Music by the Bay Seeks Sponsors for 10th Anniversary Concerts
Music by the Bay concert, 2024. (Photo credit: Scoop staff)
By Jo Boxwell
Music by the Bay will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The free Thursday evening outdoor concerts see talented local and out of town performers entertaining crowds of 500 to more than 1,000 people at Centennial Field in Blind Bay throughout the summer. Organized by the Arts Council for the South Shuswap, Executive Director Karen Brown explains that Music by the Bay has become the “second largest music event in the Shuswap after Roots & Blues.”
10 Years of Growth
Music by the Bay 2023 (photo contributed)
The first Music by the Bay concerts were held in 2014, which would make this year their 11th season were it not for the COVID cancellations of 2020. The idea for a free live music event came from past Arts Council board member Shera Niewenhuizen, and they started relatively small, with around 200 people attending those early concerts. For the first couple of years, Karen says, “we couldn’t get a food truck out here for the life of us. People wanted to stay in Salmon Arm.”
It wasn’t just the crowds that grew. After COVID hit, the music series added a new dimension with Market by the Bay, which is coordinated by the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce and attracts 60 – 70 vendors on average to each event. The night market hosts visual artists, artisans and farmers as well as a tasting garden featuring local wineries, cideries and craft breweries, and there are plenty of food trucks to choose from.
“Our culture is our way of life here in the Shuswap,” Karen notes. The concerts and the night market showcase diverse musical, artistic and food influences, and provide space for Indigenous creators.
As Music by the Bay approaches its 10th season, some things haven’t changed. From the beginning, Karen says the focus has been to create a “multi-generational event where grandparents can dance with their grandkids on the grass.” The concert series remains family friendly and open to everyone.
Supporting Local Businesses
Music by the Bay supports the local economy by helping to attract visitors to the area. Karen estimates the event also directly employs around 20 to 25 local contractors and businesses who contribute to the successful running of the concert series in various ways.
Sponsors Needed
Music by the Bay relies heavily on grant funding, and the Arts Council for the South Shuswap receives support for its programs from organizations including the BC Arts Council, the CSRD, BC Gaming, Creative Music BC and BC Touring. Shuswap Lake Estates is a major supporter of Music by the Bay as the owner of the private land on which the concerts are held.
Support from local businesses is needed to ensure a successful 10th season. There are two sponsorship levels available for businesses this year - $500 and $1,000. Charitable donation tax receipts are provided. Sponsorship benefits include being featured in social media and print promotion for this popular community event. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact assist@shuswaparts.com.
2025 Lineup
Pick up a copy of the June Scoop to see the schedule of performers for the 2025 Music by the Bay concert series. Bring family and friends as well as lawn chairs or blankets, have dinner, take in the market and enjoy an incredible live performance.
For more information about Music by the Bay and the Arts Council for the South Shuswap, visit:https://shuswaparts.com/
