The free Simms Park Summer Concert series season kicks off with the G.P. Vanier Jazz Band on Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

Come enjoy great youth music.

The band is a group of about 20 talented youth musicians playing a diverse mix of jazz tunes. Jazz music is beneficial for students as it is fun to play, and it offers a mix of challenging rhythms and improvisation. Improvisation enables the player to let go of self-criticism, and be creative and expressive.

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

Other featured Simms Park performances on Sundays at 7 p.m. include The Goatboys on June 16, Sympatico on June 23, Nanaimo Concert Band on July 7, Blues Legends on July 21, Tijuana Brass Tribute on July 28, Big Little Lions on Aug. 11, Retro Rock Revival on Aug. 18 and My Generation on Aug. 25.

For concert information, call the Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371 or get updates at

The Simms Summer Concert Series season is sponsored by the Comox Valley Record, The Goat 98.9 FM, What鈥檚 On Comox Valley and the City of Courtenay.