Remembering Merritt BC Summer Music Events and Festivals
Remembering Merritt BC Summer Music Events
Nicola Valley Summer Time Fun Will Be Back
COVID19 may have postponed our Merritt BC summer music events but it will never take away our memories.
The COVID 19 pandemic has cancelled our Merritt BC summer music events. And, boy, do we have some music classics here in the Nicola Valley like Bass Coast, Rockin’ River Music Festival, Open Mic Night and Gary Copper at the Adelphi Hotel to mention a few. However, it would not feel right to write a blog about remembering summer music events without mentioning Spirit Square, music in the park, and the Old Time Fiddlers playing at our local street market. As a result, no country music event blog would be complete without mentioning our very own cowboy crooner Bobbie Garcia, who may just pop up at any of our music events at anytime.

Bobbie Garcia – Photo courtesy of Bobbie Garcia
Take the time to check out “Cooper Country” post COVID 19
Merritt BC’s oldest heritage Hotel, the Adelphi Hotel, is home to one of Canada’s and Merritt’s country icons, Gary Cooper. The group plays weekly to a growing collection of avid fans while welcoming their friends from all over the world to get up on stage and jam along with them. Therefore, it will especially be nice to witness some good ole’ country music again sometime in the future.

Gary Copper – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
To say nothing of Gary Cooper’s amazing talent to make that guitar dance with such mind blowing movements. Albeit I may be a little biased, but I can honestly say Gary Cooper is one of the best performers I have ever witnessed.” Tania Stewart

Cooper Country invites all friends to join on stage – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
“Cooper Country” Gary Cooper with his 2 son’s Cory & Jason, along with friends at the Adelphi Bar in Merritt BC

Millie playing with her favourite band! – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
When we get pass this pandemic, be sure to attend “Open Mic” at Kekuli Café and support local artists
Whether you live in Merritt or stopping for gas at the Seven-Eleven across the street from the Kekuli Café, there is nothing that connects more with locals than locals sharing their love for music. We hope, soon, weekends at the Kekuli Cafe will open up again and fill the air with music. Furthermore, the many Open Mic Music fans like Doug, Donna and Mary Dickie (who is in her 90s) cannot wait to pick this up again.

Open Mic Nights Audience – Photo courtesy of Jano Howarth
“As with all events like Open Mic Nights, our audience is what makes it ongoing.” Jano Howarth
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Remember when we could take a stroll in the evening in Downtown Merritt BC
Merritt’s Spirit Square was built for sound. Located in the heart of Downtown Merritt in the Nicola Valley, it is the sight of many open-air performances during the summer months. Because of the abundance of talent in the Nicola Valley there is never a lack of talent to grace the stage. The Nicola Valley is blessed to have so many talented musicians.

Coquihalla Coyotes – Photo courtesy of Coquihalla Coyotes
One such local band which has played venues throughout the Nicola Valley are the Coquihalla Coyotes. The boys are a 3 piece rock and blues band for hire living in Merritt BC
Band Members: John-Henry Ramsey- Lead guitar/ Vocals, Paul Thompson- Bass guitar/ Vocals, Mark Schuitema- Drums/ Backup vocals

The J.S Garcia Band. – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart

Summer music in Spirit Square – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart

Merritt’s own Old Time Fiddlers – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
“Bass Coast”
They sure made an impression. How it has grown. Then Covid 19 hit and it too paid a big price with cancellation. What was going to be July 10 – 13th, 2020 is now ?? ??. Bass Coast is a collective that showcases both local and international talent in a safe, supportive space. It is a place where artists are encouraged to display and share their hard work without fear of judgment.

Andrea Graham with Liz Thompson Bass Coast co-founders – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
“Bass Coast is built on the dreams and visions of a huge collection of people that will lead us to things Andrea and I would never have imagined. It’s not just us anymore, it’s everyone.” Liz Thompson

Bass Coast 2019 – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
Post COVID 19 , this is one festival I cannot wait to attend again
Co-founders Andrea Graham and Liz Thomson are the architects of the event. The Librarian, Andrea, is a celebrated Canadian DJ, producer, and curator. She is the co-founder and music director of Bass Coast Music Festival. The festival is known internationally for its innovative music programming and installation art. Andrea’s reputation as an inclusive community-builder in the electronic world has brought her a legion of fans and industry followers across the globe.
“I feel like in our community we have people who listen to different music, dress differently and are into different things, but that duality is also what creates a bond—our differences unite us.” Liz Thomson

Country Music will be back in full force post COVID – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
Remembering Merritt BC Summer Country Music Events
Due to your love of Country, the Rockin River Fest was scheduled again for Jul 30 – Aug 2 this year of 2020. The headliner this year was Keith Urban. However, things have changed since COVID 19 arrived in full force. Now there is a pent up energy for country music again and so we believe next year it is going to be epic. The Rockin’ River Music Fest is a B.C. family-owned and operated country music festival that takes place annually, on the BC Day long weekend, in Merritt, BC. See you in 2021!

Enjoying Rockin at the River – Photo courtesy of ehCanadaTravel.com
Kenny Hess
Kenny Hess is the architect behind the Rockin River Music Festival. From the age of 4, he knew he was going to be a country music singer. Therefore, by the time Kenny was a teenager he had already set in motion his musical journey that he is still on today. Lastly, Kenny Hess has now been a part of the music industry since the 80’s. He has come a long way since standing on the kitchen table singing at the top of his lungs hoping someone would listen.
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With this in mind be sure to check out this amazing fun event in 2021.

Rockin River Music Festival – Photo courtesy of Tania Stewart
In a word
Obviously Merritt in the Summer offers an abundance of music events year after year, except for this year. Regardless which event you choose to partake in the future the value is always there. Count yourself lucky! In conclusion, it is obvious that summer music events in Merritt BC are bountiful and will be back again.
Merritt Summer Music Events
Follow Experience Nicola Valley for the latest in event listings coming back online.
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