It’s back to business as normal for live performances this summer at Evergreen Cultural Centre (ECC).
Building off their 25th anniversary season that operated under evolving public health guidelines during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Evergreen in Coquitlam is launching into the upcoming summer season with several events with something for everyone to enjoy.
Firstly, the always popular Music on the Grill summer series makes a triumphant return.
“It’s a series of three shows featuring some marvelous, local performers preceded by a wonderful, professionally catered dinner,” says Jessica Fowlis, marketing manager for Evergreen Cultural Centre. “Our guests arrive around 6:30 p.m. and have dinner out on our beautiful portico by the lake, followed by a concert.”
The performance lineup starts on July 9 with Tonye Aganaba, well known for their soulful vocal performances and accomplished backup artists.
“They played at the Coquitlam Summer Concert Series a couple of years ago to rave reviews,” Fowlis says.
The second show is on July 23, when Melanie Dekker and The Barnstormer Band take the stage.
“Melanie will start the evening with a few solo songs that build into an acoustic trio and ultimately becomes the Barnstomer band, a five-piece, 1920s-inspired swing band,” Fowlis explains.
The final show features Nick La Riviere and the Best Laid Plans on August 13.
“Nick is easily recognized as part of The Paperboys, who are well known for their swinging, brass band style,” Fowlis says.
Also on tap this summer will be The Comic Strippers in August, who will present their entertaining improv comedy show.
“These shows will feature many of B.C.’s well-known improv artists on August 26 and 27,” Fowlis says.
In May, ECC will be launching its 2022-23 season and early bird theatre subscriptions.
“We are so excited to get back to our mission of bringing professional artists to our community and being an accessible gathering space,” Fowlis says. “It’s lovely to be back to where we were before and re-connect with people.”
“We did have to close in 2020 and cancel that planned season but were one of the first art centres in B.C. to return to live events during the pandemic,” Fowlis continues.
The Art Gallery at Evergreen opened to visitors first, and a speakeasy series offered live performances in a small, intimate, cabaret-styled setting in the theatre.
“And this year, we went to half capacity in January and slowly adjusted to rapid changes to mask and proof of vaccination mandates before returning to full capacity,” Fowlis explains.
For more information for what’s in store at Evergreen Cultural Centre, visit their website at evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
