Hundreds of people packed onto the Port Haney Wharf Monday at dusk to hear a tribute to one of Canada’s most famous bands.
About 300 people brought chairs, blankets, or simply stood on the wharf to hear the band Gift Shop perform their ultimate tribute to The Tragically Hip.
The concert kicked off the the free, annual music series put on by the Maple Ridge Historical Society called Music on the Wharf, taking place this summer.
It has been taking place since 1997.
Maple Ridge residents Al and Suzi Wiebe have been enjoying the concert series for the last seven or eight years.
“It’s outside. It’s small. It’s a nice area,” said Al.
“Most of the time it’s a lot of fun. You bring your chair, you relax, and listen to some nice music,” added Suzi.
Tonya Dolyny and her roommate Kathleen Clark were sitting on a picnic blanket with their dogs, Quynn, a seven-year-old German shepherd, and Jimmy, a 17-year-old Havanese-cross.
This was their second time attending Music on the Wharf
Dolyny said she enjoys the concerts because they are different and local and the location is wonderful.
“Last year, when we were here, when the sun was coming down, and it was just such a beautiful vibe, everyone was dancing,” she said. “It really is community.”
She is also a huge Tragically Hip fan.
Clark said she enjoys being out with people, even if she is not familiar with the band.
Music on the Wharf takes place select Mondays in July and August, will feature four local bands or performers at the wharf, overlooking the Fraser River.
On Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Knudson & Connaughton will be performing.
The acoustic folk duo made up of Caden Knudson and Aaron Connaughton are known for playing intricate fingerstyle guitar, accompanied by a driving double bass.
Aug. 10 will welcome the Cat Murphy Band who will be playing at 7 p.m. on the wharf.
The Vancouver-based band describe themselves as part country, punk, folk, and rock, who enjoy mixing in humour, originality, and, what they call “musical nonsense.”
“Audiences both young and old, music lovers, and everyone else lucky enough to stumble upon a Cat Murphy Band performance – prepare for something a little different,” said the band online.
Finally at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24, the Golden Ears Jazz Band will be closing out the concert series.
This talented big band has earned the admiration and affection of their fans.
They are a stylistically unique Jazz Band, composed of around 17 members, who have been singing, performing, and playing in sync as if they’d been together their entire musical careers.
The concerts are free to the public, but donations are welcomed to help offset the cost of the event.