The Town of Newmarket will once again transform the water feature at Riverwalk Commons into a stage as Splash of Culture returns Aug. 31.
The annual free event invites locals for a night of entertainment and dining by the waterside, as Riverwalk Commons becomes something different, adorned with lights and a piano to create a unique stage.
It takes careful work and wiring to pull off, town director of recreation and culture Colin Service said.
“It’s one of our favourite events. It’s an opportunity to transform Riverwalk Commons into something completely different and to use it in a way that people haven’t necessarily imagined,” he said.
Dating back to 2016, the event has featured a variety of performers who have graced the watery stage. This year’s line-up includes Dr. Draw and the Strange Parade, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Quincy Bullen and The Coin Collection and Juno-award-winning singer Sammy Jackson.
Putting the stage together is a full-day process involving multiple staff, Service said. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority is on-site to monitor and ensure things are done safely.
“Obviously, water and electricity are not something you want to mess around with,” Service said.
The line-up, meanwhile, is put together over the course of a year. Service said they will start looking for artists for Splash of Culture as early as the previous one finishes.
“Our goal now is always to try to introduce some new flavour every year. We look long and hard throughout the year,” Service said.
Dr. Draw and the Strange Parade is a returning act, with headliner Eugene Draw having previously performed at the concert. The electric violinist said it was amazing to take part in it before, and the technical team does a great job. He added that he has many connections to friends in Newmarket, who have sent messages about him performing.
“It’s going to be really nice and cozy, even though we’re going to be in the water,” he said.
He said his music is entirely instrumental, meant to inspire but not impose.
“The hope is to find and gain new fans, connect to people in a way they haven’t been connected to before,” he said, adding that he gets a lot out of inspiring kids in the audience. “This is very niche music in a sense. I never followed anybody. I just did my own thing.”
Mayor John Taylor said the show is a must-see event.
“We transform the heart of downtown Newmarket, Riverwalk Commons, into a one-of-a-kind stage that creates the perfect backdrop for a night of music under the star,” Taylor said. “You won’t find anything else like it in the GTA.”
Service said they are pleased with how the community has embraced the event.
“This is an opportunity to really distinguish Newmarket and do something new no one else does.”
The concert runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m., with food provided by The Irv at the George and Square Spoon. Some limited seating will be available, but you can also bring your own chairs to the event.
