Pickering, ON, June 28, 2019 – Mark Sunday, July 14th on your calendars because Pickering’s Free Sunday Summer Concert is stepping up Bahamian style.
The City of Pickering’s Summer Concert Series launches in early July and is held on Thursdays and Sundays throughout July and August. This year, one of the many free, fantastic concerts will celebrate the life and art of Pickering resident, Eric Minns; singer, songwriter, author, playwright, and artist.
Eric Minns was born in Nassau, Bahamas and moved to Canada in 1950. Eric made his home here in Pickering in 1973. Early on, Eric found himself in the spotlight in comedy shows and then branched out to musician-singer as he began writing his own songs. Eric’s first hit song in the Bahamas was King Eric and His Knights’ recording of Fox-Hill Gal, which was an instant hit and received three Timothy Awards in 1976. Eric’s most famous song “Island Boy” was performed by the Baha Men, in the movie My Father the Hero. Eric also received The Bahamas National Tourism Award in 1983 and a Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Achievement Award in 1987.
On Sunday July 14th the Esplanade Park Concert titled “An Eric Minns Celebration”, will be a true Bahamian celebration including performances by the band Ambasah and The Bahamas Junkanoo Legends. Ambasah is flying in from the Bahamas for the event. The band will play selections from Eric’s musical library: a mix of jazz, pop, and a wide variety of Caribbean rhythms. The Bahamas Junkanoo Legends are a group of friends who represent Bahamian culture through dance, drums, with various percussion and wind instruments.
Guests will enjoy a rare glimpse of Eric’s artwork. During the event the artist will exchange items for donations, which will fund a future scholarship at the University of Bahamas’ Music Department. This event is generously supported by the Bahamas Tourist Office Canada, the Bahamas High Commission Ottawa, in partnership with the City of Pickering.
Please join us for this special tribute concert from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Esplanade Park on Sunday, July 14, 2019.
The City of Pickering’s Summer Concert Series are held on Thursday’s and Sunday’s throughout July and August. For additional information visit pickering.ca/culture.
As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.
