Fun for All -- RemarkABILITY Fest at Music in the Park
By Nadine Tremblay
A first of its kind event in Trail, RemarkABILITY Fest at Music in the Park celebrates inclusion and diverse community
Join the Trail & District Arts Council, in partnership with Diverse Family Roots, on July 24 at Gyro Park for an evening of unique experiences to engage the public and celebrate inclusion and diverse community, at RemarkABILITY Fest, the first of its kind event in Trail.
RemarkABILITY Fest’s headliners, Rock Squad, include members who are Autistic and excited to bring their music on the road for the first time ever!
A 4-piece band covering classic rockers from the past, from “Lay Down Sally”, to Rock and “Roll All Night”, Rock Squad will rock your socks off!
The band was formed after two members, Luc Picard (drums) and Marshall (guitar), met at Autism BC during one of their Awareness Events.
Luc is also the inspiration for Rock4autism – a successful annual fundraiser at Rocky Point park. Diagnosed with autism before his 3rd birthday, and drumming since he could sit up, Luc plays bass, drums, keys and guitar every week at ThePaddlewheeler Pub.
The rest of Rock Squad tonight are Marshall Forsyth, Andrew MacFarlane on lead guitar and Dean Williams on bass.
Luc and Marshall (core members) also love to engage with the crowd…we all know it’s more fun for the band AND the crowd when there’s crowd participation!!
To add to the evening’s experience, Rhythm by Nature will be running 20-minute drumming workshops at 5:15 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:45 pm. Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you in a fully interactive and immersive group drumming experience!
Facilitator Patrick Carrick is a professional percussionist, and music educator who will guide participants through experimenting with different drums and drumming techniques. Patrick employs a multicultural approach, not based on any ethnospecific traditions, cultures, or rhythms, so that the experience is accessible to everyone. No drumming experience needed, and all the instruments are provided. Fun for all ages.
Also, on location there will be hands-on activities and, info booths, from groups who support people with disabilities. The Public can expect fun things like giant connect 4, community art projects, games, space-themed photobooth, free giveaways, and more!
Food and market vendors will also be present, selling their fabulous hand-made products and art from 3D printed Fidget toys and keychains to greeting cards, aprons, jewellery and clothing.
FREE shuttle buses run from 5:30 to 9 pm from Trail Safeway and Trail Arena at this event.
So, bring a lawn chair and don’t forget to bring plenty of water. Need to cool off? The music is right by the water park and the river!
Admission is by donation – $3 per person minimum suggested. Or support the Trail Arts Council’s programming by buying a Season Pass for the whole summer for $30! You may buy a pass at trail-arts.com or buy them in person at Gyro Park with cash or credit card.
The fun will continue at Kootenay Savings Music in the Park with two acts per night until August 14 when we end the season with a Night featuring Bella Cat, The Latin Lovers and Lofty Goal Project contemporary dancers.
RemarkABILITY Fest is made possible thanks to support from BC Arts Council, BC Live Performance Network, the Government of Canada, Kootenay Community Council, Kootenay Savings Credit Union, City of Trail, Columbia Basin Trust, Pharmasave Trail, Teck Trail Operations, HUB International Insurance, Summit 95.7 FM and Tourism South Kootenay. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
