We all waiting patiently (and not so patiently!) to attend live performances again and to support our local arts community.
Judging by what is happening in the UK and US hopefully in the near future venues will start re-opening as Covid numbers decline and the number of people who have been fully vaccinated rises.
Till then we have exciting online concerts to keep our creative juices flowing and remind us how many amazing performers we have in our community.
Viewing Sidewalk Sounds, which is organized by Hamilton, Ontario’s Concession Street BIA is one way that you can support local talent. The sixth edition of the concert series will run online until September 18.
This year’s lineup spotlights top music, dance and drags acts from Hamilton and the surrounding area over the course of 10 free events.
Before the pandemic the annual summer concert series took place on several outdoor stages along Concession Street. Last summer’s event was held virtually to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021’s will be too.
“Virtually” Sidewalk Sounds takes place on the third Saturday of each month until September 18.
All of the “Virtually” Sidewalk Sounds will feature diverse performances filmed inside Concession Street’s historic Zoetic Theatre that will be streamed at 3 pm and 7 pm Eastern Time on the Concession Street BIA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
- June 19 will showcase Americana singer-songwriter Heather Valley, at 3pm. and British hip-hop act LTtheMonk, at 7 pm.
- July 17 features DJ Fazooli at 3 pm. followed by award-winning dancers Josh Taylor (hip-hop/street), Angela Josephine (bellydance) and Eshe (bellydance) along with drag queen Karma Kameleon, at 7 pm.
- August 21 features Syrian Palestinian MC Mother Tareka, at 3 pm., followed by Yalla Baladi (bellydance), Nimmi (bellydance), Ensemble Topaz (Afghan, Iranian and Central Asian traditional and contemporary music and dance) and drag queen Sapphyre Poison at 7 pm.
- September 18th will see Bluegrass trio Chopped Liver performing at 3 pm., and the rock and soul stylings of Laura Cole will close out 2021’s “Virtually” Sidewalk Sounds at 7 pm.
What you need to know: