Musician “West Coast” Marty Jones, is dreaming of playing live concerts again.
“It’s a magical place. And it gives back something very visceral,” said Jones, who is a renowned Duncan bassist.
As COVID-19 cases fall in B.C. and vaccinations roll out fast now, Jones and many involved in Duncan’s “39 Days of July,” hope their free outdoor music festival’s concerts could be some of the first held since the pandemic began.
According to organizers of the six-week-long summer festival, since the live music business hasn’t restarted yet because of COVID-19, this year’s shows are scheduled to begin June 25, depending on health protocals.
“We have like three contingency plans for different scenarios that might pop up, whether we’re allowed small crowds outside, whether it’s only during the day we’re allowed to be outside,” said festival co-organizer Ted Cadillac.
“We’re not about flouting it, we’re about getting back to normal. However long it takes us all to do that,” adds festival founder and organizer, “Longevity” John Falkner.
The pandemic cancelled all of 39 Days of July‘s outdoor concerts last year, forcing and the show to go on, only by livestream.
Duncan residents tell CHEK News, the annual tradition, which has been going on for 10 years, in Charles Hoey Park has been missed.
“It added such a great bohemian atmosphere to the city, and so many locals and people coming from all over the Island to watch it,” said Phil Kent, retired four-term Mayor of Duncan.
“It’s a morale lifter. You go and you just feel like you got 24 hours of energy from spending an hour,” adds Daphne Illos.
Organizers say this year’s festival will feature more local talent than ever in 2021 and will run until Aug. 2.
Skye Ryan
