Drivers, stay away from 12th Street this Sunday – unless you want to go to one of the Royal City’s biggest summer parties.
The annual 12th Street Music Festival is back this summer, taking over the route between Sixth and 10th avenues with live music, dancing and barbecued food. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4p.m. and is being put on by Save-On-Foods.
“We are thrilled and excited at the involvement of Save-On-Foods in our festival this year,” said West End Business Association president Amber Anderson. “This will insure that we have quality entertainment and loads of free fun for the entire family.”
Jazz, blues, rock and swing music will emanate from the New West corridor across four stages throughout the day. The Nanaimo Street stage will feature the bluesy sounds of Wendy Biscuit, Lesismore, The Syndicate and the Telapathetics.
The Matt Brabbins Remax Advantage stage at Edinburgh Street will host music by Funkdaliciouse and battle of the bands winner Silver Spurs, along with a performance by children’s entertainer Ishdafish.
New West jazz artists Ed and Salve Dayao – who also run and perform at the Java Jazz Café and Bistro – will host local and regional talent at the 10th Avenue stage while the Royal City Swing will jump, jive and wail at Seventh Avenue.
Near Dublin Street, the young’uns can take in the activities in the Kids Zone: a petting zoo, arts and crafts, balloons, face painting and popcorn with Glenbrooke Day Care will give them plenty to do in the afternoon.
Dozens of local business and vendors will also be up and down 12th Street, and don’t think you’ll leave on an empty stomach – there’s lots of good food on hand as well.
For more information, check facebook.com/12thStreetMusicFestival. For vendor information, email newweba@gmail.com.
