Get ready to groove all summer long at the Golden Skybridge! The Summer Concert Series is back, and here is what Menzies Music, organizer of the series, had to say about the upcoming event:
Let’s start with a quick bio of Menzies Music
Menzies Music has been promoting live music in Western Canada since 2011. Owner-Operator Todd Menzies has been providing Artist & Tour Management services, as well as acting as a booking agent and talent buyer for numerous artists and venues over the years. Menzies is also the President and Co-Founder of Golden Sound Festival, which brought over a hundred artists to Golden from 2013-2018.
What inspired the idea of hosting a live music series at the Golden Skybridge?
After moving back to Golden from Vancouver in 2020 during the pandemic, I was approached by Pursuit to bring a Summer Concert Series to the highly anticipated Golden Skybridge. It has been the vision and collaboration of Menzies and Golden Skybridge GM Tristan MacLaggan that has made it so successful. The natural amphitheatre of trees which surrounds the stage makes for a great-sounding outdoor venue, offering local artists and touring bands a welcoming option for showcasing their talent in Golden.
How did you select the artists for this summer’s series?
I begin booking the concert series in February each year. Reaching out to regional and national touring acts to see who is coming through the area in the summer. Many larger festivals in the province like Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, Kaslo Jazz, and Starbelly Jam, attract a lot of touring acts which allows us to book them on route. Every year I try to keep the lineup fresh, but also bring some Golden fan favorites when possible. Diversity in the lineup is always a top priority for me as a talent buyer including; genres, gender, and ethnicity. Offering a variety of musical acts from singer-songwriters like Mike Edel & Heather Gemmel to electronic acts like Chimp It & Kytami with Phonik Ops.
How did the summer concert series go at the Golden Skybridge last year?
Last year was the most attended concert series yet. Acts like Skye Wallace, Shred Kelly, Jesse Roper, and Moontricks attracted large crowds with dynamic dance floors. Saturday nights at the Skybridge have become a popular staple in the summer activities for both locals and tourists. With live music from 6pm-9pm and Night Markets every other weekend, it’s become a well-loved, family-friendly event.
What should locals expect when coming up for the night?
All Golden Skybridge attractions and food vendors are open during the concert series, admission is GA or FREE with your Locals Insider season pass. During the Night Market Saturdays there are local artisans selling their goods, and some local food trucks on site. This year the Skybridge has expanded their courtyard to accommodate the growing crowds, there are many picnic tables for guests to use, but we also encourage bringing your own camp chair on busy nights. The venue is licensed, with local beer on tap, and many other regional drink options. The playground area and gem mining attraction also provides hours of entertainment for young kids. We also recommend bringing cash for purchasing artist merchandise and goods from the market vendors. Parking is limited so please carpool when possible.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Golden Skybridge Summer Concert Series will host 12 nights of music beginning June 22nd and running every Saturday until August 31st. Night Markets will be hosted on July 6th, 20th, August 3rd, 17th, & 31st. There will be at least 2 musical acts each Saturday beginning at 6pm sharp. To avoid lines, we encourage people to come early and browse the local artisans at the Night Market and walk the bridges. Locals Insider Passes are available throughout the year with local ID, this season pass allows you entry all summer long, including all 12 concerts. We’d like to acknowledge that all concerts take place on traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples which is also the chosen home to the Métis Nation Columbia River Society.
