One of the great free events of the summer is the Simms Park Summer Concert Series and this year鈥檚 itinerary opens with a performance from some local up-and-coming musicians.

The season opener is the SD71 Studio Band on Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m. The concert will run approximately 75 minutes.

The Studio Band is a jazz ensemble comprised of and led by students in the Comox Valley School District. The band plays a variety of swing, rock, latin, and funk tunes. The students range from Grades 10 to 12, are honour roll musicians in the district and represent the future for jazz music in the Comox Valley.

Simms Millennium Park is located by the 5th Street Bridge and across from Lewis Park. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Other featured Simms Park performances on Sundays at 7 p.m. include Rumble Jam Grooves & River City Sidemen on June 16, TBA on June 23, Blues Night with Thor Jonsson Band on July 7, Duo of Duos: Saskia Delaronde/Nathan Tinkham & Bruce/Judy Wing on July 21, TBA on July 28, and the Valley Cats on Aug. 11. The performers for the final two concerts, on Aug. 18 and 25, have yet to be determined.

A Food Bank Drive will also be included as part of the Aug. 25 concert.

For concert information please call the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371 or get updated information at www.courtenay.ca/simms

The Simms Summer Concert Series season is presented by the City of Courtenay and is sponsored by the 台湾MM裸聊室 Jet 98.9 FM.