Just in time to celebrate the summer solstice, the Fonthill Bandshell Summer Concert Series launches its 18^thseason June 20 with sassy R&B artist Dawn Tyler Watson.

Once again, the volunteer selection committee has reviewed more than 300 options for this year to bring together an eclectic mix of live entertainment to Peace Park, in downtown Fonthill, every Thursday evening from June 20 to Sept. 5.

The 2024 lineup features 12 performances, including original and tribute acts, from Celtic-country fiddling and your favourite ’80s mix tape, to entertainers performing the hits of Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars. Original award-winning artists are also in the mix, including Tyler Watson, who counts 6 Maple Blues awards and a Juno to her credit; Alex Pangman, a Juno nominee for her vocal jazz stylings; and the seven-piece powerhouse, soul-filled roots rock band Bywater Call, who also count numerous Maple Blues Awards nominations to their credit. Tributes this year include No Sugar Tonight, for the Guess Who and BTO; Hungry Hearts Band tribute to Bruce Springsteen; and for the July 18 Summerfest offering, Forever Young, a tribute to Rod Stewart.

Sponsorships help make the series possible, by offsetting the cost of a professional sound system and musician fees. Other costs are covered by a one-time annual donation option (purchase and display a Bandshell Booster button), as well as donations made each week during the concerts. Volunteers will be selling the annual buttons at the Pelham Farmers Market on the weeks before the season opens, and during the first concerts of the season. Donations can be made by e-transfer at any time to fonthillbandshelldonations@gmail.com.

“Our dedicated group of volunteers are really looking forward to another great summer of music! We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Fonthill Bandshell to join us again for a wonderful summer of live top-quality performances,” notes Gayle Baltjes-Chataway, committee chair.

Each Thursday evening concert begins at 7 p.m. Free parking is available in various locations, and once again the Thursday evening experience will be combined with the Town of Pelham’s Summer Chill Market, and the Pelham Farmers Market. For detailed program information, visit: www.fonthillbandshell.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@fonthillbandshell) and X (@FontBandshell).

The 2024 Lineup

June 20: Dawn Tyler Watson, rhythm and blues, sponsored by Briggsy’s Sportswear & Promotions

June 27: No Sugar Tonight, tribute to The Guess Who and BTO, sponsored by Boggio Fonthill Pharmacy

July 4: Hungry Hearts Band, tribute to Bruce Springsteen, sponsored by Accipiter Radar

July 11: Dirty Pioneers, dance band hits from the 1960s to today, sponsored by Professional Referral Group

July 18: Forever Young, Rod Steward tribute, sponsored by Welland-Port Colborne Concert Association

July 25: Fiddlestix, mix of Celtic, rock, country and folk, sponsored by Rankin Construction Inc

August 1: 80s Neon Mix Tape, sponsored by Meridian Credit Union

August 8: 22K Magic: A Tribute to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, sponsored by Marando Family Dentistry

August 15: Momentum Choir, variety music from inspirational Niagara choristers, sponsored by Rotary Club of Fonthill

August 22: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats, swing and jazz, sponsored by Lookout Ridge Retirement Community

August 29: Bywater Call, blues, soul, roots rock, sponsored by Sobeys Fonthill

September 5: Spencer MacKenzie, blues and rock, sponsored by Sobeys Fonthill