From tribute bands at Mill Pond to classical guitar at the library, Richmond Hill still has several free musical programs to enjoy before summer ends.
Summer may be moving quickly, but Richmond Hill still has several weeks of free live music ahead, including evening concerts in local parks, smaller performances downtown and a musical afternoon at the library.
The City’s Concerts in the Park series continues Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mill Pond Park through August 27, followed by a final performance at Lake Wilcox Park on September 3.
The remaining lineup includes:
July 30: Chicago Transit
August 6: Abba Revisited
August 13: The Bruno Mars Experience
August 20: All McCartney Live
August 27: Taylor’s Story
September 3: Classic Troubadours Trio
The final concert, featuring songs associated with James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and Carole King, will take place at Lake Wilcox Park rather than Mill Pond.
Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets, and food and frozen treats will be available for purchase from selected vendors.
Parking near Mill Pond is limited, although additional free parking is available at Mackenzie Health’s east parking lot after 5:30 p.m. The City also encourages visitors to walk or cycle, with a bike valet available during the concerts.
Different parking rules apply at Lake Wilcox Park, where paid parking is in effect. Richmond Hill residents can obtain a free annual parking permit.
More music downtown
For something smaller and more intimate, the City’s Live in the Plaza series continues Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. outside the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
The remaining performers are:
August 4: Maya Gamzu
August 11: Madalene Cozzetto
August 18: Denise Leslie
The plaza also hosts Wednesday evening Open Mic Nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Musicians of different ages, genres and experience levels can sign up to perform during the evening.
A musical afternoon at the library
Not all of Richmond Hill’s summer music happens outdoors or after dark.
On Saturday, August 1, from 2 to 3 p.m., classical guitarist Lawrence Barley will perform at the Oak Ridges Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library, located at 34 Regatta Avenue.
The free, drop-in performance offers a quieter daytime option for residents who may not be able to attend the larger evening concerts. Registration is not required.
These programs are not enormous festivals or expensive productions, and that is part of their appeal. They bring music into familiar public spaces and give residents an easy, affordable way to spend time together close to home.
Bring a chair, invite a neighbour or stop by the library, and make use of the remaining summer days while they last.