Rotar Sunset Music Series continues until end of August

I have been remiss writing about the first Rotary Sunset Music Series, which began July 6th and continues until August 31st at the brand new Rotary Shell at Charles Daley Park in Lincoln. But I want to make up for lost time before the season ends, as I went to the park last evening for the TiannaH and Jazz with a Twist concert, and was very impressed both with the music and the surroundings.

I have not been to Charles Daley Park much over the years, which is a shame since it is so close to home and right on the water. But for some reason, it's on the 'one of these days we have to go there' list and never seems to make it to the 'let's do it now' list. Well, last night it made it to the 'let's do it now' list and I couldn't be happier! I last visited the park about three years ago when the Town of Lincoln invited me to emcee a Canada Day celebration at the park, and even then I could see the early stages of work to be done to make the park an even more people-friendly place throughout the summer months. Returning last evening, I was struck by the considerable improvements even in the last three years or so, which have totally transformed the park.

The main focus, of course, is the new Rotary Shell, which opened earlier this summer and is a joint project of the Town of Lincoln and Lincoln Rotary. The Rotary Club contributed $ 165,000 to the capital project, and the money appears to be well spent. With Lake Ontario as a backdrop and a generous grassy slope between the parking lot and the bandshell, perfect for audience members to relax and enjoy the music, the setting is absolutely perfect. Even with the sun beating down during the first half of the show last evening, the breeze off the lake helped make the hot weather more bearable, at least for a little while.

The musical offerings this year, all free thanks to a grant of $14,500 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is varied and innovative, with something literally for everyone this summer. Last evening, TiannaH and Jazz with a Twist were the featured performers, and it was a pleasure to finally hear Tianna and the band, who are regular performers around the peninsula, but for some reason have escaped my eye until now. However, I have been well aware of TiannaH, otherwise known as Teresa Holierhoek, who lives with her family in nearby Vineland and is a native of St. Catharines. Every February, she joins Laura Thomas and Choralis Camerata for their annual Black History Month concert at one of the Region's churches, and every year it is my pleasure to narrate the concert. I have enjoyed Teresa's powerfully expressive voice belting out spirituals at these concerts, but this was my first chance to hear her as TiannaH with her group in a jazz setting.

Without a doubt, TiannaH is one of the best-kept secrets in Niagara. Her voice covers a wide range of jazz standards, as it did in the first half last evening, and a lot of soul standards in the second half. Unfortunately, this tired old boy didn't stay for the second set, as I am up at 3 am for work, but what I heard made the trip more than worthwhile. TiannaH caresses the songs with great love and affection; her band, including Sandy Vine on keyboards and Warren Stirtzinger on guitar, know their stuff and don't miss a beat. Look for her around the Region at venues ranging from the Jordan House Hotel to open-air events over the summer months.

The final weeks of the Sunset Music Series include the Barroom Buzzards on August 17th; the Jimmy Marando Swing Band on August 24th; and the group Flat Broke wraps things up on August 31st. All concerts run from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, and are absolutely free. You can even access the concerts from your car in the parking lot if you like via your car's FM radio.

If you have not had a chance to enjoy some time at Charles Daley Park and experience some great music at the Rotary Shell, you still have time, and you will likely be amazed at the transformation taking place at the park. Just remember, with the 16 Mile Creek bridge out on the North Service Road for the time being, you have to take the QEW to the Jordan exit and then double back on the North Service Road. That means you'd better allow a few extra minutes to get there.

Enjoy the music!

August 11th, 2010.