What does Whistler sound like this summer? In its seventh season, “Whistler Presents,” free concert series will feature indie, soul, electro, funk, reggae, rock, and more. The live outdoor performances taking place over select weekends in August and September will showcase a variety of genres and styles as eclectic as Whistler’s summer guests.
The August Long Weekend kicks off the first weekend installment of live music at Whistler Olympic Plaza in conjunction with Wanderlust Whistler’s festivities.
Thursday, August 3
Elijah Ray – 6:30 p.m.
Elijah Ray’s soul pleasing sounds showcase a wide scope of genres including soul, world, funk, reggae, and hip hop.
Quixotic – 8:30 p.m.
New York Times branded this group as an “innovative circus performance,” and Whistler can expect an extravaganza of performance art including aerial, dance, acrobatics, projections and experimentation.
Friday, August 4
Con Brio – 7:00 p.m.
This West Coast institution is the offspring of seven musicians with diverse backgrounds and a shared love for vibrant Bay Area funk and psychedelic-soul sounds.
Charlotte Cardin – 8:45 p.m.
Named one of Spotify’s Artists of 2016, Charlotte Cardin will perform her brand of sultry, mesmeric electro-jazz.
Saturday, August 5
Ron Artis II & The Truth – 7:00 p.m.
Original soul and blues sounds will power positive lyrics that resonate as Ron Artis II & The Truth brings the funk to the village.
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires – 8:30 p.m.
This riveting live performer will bring the heat and fill the valley with his soaring voice. Charles Bradley was named to the top spot on Paste Magazine’s Best Live Acts of 2015 and Rolling Stone called his album, “Changes” one of the “Most Anticipated Albums of 2016.”
After Crankworx rolls through town Whistler Presents is back on stage with three more consecutive weekends of free concerts.
Friday, August 25 – Delhi 2 Dublin – 7:30 p.m.
This hybrid live-electronic act is famous for their energy onstage where the five-member crew blends a heavy electronic backbone with live traditional Indian instruments (dhol, tabla), fiddle, electric guitar, and the stunning Punjabi-English vocals of frontman Sanjay Seran.
Saturday, August 26 – Alan Doyle – 7:30 p.m.
Best known as the lead singer of Canadian folk-rock band Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle and his ace six-piece band will fill Whistler Olympic Plaza with his rousing Canadian songs that evoke his ethos: we’re lucky to be here so let’s make the most of it.
Friday, September 1 – Jann Arden – 7:30 p.m.
Jann Arden is one of Canada’s most celebrated and loved artists, and this brilliant and multi-dimensional talent will captivate with her heartfelt music and quick wit. Famous for her ballads and beloved for her spirit, this show will see locals and Whistler guests alike turning out enforce for this free outdoor concert by a Canadian legend.
Saturday, September 2 – The Boom Booms – 7:30 p.m.
This alt-soul band from Vancouver blends Latin, folk, reggae and rock for an energizing show that won’t disappoint.
Saturday, September 9 – Ruckus Deluxe – During Gran Fondo Whistler Celebrations
Whistler’s official anthem band, Ruckus Deluxe, will celebrate at the Gran Fondo Whistler’s finish line in Whistler Olympic Plaza. As one of Whistler’s most popular bands, the duo is a fitting close to Whistler Presents’ line-up of free live concerts for the summer of 2017.
Whistler Presents is in its seventh season, is produced by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and is funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative. For more information go to whistler.com
