On today’s JRFM segment, I have the scoop on where YOU need to be this summer!

Missed our chat on 93.7 JRfm .. click the link to listen:

– See more at: http://www.jrfm.com/barbara-beam/2016/07/06/contest-post-where-to-find-the-best-live-music-summer-fun#sthash.cqcMWafE.dpuf 

Some of the best parts of summer are the long hot days spent relaxing outdoors, feeling carefree, having fun and not having to stick to a schedule. We look forward to hanging out with friends, maybe hitting the beach or watching some of our favourite bands on stage, taking in some of the iconic festivals in BC or even heading to the drive-in with the family. On today’s segment on JRFM I recommended some of my must-sees that you don’t want to miss this summer!

Spread the Love Tour 

Some of the best in country music are coming to CenturyLink Field in Seattle on July 23rd. Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt & Old Dominion make up the core lineup of the Spread the Love Tour.

JRFM wants to give you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see them live on July 23rd! From July 11 to 15, listen for the cue to call during Clay & Karen, Barbara Beam, Docc Andrews and jaXon Hawks’s shows for your chance to win! For an extra chance to win, click here! Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster here.

When: Saturday, July 23rd at 5:00pm 

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

Photo credit: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Gone Country

Merritt Rockin’ River Fest 

Known for living in the moment and where everyone is your friend, back this year is the 4-day Merritt Rockin’ River Fest! The best in country music talent is getting ready to rock the Coldwater River with a roster of artists whose collective achievements add up to more than 50 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and JUNO nominations and wins. Among these award winning Canadian artists are Dean Brody who has been nominated over 30 times himself, The Road Hammers and High Valley.

Held over four days, July 28-31 2016, features three stages and more than 20 artists performing throughout the event. Children 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets here. 

Highlights: Sam Hunt, Dean Brody, Ken McCoy, The Road Hammers, High Valley, and rising BC star Madeline Merlo.

When: July 28-31 

Where: 1125 Neilson St., Merritt, BC

Sunfest 

Less than 1 month until the party of the summer!!! Carrie Underwood headlines Vancouver Island’s biggest country music festival, Sunfest!!! There’s a full lineup of some incredible acts as well!! Get the true festival experience and party at Sunfest during the day and camp out under the stars at night. Purchase tickets here. Purchase your camping pass here.

Highlights: Dierks Bentley, Dallas Smith, Chase Bryant, The Road Hammers, High Valley, Neal McCoy and many more!

When: July 28-31 

Where: Laketown Ranch, Cowichan Valley, BC 

Watershed

How about a weekend of non-stop country music?  Or even two weekends of non-stop country music! The fifth annual Watershed Music and Camping Festival will be the first-ever country music event to host two consecutive weekends.

The back-to-back country party will be headlined by country superstars Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Keith Urban. The event will be held in George, Washington, at the Gorge Ampitheatre July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7. The stunning venue features a breathtaking view of the watershed of the Columbia River, the unique backdrop from which the festival’s name came from. As if we needed another reason to hit up this amazing festival.

Highlights: A Thousand Horses, Brothers Osborne, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr, Merle Haggard, Neal McCoy, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail, Jon Pardi, RaeLynn and Travis Tritt.

When: July 29 – 31 and Aug 5-7 

Where: The Gorge Amphitheatre – 754 Silica Rd., George, Washington. Find directions here.

Pemberton Music Festival 

Another festival worth checking out this summer features some of Canada’s biggest music at Pemberton Music Festival. Presented by Huka Entertainment you can expect 4 glorious days of music, comedy, arts and friends camping at the foot of the awe-inspiring Mount Currie.

Highlights: Snoop Dogg, Bassnectar, Wolf Parade, Grace Potter, Rae Sremmurd, and Maria Bamford (Jul 14), J. Cole, Kaskade, FKA Twigs, Flosstradamus, Method Man and Redman, Cold War Kids, and Nick Swardson (Jul 15), the Killers, Wiz Khalifa, Ice Cube, Billy Idol, Cheech and Chong, and Kyle Kinane (Jul 16), and Pearl Jam, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Halsey, DJ Snake, Mac Miller, and Craig Robinson and the Nasty Delicious (Jul 17). Purchase tickets here.

When: July 14 – 17

Where: Pemberton Valley, Pemberton, BC

Summer Night Concerts at the PNE 

The Fair at the PNE is one of the most popular events in BC and an annual tradition for thousands of families from across the province. I know it is always a must-do for my family this time of year. I even had the opportunity to perform on stage during the Summer Night Concerts with my dance group a few years in a row.

With all-star performers coming to the PNE from Pop, Rock ‘N’ Roll, R&B and Country, music lovers will be all ears with electrifying performances each and every night of The Fair. Also coming up, plan to take in a nightly feature show of magic and illusion at the Pacific Coliseum, a feature exhibit around one of the most popular videogames in history leading to a highly-anticipated animated film, an expanded Craft Beer festival as well as an all-new line-up for the iconic Summer Night Concerts.

Highlights: Tim Hicks, Chris Isaak, Foreigner, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Steve Miller Band, Culture Club, The Sheepdogs, Simple Plan and Hedley.

