It takes a bit of creativity to engineer a new summer event series into an annual city success so Concerts in the Park organizers did their homework.
To put on a free series with a small budget, the host group Richmond City Centre Community Association (RCCCA) looked to book up-and-comers and local favourites. And, with the idea to schedule a Taiko drumming presentation and group lesson, they hit gold.
The Japanese performing art is swiftly becoming a trend in Richmond. The series held their Taiko drumming event on July 27, an idea posed by a member who also doubles as a Taiko teacher.
Taiko drumming has actually boomed in Richmond in the last little while, said Tara Cook, recreation leader for the RCCCA.
Other nights in the series, held at Garden City Park, have been constructed to represent different facets of Richmond culture. One evening, La La La with Miss Lori and Family provided childrens entertainment, which included puppets and music. Lori, a popular local teacher, drew a crowd out amid the rain. Event organizers, impressed, quickly worked to collect and provide yellow ponchos and umbrellas to the eager attendees.
Acoustic musicians have also been among the performers, catering to families looking for all-ages entertainment. Parents are invited to pack a picnic and some blankets to relax while their kids play in the park and receive face painting.
Throughout the summer, the public response to the series has been so great that the RCCCA extended it an extra two weeks, now concluding on Aug. 31.
Were hoping to make this an annual event, and every year make it bigger and bigger, said Matt Pitcairn, a board member with the RCCCA. Weve been getting a great response from the community so far. It seems like a real melting pot type of event.
This Wednesday, the Purple Pirate is providing the featured performance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Garden City Park. The Purple Pirate will be taking children on an interactive treasure hunt, incorporating music, magic and juggling into the show.