Summer evenings at the beach are about to come alive once again as the Chase Festival Society announces the return of Music on the Lake, taking place every Tuesday evening throughout July and August at Chase Memorial Park.
Presented once again with the support of the Village of Chase as the overall primary sponsor, the free weekly concert series will feature eight evenings of live music showcasing a mix of rock, country, blues, pop, and roots music from across the region and beyond.
Organizers say the continued commitment from the Village of Chase remains the foundation of the series, helping ensure Music on the Lake stays free, accessible, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike each summer.
All shows begin at 7 pm, and audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of music by the water.
Returning favourites include Dixie Fried Hep Katz, Tanner Dawson, Paisley Groove, and Shattered Blue.
Opening night on July 7 will once again feature the annual Show & Shine, with the park filling with classic and custom vehicles ahead of the evening concert. Organizers say the high-energy rockabilly sound of Dixie Fried Hep Katz makes them the perfect fit to kick off the season.
Joining the lineup for the first time are several new performers, including jugband ragtime blues duo The Vaudevillian, who recently opened several shows for Modest Mouse during a western Canadian tour. The Vaudevillian are also the only out-of-province act performing this summer, with the remainder of the lineup featuring artists from the local and regional area.
Also making their Music on the Lake debut this year are pop artist Kiana Layne, local musician Mike Gouchie, and The Angie Heinze Band.
“Music on the Lake has become one of those traditions that people genuinely build their summers around,” said Brock Endean, Chair of the Chase Festival Society. “It’s a place where neighbours reconnect, kids dance in the grass, and everyone can simply enjoy a beautiful evening together.”
Endean says maintaining free access to arts and culture programming remains a priority for the society.
Community support continues to play a major role in the series, with returning sponsors once again stepping forward alongside new supporters. Individual concerts are sponsored by the Chase Rotary Club, Safety Mart Foods, Sunshore Golf Course, Mayor David Lepsoe, Donna Smith-Bradley PREC, A&W Chase, the Bepple Family in memory of Jim Bepple, and the Chase Lions Club.
Organizers are also excited to welcome back Brad Clements of FreqHandy Audio Production Services to manage sound production for the season after what they describe as an outstanding experience last year.
“We were thrilled with Brad’s dedication and professionalism throughout the entire season,” said Endean. “Great sound makes such a difference for both audiences and performers, and we’re very happy to have him back.”
Attendance at the weekly concerts regularly draws between 300 and 500 people throughout the summer season, with many visitors making an evening of it by enjoying the beach, local businesses, vendors, and community booths.
Vendor and community booth applications are currently open. Businesses, artisans, non-profits, and community groups interested in participating can contact the Chase Chamber & Visitor Centre for registration information. Vendor spaces are fee-based, while community booth spaces remain free for local organizations.
Check out the full schedule here.