Along with the hot weather comes another season celebrating local entertainment and visiting musical guests from near and far, and the first night of the Wells Gray Lively Arts Society (WGLAS) Summer Stage welcomed everyone to the Dutch Lake Community Centre field to hear the music of Aquarius on July 3.
“The first night of our Summer Stage season was magical!" said WGLAS treasurer and past president Shirley Frost. "If you were looking for soulful voices, beautiful harmonies and uplifting music, local singers and musicians of Aquarius delivered and the delivered some more!”
Frost reports that approximately 300 people came out to listen to Aquarius, a group that has come together to showcase “wonderful and meaningful songs” from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Later in the evening they were joined by the honour drummers and singers from the Indigenous non-profit society Eagles Nest Aboriginal Head Start program.
“We often have visiting musicians on Summer Stage," Frost added. "But this is a very special year as we are celebrating 10 years and we enjoyed having our local musical talent of Aquarius for our kickoff evening. They were just wonderful.”
When asked how the evening felt for her, Sita Rebizant, the organizer of Aquarius said, “It felt amazing. To see what these talented musicians and singers were able to accomplish in two short months was magical. It’s such a gift to share your vision with others and have them show up fully to help you achieve it. My heart is full, and we were having so much fun together. The audience appreciation was the icing on the cake!
“I would also love to say how grateful I am to the WGLAS for offering these events every summer. Without all the hard work behind the scenes we could never have done it.”
There were also 11 artisan vendor tables, which Frost reports is a record number, ranging from crocheted toys, treats, photos, activities for the kids and a few delightful wooden gnomes, with something for all ages.
The next act — on Thursday, July 10 — will be the band Soul Patch, is sponsored by Wadlegger Logging and Construction Ltd. and the District of Clearwater.
If you would like to be part of WGLAS, contact them on their Facebook page or by email at wellsgraylivelyarts@gmail.com.
