Wednesday on the Wharf
Applications now open!
Wednesday on the Wharf is an open-air summertime concert series where people of all ages gather at Marine Peace Park to meet up with friends, soak up the evening sun, and enjoy live music.
The program is now accepting online applications for the 2025 concert series. Interested performers are invited to click on our link and peruse the application page which outlines the criteria and selection process.
2024: What a season!
From pop to soul, yacht-rock to country, and bhangra to blues, the 2024 WOW season was an electrifying journey through music. Time and again, WOW artists said that Salmon Arm is one of their favourite places to play, because the audiences are so enthusiastic and appreciative. Thank you to everyone who came down to enjoy the evening concerts and create this magical inclusive community event!
The first concert of the series on July 3rd was spearheaded by country music gentleman Ben Klick, who delighted the crowd with his brand of feel-good tunes and upbeat guitar twang. The following week’s heat wave was no match for Indigenous Indie-Rocker Francis Baptiste, who belted it out in English and Nsyilxcən while the crowd stayed cool in the shade. Not to be outdone, Kayla Williams and the Yacht Daddies brought the house down with their high-energy funk and R&B inspired from the glittery 70's on July 17th.
Kayla Williams and the Yacht Daddies
ROOTSandBLUES Festival performers BuenRostro brought their fusion of Indigenous Mexican, blues, jazz, and rock to the gazebo stage on July 24th and had everyone on their feet and clapping along. Up-and-comer Jeremy Kneeshaw electrified the crowd with his youthful charisma, slick guitar playing, and beachy-blues energy on July 31st, while En Karma raised the roof on Aug 7th- our first time having Bhangra on the WOW stage! It was an unforgettable night of energy, dancing, beats, and community.
BuenRostro
En Karma
Dawn Pemberton
Francis Baptiste
Josh and Bex
Ben Klick
Jeremy Kneeshaw
The magic went on as we moved through the month... Vancouver jazz scene staple Dawn Pemberton served up smooth vocals and powerhouse R&B energy to an appreciative crowd on August 14th, while Josh & Bex took advantage of the cooler evening on August 21st to deliver a languid, wondrous musical experience on banjo and guitar, full of laughs and warm, reflective sighs. It was hard to believe there was only one concert left!
August 28th marked the final WOW concert, and the first of what will be an annual WOW event: a mini Secwepemc powWOW, presented in collaboration with our Neskonlith partners. What a rich afternoon of cultural sharing and celebration! Audiences were treated to stories, dancing and drumming, and the gathering ended with an intertribal round dance, with everyone invited to join in.
The evening’s WOW concert began immediately after, and featured Indigenous artist Hayley Wallis. Her upbeat, soulful pop and lighthearted spirit made for easy listening, and sent us all on our way with good vibes in our hearts.
Hats off to our sponsors!
This by-donation concert series would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of local businesses and organizations that know the arts and culture enliven a community and make it a better place to live. We are so grateful for their support, and their commitment to accessible community events.
Thank you to all our sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Hayley Wallis
Inter-tribal round dance
