Coaldale residents can circle Saturday, August 8 for an afternoon of free live performances at the Coaldale Summer Fest. Two stages will run side by side from noon to 5 p.m., filling the town with music, dance and cultural acts.
The John Davidson Stage, set on the grass at 2016 19th Street in front of John Davidson School, kicks off at noon with the powerful drumming of the Lethbridge Community Taiko Association. The group, a non-profit that has blended Japanese taiko traditions with Western influences since 2007, will also open the Civic Square Stage at the same time in the parking lot south of Civic Square.
DJ sets from Sonic Multimedia follow at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the John Davidson Stage, while Dance Images, a Coaldale studio directed by Gerry Unger for more than 28 years, performs at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., Madison Young presents her Belly Dance Fusion Experience.
Over at Civic Square, dance lovers get two chances to see Dance Images on stage at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. A few time slots remain to be announced later, leaving some surprises for festivalgoers.
The performing arts afternoon is part of the larger Summer Fest running from August 6 to 9 under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future.” Now in its fifth year, the festival has grown into a signature event presented by the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale. Admission is free for all ages.
Organizers say the two-stage format gives attendees plenty of variety in one afternoon, whether they want to experience the energy of live taiko drumming or settle in for a mix of dance styles. Official updates will be posted on the festival website as the remaining Civic Square acts are confirmed.
