Community Centre. In the event of rain, shows will be held inside.
Refreshments will be served at a nominal cost and all shows will have a brief intermission. Don’t forget your refillable water bottle. Bring a blanket or your favourite lawn chair. Chairs will also be supplied by the recreation centre.
Many thanks to the area community associations, the Port Union Seniors and the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation division for bringing this concert series to the community.