By Denise Bacon
Port Union Community Centre was a huge attraction on three Sunday evenings in July. The annual Summer Concert Series once again brought people together for two evenings of great music and one afternoon for kids and the young at heart.
A wonderful newcomer to this series and to our community was Alex Pangman and the Alleycats who had the audience toe tapping to swing music on July 9. Alex is a talented vocalist who overcame a double lung transplant and now fronts this fabulous jazz band. Everyone loved the music and the “new” band at this annual event.
James Funnyhat made his return to Port Union Community Centre on July 16 to entertain children through the afternoon with funny musical stories. The laughter and happy squeals of children filled the quadrangle outside the centre.
Port United Band, a perennial favourite in the community, rounded out the concert series on a beautiful evening on July 23. As always, the band had the audience dancing in every available space.
Planning behind the concert series
By Kathy Rowe
Planning for the concert series began in March. This year’s committee consisted of Robert Hinz, Louise Bonnycastle, Barbara Broadley, Leanne L., Jill MacMillan and myself.
We started by establishing which bands we would be hiring and which Sunday dates would work for the entertainers. Because this is a rain or shine event, the dates also had to be confirmed with the Port Union C.C. community recreation programmer.
Thanks to the generous annual financial support from the three community associations (CCRA, WRCA and WRSRA), we are able to compensate the entertainers for their performances. As the monthly meetings continue, dates and talent are confirmed and hired.
Committee members divide up the responsibilities for promotion, liaising with the musicians, scheduling volunteers (i.e. the Port Union Seniors) and the purchasing of food for each show.
The committee decides on food and drink items and prices a few weeks before the concerts take place. This year we added popcorn for the children’s show. On the date of each concert, committee members arrive early to help with set-up and food preparation.