On Canada Day I walked through Riverside Park a couple of times. Early on, I attended the Pancake Breakfast and it was very scrumptious. Later I returned and checked out some of the music. I caught a few tunes from Dr. Mike. He played a nice version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the John Denver classic “Country Road” on a stage in the park.

Soon after there was a simultaneous drumming performance. I believe local drummers, Raiden Taiko Drumming were playing along with drummers in Burlington, ON on a big screen. It was very cool.

Then, the iconic Kamloops Rube Band played songs appropriate to Canada Day. They played “Canada on the March,” and “Birthday Bouquet.” They managed to add a bit of fun and silliness with their costumes and presentation of tunes, as per usual.

Later I caught a few bands in the Beer Gardens. Perennial favourites Shattered Blue played plenty of songs from the 80s and 90s.

including “Kryptonite” by Three Doors Down, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean” and Ozzie’s “Crazy Train.”

The beer, wine and cidered flowed, the crowd moved tables into the shade and the great tunes kept on coming.

Next up was Locktight, led by Craig Novak. They did a fine job on a variety of rock genres. Some of my favourites were Al Green’s “Take Me To The River,” Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably

Numb” and Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.”

The last band I saw was a new one, called Spectrum. They played a very entertaining set and I really enjoyed their version of Tom Petty’s “Last Dance With Mary Jane.”

Members of Spectrum

I had other commitments so I didn’t stay for the main stage performances and the fireworks. By this time the park was very full and everyone was excited. It was a fun afternoon on a gorgeous Canada Day in Kamloops.