The Summer Night Concerts will run every evening at 8:30pm starting on Saturday August 20th in the PNE Amphitheatre, and are FREE with admission to the Fair. For superfans, the PNE is offering reserved seating at each of the shows; fans should visit the PNE.ca for details.

When: August 20th to September 5th 

Where: The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – located in Vancouver on Hastings Street, just off Highway #1 West – Exit #26.

Centre of Gravity 

More than 30 of today’s hottest artists will perform at this year’s Monster Energy Center of Gravity (MECOG) along with eight time Grammy Award winner Skrillex, Dutch DJ/producer Afrojack, and hip hop legend Ice Cube. Produced by Wet Ape Productions in partnership with Live Nation Canada, MECOG returns to Kelowna, BC’s, City Park from Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10.

Now in its’ ninth year, MECOG will again be showcasing an exciting mix of high energy electronic, urban, and live music across four stages to over 30,000 attendees on the shores of Lake Okanagan. Other feature artists include Machine Gun Kelly, Showtek, Kid Ink, Destructo, Party Favor, NGHTMRE, Vinai, Stickybuds, and SNBRN.

As Canada’s hottest beach festival, MECOG combines the world’s top musical acts with over 150 international athletes competing in seven adrenaline pumping sports including beach volleyball, basketball, wakeboarding, freestyle motocross and snowmobiling, skateboarding, and BMX.

When: July 8-10 

Where: City Park, 1600 Abbott St., Kelowna 

Buy tickets here: http://centerofgravity.ca/kelowna/tickets/

Carnaval del Sol 

Coming up this weekend, Carnaval del Sol a FREE 2-day festival featuring live music, art, dance, sports, and poetry creating that Latin American vibrance in Vancouver. There will be more than 300 artists, 25 bands, dance performances/lessons, and special activities for the kids. This year, there will also be the first FREE Culinary Show featuring a fusion of chefs from Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and Canada. Latin American food vendors will also be available throughout the festival. There will also be a Canadian Latin American-inspired fashion show and a ‘World Mini Cup Series’ soccer tournament. Everyone is welcome!

When: July 9-10, 10am -10pm 

Where: Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific, Vancouver (accessible via SkyTrain at: Stadium-Chinatown Station and Main Street-Science World Station)

Taste of Park Royal 

Did you know Park Royal has over 35 dining options and over 10 patios? Bring your appetite to Taste of Park Royal on Saturday, July 9, when over a dozen of Park Royal‘s dining operators share free samples of some of their most popular creations. From fro-yo to PERi-PERi chicken… taste it all! Free to the public, family friendly, toe-tappin Afro- Cuban vibes of Kutapira and Jazz stylings of Karla Sax.

This event comes on the heels of the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Milestones, featuring over 30 new dishes and an updated indoor/outdoor bar & lounge area. To celebrate, Park Royal Milestones is giving one lucky person the chance to WIN dinner for 6!! To enter, participants must “check in” to Park Royal on Facebook or Instagram during the event with a photo of the event and they will be entered for a chance to win. Visit http://www.shopparkroyal.com/ for full event and contest details.

When: Saturday, July 9 from 1-4pm 

Where: Park Royal, located in Park Royal South between SIMONS & ANTHROPOLOGIE 

Bard on the Beach

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival has something for everyone whether you want to snuggle with your sweetie or bring the whole-family. The festival delivers great entertainment in addition to its four plays, with special events and activities for everyone! From Fireworks nights to concerts and glimpses behind-the-scenes, here are six unique special events at Bard this summer.

Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – July 23, 27 & 30

Enjoy a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor or Othello, followed by a hot salmon BBQ dinner and dessert, and on-site entertainment including the internationally-acclaimed Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. The evening peaks with a private view of the Celebration of Light fireworks display. Events begin at 5pm on Saturday July 23, Wednesday July 27 and Saturday July 30. Tickets from $95.

Family Nights – July 6, August 3 & 31

Before performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor or Romeo and Juliet, the Bard Village opens 30 minutes early for family-friendly activities including arts and crafts with Luminous Elephant and photos in the PIXSTAR photo booth. 30 minutes before the performance begins there’s a Mainstage Tent Talk, an exclusive activity designed just for kids and their families. Special package pricing offered. July 6 & August 31 (Merry Wives) and August 3 (Romeo and Juliet).

Salon Series – July 18, August 29, September 5 

Discover the secrets of what it takes to bring a Shakespeare play to life. Hear from play directors and set and costume designers in a lively on-stage presentation, as they give a taste of the wonderful world of theatre production. Then network with fellow theatre-goers and panelists in the Bard Village. Events take place on July 18, August 29 and September 5.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Live at Bard – July 11 & 18 

Back by popular demand, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra entertains against the beautiful backdrop of the BMO Mainstage. On Monday July 11, Tania Miller conducts Beethoven, Rossini and Tchaikovsky, with soloist Albert Seo, cello (a VSO School of Music Concerto Competitions winner). On Monday July 18, enjoy Mozart, Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaugh Williams, conducted by VSO Assistant Conductor William Rowson; the soloist is violinist Nicholas Wright.

