Canby’s beloved local concert series Slice of Summer could be in trouble if organizers and its nonprofit host organization are unable to find needed volunteers before the first show kicks off next month.
Less than two weeks before local favorites The Jesse James Band is scheduled to kick off the concert series on July 10, organizer Lisa Leir said more volunteers are desperately needed for sales and setup.
In addition to helping keep the grassroots summer concert series going strong, volunteers also get a free shirt or tank and a $5 food voucher for participating vendors. Those interested in signing up may do so online here.
Slice plans to present three more concerts this summer in addition to The Jesse James Band, including the ever-popular Thrillride (July 24), the big-band stylings of Stump City Soul (August 7) and classic rock groove band Generator (August 21).
Slice of Summer has been a staple of the Canby community for more than three decades. After the event lapsed in 2017, it was brought back by a dedicated group of volunteers under the nonprofit umbrella of the Canby Livability Coalition.
But the going has not always been easy, with organizers calling for donations earlier this year to fund the full summer lineup and the more recent struggles to secure volunteers.
Yet, the series has been popular and well-attended since its revival, especially last summer when it was one of the first large events to return after the Covid shutdowns of 2020.
The nonprofit Friends of the Canby Public Library has also announced it is bringing its free summer concert series back to Wait Park this summer, with monthly shows scheduled from July to September and coinciding with the First Thursday Night Market in downtown Canby.
Kicking things off will be Chicamarimba on July 7. Chicamarimba performs upbeat world music blending African and Latin American rhythms, as well as contemporary favorites for all ages to enjoy.
On August 4, Castletown will come to town. With a sound best described as “AmeriCeltic,” Castletown performs a high-energy show blending the heart and soul of traditional Irish reels with modern folk, blues, jazz, and country influences.
Finally, by popular demand, the Rose City Brass Quintet will return on September 1, featuring five world-class chamber musicians united in their love of the sweeping, majestic, all-encompassing sonic possibilities to present a thoughtfully crafted program, including a cross section of leading composers.
All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit canbyoregon.gov/library.
