Music in the Park: Beyond Brass
Tue July 4, 20237:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Riverside Park (Riverside Park, Lorne Street, Kamloops, BC, Canada)
Concerts & Music, In the Park, Seasonal, Tourist Attractions
Kamloops, Music in the Park, Riverside Park
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Beyond Brass
Big Band Bliss
The Early Years
The Kamloops Big Band was formed in 1969 by Gordon Waters for a dance to raise money for the Rube Band trip to Japan. Although it was originally made up of mostly Rube Band members, local musician Ken Almond enlisted others over the years, (after the departure of Waters), and the group slowly transitioned into what it is today. It achieved Society Status on Feb. 28th, 1990, and became a non-profit group representing Kamloops’ Big Band enthusiasts. Choosing from the hundreds of songs and arrangements in their repertoire, the KBB delivers a performance with a wide variety of styles.
Name Change
In 2016 the Kamloops Big Band made a some changes including a new name. We are now called Beyond Brass Big Band. We play numerous events throughout the year – Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, Christmas concerts at a few retirement residences, community events, weddings and each July find us at Riverside Park in Kamloops as part of the summer long Music in the Park celebration.
Our Musicians
The musicians in the KBB range from amateur, semi-professional to professional, and the ensemble also has a large span in the age groups, as younger musicians take an interest and fill up the open positions. Originally the big band practiced in the upstairs of the Elks Auditorium, later moving to the basement of the Elks by the early 1980’s. Around 1983, our current lead trumpet player Mike Whitehouse, joined the ensemble, followed in 1984 by current Musical Director and lead trombonist Ken McClelland. The current 1st Alto, Don Setka, joined sometime later and the framework for the current KBB horn sections was in place.
About Music in the Park
Every year since 1994, the City of Kamloops and BC Lottery Corporation have presented music in the park at the bandshell in Riverside Park.
During the summer months of July and August, each night you can enjoy a free concert from a plethora of music styles, including blues, rock, classics, country, tribute bands, and more.
Each night you can enjoy a family friendly performance from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (weather permitting) on the grass in front of the Riverside Rotary Bandshell.
Bring your blanket, folding chairs, and maybe even a picnic dinner and enjoy one of the best events that Kamloops has to offer.
About Riverside Park
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Located on the banks of the Thompson River next to the Interior Savings Centre and just minutes from downtown. Enjoy a picnic in the picturesque park, stroll along the beach, go for a refreshing swim, bring the kids to the Variety Kids Centennial Water Park, or play a game of lawn bowling.
In 2009 the City of Kamloops installed a new integrated, accessible playground for children 2-12 years of age. The playground is an added attraction to an already impressive City park that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Or just soak up the sun and watch the water skiers and wakeboarders do their routines. However you spend your day at Riverside, it is bound to be picture postcard perfect.