Oak Bay is hosting a free pop-up piano concert at its newest public piano poised at Turkey Head.
Barring inclement weather, pianist Brooke Maxwell performs Friday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30.
Guests can also meet the visual artists who created Summerscape, the newest addition to the Arts Alive Painted Pianos, Cameron Neufeld and Asha Shakya.
Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture recommends audience members bring a chair and an umbrella.
Maxwell is a local freelance musician and sound designer, composer, arranger, and the co-creator of the acclaimed Ride the Cyclone.
He recently produced the cast album for Ride The Cyclone – now available through Warner Brothers on all major streaming services. He currently performs around the island with the Beautiful Maladies, The Chuckleberries, Wild Honey Pie and at his regular home base, Pagliacci's.
Get a taste of the music at brookemaxwell.com.
Painted pianos are out for public play across Oak Bay as part of the ArtsAlive summer program. Other artist-decorated pianos are in place at Cattle Point, Loon Bay, Estevan Village and Willows Beach (Esplanade).
Voting is also open for this year’s people’s choice sculpture.
As part of Arts Alive program, Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture installs sculptures – sponsored by individuals and businesses and on loan by the artists – across the community.
Each summer, art enthusiasts vote for a favourite, also putting it in front of Oak Bay council as a potential purchase.
The sculptures – this year’s theme is Beyond the Surface – remain on display outdoors in the community through to next year with a map available at Oak Bay recreation centres and online at https://www.oakbay.ca/sites/default/files/OBAC_2024_ArtsAliveMap.pdf.
The map encourages residents to explore the district to view the 2024 sculptures – all of the current sculptures are for sale with possession date after August 2025 – as well as previous purchases and other public art.
Each year, Oak Bay considers purchasing public art from the program to become part of its permanent public art collection. Between July and November the public can vote for their favourite artwork. The three sculptures that received the most votes will be evaluated by the Arts Alive jury to determine which artwork earns the title People’s Choice.
