A celebration is being held in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Maple Ridge bandstand in Memorial Peace Park.
Festivities are being hosted by the Maple Ridge Concert Band, who will be holding a free concert and, under the direction of Dr. John van Deursen, performing selections from its 2023-34 season, in addition to audience favourites from past summer concerts – including marches, light classical music, and pop music hits.
After the concert, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, cake will be served.
The bandstand, which now sits in the middle of Memorial Peace Park, in the centre of downtown Maple Ridge was built in 1994, after band members raised the funds to build the structure, which they donated to the city. Designed by band member, trombonist Tom Walker, the bandstand has been used by many performing artists over the years. It was moved to its present location at the centre of the park when the whole park was re-designed and renovated.
The atmosphere on Tuesdays in Memorial Peace Park will be getting even livelier as July approaches. Starting on July 2, the band's free Twilight Tuesday concerts at the bandstand will begin at 7:30 p.m. and they will continue throughout the month with the final concert taking place on July 30.
The Maple Ridge Intermediate Concert Band, under the direction of Geeta Das, will be performing a special concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, in honour of the informal end to their season. They will be revisiting their most recent fall and spring concert repertoire.
Members of all ages, levels, and musical backgrounds make up the Maple Ridge Intermediate Concert Band, who play in a fun, supportive musical environment. New members are always welcome.
The Maple Ridge Concert Band also offers an All Beginner Concert Band, called ABC, which is open to everyone, with no musical experience necessary, who would like to learn a concert band instrument. The goal of the band is to introduce new musicians to all things related to their specific instrument of choice as well as all the skills necessary to continue growing into well-seasoned musicians. A free information/demonstration session will take place on Tuesday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m., at Westview Secondary School, in Maple Ridge.
Also, don't miss the concert band on the main stage during Canada Day festivities downtown on July 1st.
For more information on all three levels of the Maple Ridge Concert Bands, go to: www.mrcb.ca.
