The Hyack Festival Association has a hand in two entertainment options that will engage audiences in uptown and downtown New Westminster this weekend.
The association's Concerts on the Quay series continues this weekend with a performance by award-winning singer/songwriter Ray Bonneville on Saturday, July 13. The free show begins at 5 p.m. and Bonneville is expected to take the stage at 8 p.m.
"We are really excited to present artists of the magnitude of Ray Bonneville," said Douglas Smith, the association's executive director. "His bio and discography speak for itself. He will be performing at the Harrison Festival of the Arts during the afternoon, and to be able to showcase Ray at no cost to the public is something we are extremely proud of."
Bonneville, who is based in Austin, Texas and performs across the United States, Canada and Europe, took first place in the International Blues Challenge in 2012. His song about the resilience of New Orleans, I Am the Big Easy, won Song of the Year at Folk Alliance in Memphis in 2009.
Hyack is also teaming up with Westminster Centre to launch the Uptown Unplugged, a new street performance series this weekend. A press release states that the series will feature "eclectic and outrageous" performances by the best of B.C.'s vibrant busker scene.
Uptown Unplugged runs every Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 5 p.m. at the plaza in front of Westminster Centre at 555 Sixth St. A stage will be erected in Westminster Centre's plaza and tables and chairs will be placed in the plaza to create a casual and comfortable viewing environment.
"This is going to be a whole lot of fun for the community," said Uptown Property Group vice president Bart Slotman in a press release. "We wanted to create another event that builds on the success of Uptown Live. Hyack has proven they can identify and attract great performers so we are looking forward to a summer of some pretty cool entertainment."
