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Summer Sundays music series returns to Port Moody this weekend

After two years of signing up acts for Summer Sundays and then cancelling contracts due to the COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, George Balzer is ready to roll out his shows.
Janis Cleugh
PowderBlues
Tom Lanvin and the Legendary Powder Blues plays Port Moody on Aug. 7, 2022, as part of the Summer Sundays series.

After two years of signing up acts for Summer Sundays and then cancelling contracts due to the COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, George Balzer is ready to roll out his shows.

And, apparently, the Port Moody resident has a lot of fans waiting to enjoy the music.

The organizer of the 14th annual concert series at Rocky Point Park said demand has been strong, with people eager to know when the free entertainment will be back.

"There have been a lot of emails and social media requests," Balzer told the Tri-City News, "People want to get out more than ever before."

The 2022 lineup is one of his best, featuring two JUNO award winners and tribute bands:

  • July 10 at 2 p.m. = Gabriel Mark Hasselbach
  • July 10 at 3 p.m. = Incognito with Nadine States
  • July 24 at 2 p.m. = Laurie Morvan Band
  • July 31 at 2 p.m. = Matlin Starsley Band
  • July 31 at 3:45 p.m. = Big City Soul
  • Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. = Tom Lavin and The Legendary Powder Blues
  • Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. = West Coast Chicago
  • Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. = American Woman
  • Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. = Kalimba - The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire
  • Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. = The Legendary R&B Allstars

In addition, Balzer programmed the three days of music for RibFest, a Port Moody Rotary event that also returns to Rocky Point Park after the pandemic hiatus July 15, 16 and 17.

But while there’s no charge to see Summer Sundays, donations are accepted for the Crossroads Hospice Society. Since 2006, attendees have contributed more than $40,000.

Still, Balzer isn’t alone in his fundraising: Fellow Rotarian Danne Dunlop also helps with organization and Clayton Anderson runs the parking, while Balzer’s wife, Linda, takes the donations and sells tickets to the Christmas concert: this year, it’s Eagle Eyes for Dec. 10.

Balzer advises guests bring lawn chairs and blankets, as well as snacks and drinks (or purchase food at nearby eateries) as there is no liquor licence or food trucks on site.

As for the cost to put on the Summer Sundays series, Balzer said it’s all paid for by sponsors and "some are stepping up more than ever before to make this a special year."

The Tri-City News is a sponsor of the Summer Sundays series.