The popular annual Slice of Summer concert series has set a robust lineup for this year’s edition at the Wait Park gazebo — though it may need to be trimmed if organizers don’t receive needed financial support from the community soon.
This year’s lineup includes local favorites The Jesse James Band (July 10), the ever-popular Thrillride (July 24), the big-band stylings of Stump City Soul (August 7) and classic rock groove band Generator (August 21).
But, as coordinator Lisa Leir explained, the nonprofit concert series is especially in need of donations and sponsorships this year as it recovers from the pandemic shutdowns.
“Covid has been a challenge, along with everything else, but we are still here and going strong,” Leir said. “We are continuing to expand and attract newer and quality musicians.”
But fundraising is an ongoing struggle, she admitted. The concerts are and always have been free to attend, but they are certainly not free to put on — and the cost of talent and sound production services is rising.
“We are hurting this year and are about $3,000 short of what we need to put on all four concerts,” Leir said. “We need a miracle. But the community has always come through to support this wonderful, local event, so we are optimistic.”
Leir said the team is thankful to all who have already supported the series, including Canby Builders Supply, which donated plywood to build a new stage this year.
Slice was one of the first major local events to return after the pandemic last year, presenting two concerts to larger-than-expected crowds. The board hopes to double that output this year.
“We’re looking forward to fewer Covid restrictions this year, which I hope will result in a larger crowd,” Leir said. “We are an outside event with plenty of space, so we’re hoping everyone feels safe to come out and enjoy great music and the fun of coming together as a community again.”
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. For more information or to make a donation, visit sliceofsummer.com.
