THUNDER BAY – First started as a pilot project in 2013, City Hall Sounds is now an August tradition in the city’s south downtown core.
The weekly lunch hour concert series kicked off its fifth edition at McGillivray Square on Thursday, bringing an estimated 100 people to take in entertainment outside Thunder Bay city hall.
As has become annual custom, the year’s debut session featured the talents of Robin Ranger.
Crime Prevention Council co-ordinator Lee-Ann Chevrette said the series, an initiative of the council’s strong neighbourhoods working group, promotes community safety.
“I think people love it,” Chevrette said. “We get wonderful feedback about the event. It’s a great way to bring people together to do a positive activity in the south core neighbourhood. There are a lot of people who really care about this neighbourhood and want to participate in positive events and bring positive energy to the neighbourhood.”
The event also features participation from as many as 20 community partners, who have representatives and information on hand to share with the public.
“They also look forward to it because it’s an opportunity for them to connect with people in the neighbourhood and anyone who wants to have more information about their services,” Chevrette said.
Chevrette said it’s important to provide a venue that’s accessible for the entire community.
“It provides an open, free, welcoming opportunity or atmosphere,” Chevrette said. “The event has always been and will always be free of charge.
The event runs on Thursdays throughout August from noon until 1 p.m.
The series continues next week with a performance by Carlo Cappello followed by Outside the Lines on Aug. 17, Sarah Kanutski on Aug. 24 and wrapping up with Morning Light on Aug. 31.
