You'll need to go to West Lake to get In the Mood Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
That's where the Prince George Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the 100th anniversary of B.C. parks.
Because wind instruments don't have the chops to be heard outdoors, organizers decided a traditional brass band, 18-members strong, would be better, said Ruth Langner, general manager with the PGSO.
The theme of the three-hour show is called In the Mood.
The tradition of the brass band started in the mid-1800s in Great Britain and as B.C. is a British colony, many of the original colonists, settlers and workers came from there.
So not only is there a practical side to the brass band, but there is a nod to our history as well, she added.
For many communities, the town band was the only source of musical expression. This was especially true of isolated resource-based communities.
"So, call it 'Percussion in the Park' or 'Pops in the Park,' open air concerts are a signature event for brass and percussion ensembles," said Langner. "The celebration of Arts in the Parks goes back to the roots of music tradition."
People are invited to bring a picnic while they sit and enjoy the music.
"As we at the PGSO looked at ways of celebrating the 100th anniversary of BC Parks, the vision to bring back the tradition of the brass band was a natural," said Langner. "We will present a big band experience in West Lake provincial park and we will also celebrate with a large audience-sized cake to be served to anyone who comes out to the park."
West Lake provincial park is 22 km west of Prince George. Follow Highway 16 West and look for the signs.
