You don’t need to believe a politicians ’s promise to have “the best  summer ever” because New West Theatre and local artists and arts organizations already have that in hand.
 New West Theatre will presenting  live music, magic, drama and much more in their new summer series Art in the Park running from July 10- Sept. 11 at four different city parks every Saturday.
 Performances will be rotating through the Civic Park, downtown, behind the LSCO, Henderson Lake, Legacy Park in the north and  Nicholas Sheran Park on the west side.

“We’ll be presenting free performances throughout the summer at various parks across the city,” said New West Theatre artistic director Kelly Reay.

“ We’re doing this because A: Artists haven’t been able to perform live in a year and a half and B: because people haven’t been able to see arts live in a year a half.

 “So this is a celebration of arts in the city because performers bring so much joy to people when they see actual live arts performances,” Reay continued, adding  they aren’t doing their usual  main stage variety shows this summer.

Casa has reopened just in time as Covid health restrictions loosen and Lethbridge artists are ready and raring to go as they unleash a year and a half of pent up artistic energy.
 Casa is offering a variety of activities, including outdoor classes, studio time and Summer camps for children in July and August.
 The week-long classes in clay, textiles, drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and sculpture. Camps will run full days from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“It’s been a little slow so far. But it will pick up as word spreads that we’re open again. We’re in a bit of a transition period now,” said Allied Arts Council Communications manager, Kelaine Devine, noting artists can book studio time and classes are starting up again including the always popular clay and pottery classes.

“They always fill up fast,” she said, adding artists wishing to rent studio time must register in advance by appointment only. Studio access will be available 10 a.m.– 9 p.m.; Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting 403-327-2272.

A lot of activities are planned to take place in Rotary Square including classes including still life painting featuring costumed models posing for artists of all skill levels.

Holding classes outside will take advantage of nice weather.

“They’re usually between 6-8 p.m. when there‘s no direct sunlight,” she said, adding  if you want to make art on you own, the Allied Arts Council also sells arts kits.

The Lethbridge Folk Club is excited to be back in action this summer with two big outdoor shows planned.
“It’s been a long time,” said Lethbridge Folk Club president Tom Moffatt, noting the last indoor show the Folk Club hosted was the Small Glories last February.

“But last  summer we were doing  curb-side concerts. We did that until September and after that the weather got a little iffy. I think there is a real pent up demand for live music,” he said, adding they are excited to bring back Winnipeg bluesman Big Dave McLean, to play the John Martin Recreational area in Pavan park (110-62 Ave North) Local bluesman Keith Catfish Woodrow will be opening the show at 1 p.m.

“ Dave was one of the guys we had to cancel because of Covid, so we’re excited to bring him back,” Moffatt said, adding tickets will be for sale at Casa.
 As it is in an enclosed picnic area, tickets for the show are $35 for Lethbridge Folk Club members, $40 for non- members and $10 for students.

“ We weren’t sure about the regulations changing, so we planned two outdoor shows. Hopefully by September  we‘ll be able to have indoor shows again.”

 The other show will be a free folk festival happening Saturday, Aug. 14  from noon until 7 p.m. at  Legacy Park, featuring three local bands and three out of town acts.

 The Junkman’s Quire will be playing their unique blend of folk/ jazz/ blues and Scottish music, The Steve Keenan Band will be playing some blues music and Celtic Routes will be playing Celtic and roots music.