Over the past few months, live music has been echoing along the shores of Lake Erie at Leamington's new Waterfront Market Plaza.
That was all set to end this past week. But a sponsorship from St. Clair College and its Alumni are keeping the party going into mid-October.
"We're incredibly grateful to St. Clair College and their Alumni Association for their generous support and for helping us continue live music at the Waterfront Market Plaza into the fall," said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald. "The Plaza was created as a place for people to gather, connect and enjoy our waterfront, and this partnership gives residents and visitors even more opportunities to experience it."
The Waterfront Market Plaza is a new area on the municipality's waterfront which was identified as part of Leamington's waterfront master plan. Now that it's open, residents and visitors have been enjoying a twice-weekly concert series at the new bandshell, offering free live music every Wednesday and Friday night.
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16, residents and visitors can continue enjoying free live performances at the Waterfront Market Plaza every Wednesday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 16.
"We're still experiencing wonderful temperatures and weather, so it's just amazing that we were able to extend the series into fall," said Kelly Sfetkidis, Manager of Communications and Corporate Identity at the Municipality of Leamington.
The concerts take place at 400 Erie St. South in Leamington and according to Leamington officials, the shows have been very well attended.
"It's just such a good vibe down there," said Mayor MacDonald, noting she was surprised at the instant uptake when the series launched in August. "Initially, we didn't expect a whole lot of people, but the people came out. And now it's like – you need to be there. It's upbeat, people are happy to see each other. It's just a really good feeling and a community gathering space."
During the concerts, the Brew on 42, as well as multiple food trucks, have been set up nearby to provide an added element to the concerts and space.
"St. Clair College is proud to support the extension of the Waterfront Market Plaza music nights through mid-October. We are always looking for meaningful opportunities to celebrate and support the arts in the communities we serve across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "These performances provide a wonderful opportunity for our students, alumni and the broader community to come together, enjoy live music and experience the vibrant atmosphere of our waterfront."
"We look forward to seeing many members of the St. Clair College community and the community at large enjoying these performances," President Silvaggi said.
The extended concert schedule includes:
- Wednesday, September 16: Justin James Jewel
- Friday, September 18: The Bowler Boys
- Wednesday, September 23: Max Marshall
- Friday, September 25: Mary & Richard
- Wednesday, September 30: Karen Morand & BOSCSO
- Friday, October 2: Bob Gabriele/Dan Woods
- Wednesday, October 7: Bobby Sproat
- Friday, October 9: The Bishop Boys
- Wednesday, October 14: 401 Smooth Jazz
- Friday, October 16: Mississippi Mud
"We couldn't dare hope it would be this good, and it's performed beyond our expectations," Mayor MacDonald said. "This went another month because St. Clair decided to step up and sponsor. It's a big deal."
For more information and upcoming events, visit leamington.ca/events.
