The free Simms Park summer concert series continues with two talented youth ensembles playing jazz, funk and more on Sunday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
The Rumblejam Grooves are a six-piece touring jazz combo of young musicians. Led by William Ilag, they play a variety of jazz, swing, funk, and blues-style tunes.
The Rumblejam Grooves share a love of jazz and have become a popular group in the Vancouver Island youth music scene. The group consists of Brett Sinclair (saxophone), Vinny Pierini (trumpet/vocals), Cole Weber (trombone), Simon Craig (keys), Ronan TerMarsch (upright/electric bass) and William Ilag (drums/vocals).
The River City Sidemen is an ensemble of high school students from Quadra Island, Campbell River and Courtenay. Jake Elias (saxophone and EWI), Willum Ashurst (keyboard and drums), AJ Lontayao (drums and guitar), and Athanasios Wees (upright bass and fretless bass guitar) share a love of jazz fusion and funk. They had the opportunity to play at the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival as the ‘2023 Discovery Band.’
Simms Millennium Park is located by the 5th Street Bridge and across from Lewis Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the concert. Other featured Simms Park performances on Sundays at 7 p.m. include TBA on June 23, Blues Night with Thor Jonsson Band on July 7, Duo of Duos: Saskia Delaronde/Nathan Tinkham and Bruce/Judy Wing on July 21, TBA on July 28, the Valley Cats on August 11, TBA on August 18 and the final concert is TBA on August 25.
A food bank drive will also be included in the Aug. 25 concert. For concert information please call the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371 or get updated information at courtenay.ca/simms.