New West wants Play the Parks to be a permanent event

You could say it was a bit of a coincidence when Lisa Kemp, New West’s special events coordinator, heard about the Play the Parks series in Calgary. While the event in September 2020 was virtual due to the pandemic, Kemp thought it would be a great way for local artists to create connections in New West. 

“I actually emailed [the organizers] two years ago to find out more about Play the Parks, because it really fit into one of our priorities during COVID: promoting the use of outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, nothing came together because of COVID,” says Kemp.

She believed the annual event—which started off showcasing talent in Toronto’s Downtown Yonge community—would work well in New West. Two years later, and things are lining up: Play the Parks is going national, with New Westminster a confirmed stop. Aside from New West, other BC stops include Victoria, Vancouver, and Surrey. 

New West’s version of the event will take place over four Fridays: Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23. Each event will include a different food truck, activities for kids and adults, and various artists. The Will Clements Jazz Trio will be the first to take the stage, with Parlour Panther performing on Sept. 9. Hyaenas will perform Sept. 16, and Incendiary Sweet will close out the series on Sept. 23. Performances will happen at Westminster Pier Park, Moody Park, and Upper Hume Park. Westminster Pier Park and Upper Hume both have alcohol-allowed zones; Moody Park does not. 

Learn more about each artist: 

• Will Clements Jazz Trio: aside from jazz, the group is well-versed in blues, big band, and swing music.

• Parlour Panther: vibe to this duo’s electro-infused sounds, influenced by artists like King Princess, HAIM, and The Black Keys.

• Hyaenas: this indie rock band’s songs explore themes from acceptance to vigilance, nature, self-worth and justice.

• Incendiary Sweet: this indie artist has received countrywide community radio play, and has performed at events like Brewhalla and Fallen Fest. 

“We’re just hoping that [the variety of activities] will help build the audience, and draw people to come out and support these local musicians,” says Kemp, who adds that the city would like to bring the event back next year if people are receptive to it.

There have been a variety of outdoor events in the city over the past few months: New West had its first-ever Car Free Day along Columbia, while the On Your Block festival made use of the spaces around the city hall grounds,such as Tipperary Park. Kemp says they’re always happy to support local initiatives, and it’s nice to have more events happening in the city again. 

“I think a lot of this comes down to our community grant programs,” explains Kemp. “Some of our spaces are perfect for events, like Westminster Pier Park, Columbia Street. We have those amenities.” Kemp says the demand for available event space has been especially strong this summer: each space has been booked almost every weekend.

New West Anchor will share the Play the Parks schedule each week—watch our Thursday newsletters for a reminder of who will be playing. You can also learn more at the city’s ‘The Rest of New West’ page.