Exploring Shakespeare – July 16 & August 13 

Join Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra as he delivers in-depth explorations of Bard’s 2016 Shakespeare productions.  Audience members will have a chance to ask questions as they receive fascinating insights into this season’s plays. Saturday mornings at 11am. Explore Othello on July 16 and Pericles on August 13.

Opera and Arias: The Magic Flute – August 29 & September 5 

Thrill to a performance of Mozart’s beloved opera, The Magic Flute, performed as a costumed concert by the rising stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble, directed by Nancy Hermiston. They’re joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, conducted by Leslie Dala. Matinee and evening performances, Monday August 29 and Monday September 5.

Bard productions are staged in modern theatre tents on the waterfront against a stunning backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. Play performances run Tuesdays through Sundays, special events on select Monday evenings. All evening performances start at 7:30pm; matinees begin at 2pm on select weekends and weekdays.

The performance schedule and full Festival details can be found on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. For more information and tickets, call 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559 or order online through the Bard website. #Bard2016

Where: Vanier Park, 1000 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

When: June 3 – September 24

Image Jason Keel

The Drive-In

Going to see a movie at the drive-in is one of the best nights all summer!!! I look forward to this all year and I know a lot of you guys do too. My cousins ask all year when can we go and we are planning our next visit as we speak.

There are two Drive-In’s you can check out in Metro Vancouver. The Twilight Drive-In in Langley. Open every night, rain or shine with a new double feature each week from Sunday to Thursday and a third showing on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission is $12.50, with children under the age of 12 being $7.50 and seniors being $9.50. Admission price counts for however many shows you decide to stay for that night. On Tuesdays, general admission gets discounted to $9.50! For showtimes click here and for pricing and Tuesday and Thursday specials click here. You can check out the movies that will be playing throughout the summer here.

Where: 260th Street & Fraser Highway, Langley. For directions click here. 

When: Open every night, rain or shine. 

Or back by popular demand, Drive-In Movies at River District in South Vancouver, starts July 9th! Wesgroup is once again partnering with Fresh Air Cinema to bring a great selection of movies to River District. This year’s lineup includes classic hits like Grease and Top Gun as well as kid favourites Zootopia and Frozen. There is something for everyone!

Come down to River District, travel back to a simpler time, enjoy tasty treats and some great movies. This memorable experience will take place every weekend this summer. A carload parking pass is $20 for each show and all vehicle passengers are free! Click here for more details.

July 9 – Office Space

July 16 – Monty Python & The Holy Grail

July 23 – Aladdin

July 30 – Grease

August 6 – Top Gun

All of August’s shows are free – presented by Wesgroup Properties

August 7 – The Jungle Book

August 14 – Zootopia

August 21 – Frozen

August 28 – The Angry Birds Movie

Where: River District Drive-In, South Vancouver – 3650 East Kent Avenue at Boundary Road 

(1/2 Block south of the intersection of Marine Way and Boundary Road)

When: July 9th to August 28th. 

Evo Summer Cinema Series 

One of my favourite nights of the week during summer are Tuesdays because of the FREE Outdoor Movie Night in Stanley Park! The only rule is that you bring your own blanket or lawn chair to enjoy one of the classic family-friendly films on the inflatable four storey tall movie screen, starting at dusk. My mom and sister and I ride our bikes down to the park well in advance, lay out a Mexican blanket to reserve a good spot and bring snacks and pizza to share for movie night with 5000 other Vancouverites. No blanket? No problem! There are brand-new lawn blankets for sale at the Fresh Air Cinema Snack Bar.

You can jazz it up for the ultimate summer date night with reserved front-row seating in their comfy and relaxing Muskoka chairs for $20. There’s also a Dinner + Movie combo you can purchase, check it out here. Don’t miss it, definitely one of the highlights of summer!

Highlights:

July 5 – The Outsiders

July 12 – Napoleon Dynamite

July 19 – The Little Mermaid

July 26 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show

August 2 – Space Jam

August 9 – Labyrinth

August 16 – Purple Rain

August 23 – Dirty Dancing

For a full list of movies and to view their trailers click here.

When: Every Tuesday, July 5 – August 23 

Where: Second Beach – Ceperley Meadow in Stanley Park – 8501 Stanley Park Drive 

Summer Night-Out Giveaway 

One lucky listener could win: 

4 Reserved Seats to EVO Summer Cinema Movie Night in the Park and 8 CARLOAD PASSES to the Drive-In Movies at River District. 

Another lucky listener could win: 

2 tickets to Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – July 27

Enjoy a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor, followed by a hot salmon BBQ dinner and dessert, and on-site entertainment including the internationally-acclaimed Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. The evening peaks with a private view of the Celebration of Light fireworks display. Events begin at 5pm on Wednesday July 27. Tickets valued at $200.

Tell us what you are looking forward to most this summer in the comments on JRFM.com!

Can’t wait to check these out myself!! You know I’ll be at the drive-in and movie night in the park!!

Hope to see you guys there.

Natalie xx