City of Kitchener bringing some live music, smaller events back

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF KITCHENER
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Summer is in full swing, and the City of Kitchener is helping residents have ‘a summer like no other’ with live music and smaller, mobile versions of their signature summer events.  

“Kitchener residents are feeling a renewed sense of hope as they experience a better summer and a gradual return to a safe, new normal,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “From live music to movies and basketball to vintage cars, Summer 2021 will allow us to experience our city in new ways. We can reconnect with friends, family and neighbours at smaller events and performances or enjoy a delicious meal at one of our amazing local patios and restaurants throughout the city, Downtown, and in Belmont Village.” 

‘A summer like no other’ events include themed outdoor movie nights and the Hot Shot Basketball Challenge, a weekly youth basketball competition. Modified versions of the popular Cruising on King Street and Kidspark events will also take place in August. ‘Drive-Thru Cruising’ will feature over a hundred classic cars in a reverse parade at Bingemans on Friday, Aug. 20. ‘Kidspark in Your Park’ will be a series of mobile, pop-up events, visiting smaller parks across the city as well as a full week of virtual programming through the Kitchener Public Library. It is hoped that both iconic events can return fully in 2022.  

The Kitchener Market is also creating the City’s newest performance venue and partnering with The Registry Theatre to launch ‘Music at the Market,’ a multi-performance series of evening shows in August and September. 

“Live music is back at last,” said Cameron Dale, manager of the Kitchener Market. “This venue will be something new for Kitchener and we are so pleased to work with the Registry Theatre for the first big series that will bring a full stage show and lineup featuring some of the region’s biggest musical acts.” 

The Eby Street covered parking and outdoor vendor area will be transformed into Kitchener’s newest performance venue, complete with stage, table seating, and food and drink options. Confirmed acts include Danny Michel, Joni NehRita, Penderecki String Quartet, I The Mountain, Western Swing Authority, Romeo Sex Fighter, Mandippal Jandu, and Mary-Catherine Pazzano. A portion of ticket sales will be reserved each night and offered for free to workers at Grand River and St. Mary’s hospitals. 

Thanks to the generous support from the Registry Theatre, Heritage Canada, and the Downtown Kitchener BIA, ‘Music at the Market’ will also serve as a much-needed boost to the local arts economy, with all performers and technicians being compensated for their time, while still being able to offer low-cost ticket, at only $10 each. Tickets are on sale now for the series opener on Thursday, Aug. 12. 

All City of Kitchener events and programming will run in accordance with guidance from the province’s Roadmap to Reopen and Region of Waterloo Public Health. 

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