By Robert Hinz
The Port Union Summer Concert Series has wrapped up another successful year. With our ongoing mandate to provide entertainment for all ages at no cost to our community, we invited a trio of performers who have received much positive feedback from their concerts in previous years.
The series started off with an excellent performance by the Scarborough Concert Band. They played a diverse selection of orchestral pieces, from classical to Broadway and Hollywood show tunes, focusing a reasonable number of songs on Canadian composers in honour of our country’s 150th Anniversary. The second evening had the renowned Climax Jazz Band delivering a solid set of traditional Dixieland Jazz tunes as only they can. Among many fascinating tales of their 45+ year history, was one of particular interest where bass player Chris Daniels recounted the acquisition of his almost 100-year-old classic upright bass in London, England, by his father. This valuable and historic instrument was abandoned by its original owner.
The third and final evening was headlined by local pop/rock/reggae/funk band Port United whose very name was selected in honour of their home base. They had many in the audience up dancing and generated the high level of energy that we’ve come to expect of them from the many shows they’ve played for our community events over the past few years. A special shout out to Port United as they very generously offered to donate their performance fee to a local charitable cause that is involved with children’s musical programs. We are currently working with them to identify the recipient of their donation.
In spite of two of the three evenings having to move the concerts to the gym inside the Port Union Community Centre due to rain, we had record audiences on all evenings, and we look forward to another exciting Concert Series next year!
Many thanks to the volunteers who helped to plan and run the concerts, as well as our sponsors – West Rouge Community Association, CCRA, West Rouge Sports & Recreation, Port Union Seniors and the City of Toronto Parks & Recreation. Without the support of all of these groups, we would not be able to provide the community with these popular events, and we truly appreciate their ongoing involvement.