The sweet sounds of sultry jazz combined with the bold brash sounds of the big band will be emanating from the scenic Port Haney Wharf on July 24.
The Bruce James Orchestra is the second concert in the Music on the Wharf series, a free event put on by the Maple Ridge Historical Society.
It was kicked off by The Kwerks on July 10.
The 19-piece orchestra was formed in 1999 by band leader Bruce Flello and is comprised of talent from across the Lower Mainland.
The band plays music from the 1920’s to the present day.
The concerts take place twice in July and twice in August on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m., except for the last Monday in August when the concert will take place at 7 p.m., and will feature local and regional bands.
Different musical styles will be featured at each concert including jazz, blues, bluegrass, brass band, rock and country western.
The Palomars, a rockabilly and hillbilly swing combo will be performing on Aug. 14.
The Vancouver-based band was formed in 2011 by lead singer and steel guitarist Tom Hammel and upright bassist Ken Wilson, whose passion was for the 1940s and 50s music and cultural style. They have strong ties to many local swing-dance groups.
Their signature sound is the twin harmony lines played on a steel and electric guitar.
Copies of their CD Out Of The Past has been downloaded by fans across North America, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland and their songs have been aired on radio in Spain.
The Kailyarders is the final band in the series on Aug. 28.
A Celtic band from the Greater Vancouver Area, they play original songs by lead singer and guitarist Collin Wade, plus covers of Great Big Sea, the Pogues, Navigators, Gaelic Storm and Spirit of the West.
Formed in 2014, they have played repeatedly for The B.C. Highland Games and at Celtic Fest 2017 and at the Surrey Fringe Festival.
The band concentrates on strong songs, harmonies, humour and celtic authenticity.
Music on the Wharf started in 1997 when a local band offered to play a one-time concert at the wharf.
Since then is has become one of the Maple Ridge Historical Society’s most popular annual events.
No seating is provided at the Port Haney Wharf so bring a lawn chair.
Refreshments will be available.
The concert will be cancelled if it rains and the decision will be made by noon the day of the concert.
Call 604-463-5311 for more information.
