The West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend is pleased to announce their 2019 “Wednesdays’ Familiar Favourites” Sunset Concert Series. They will be hosting five performances at the beautiful stage on Grand Bend’s beach, right at the end of the Main Street strip. “We put bands on the stage playing music everyone knows and loves,” says organizer Mary Alderson. The concerts are held every other Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in July and August. 
This year’s line-up includes:
Wednesday, July 3 – Crooner Michael Vanhevel and the Jimmy Stahl Big Band, with vocalist Theresa Wallis. Enjoy our own Sinatra sound-alike.
Wednesday, July 17 – Opry Gold, with the ever-popular Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band. Grand Ole Opry classics and today’s rockin’ country hits!
Wednesday, July 31 – The McCartney Years with Yuri Pool. The Beatles and Wings music, with “The world’s no.1 Paul McCartney tribute experience.”
Wednesday, August 14 – Cliff Erickson brings back memories of the 50s, 60s & 70s with his own brand of humour and his signature 12-string guitar.
Wednesday, August 28 – Grand Bend’s own Monday@Mikes. Celebrate with a Big Beach Party. All familiar favourites!
The concerts serve several purposes – they are a great outing for Grand Bend’s many senior residents and cottagers. Plus they serve as an economic development tool, attracting campers and tourists to Grand Bend mid-week. Grand Bend is always packed on summer weekends, so restaurants, bars and pubs like to encourage visitors mid-week.
The West Coast Lions bring their popcorn cart to the concerts, selling bags of delicious, aromatic, fresh-popped corn, with profits going to local community service or the Dog Guides Foundation.
The Lions have several reasons for organizing the concerts: They are a great outing for Grand Bend’s residents, as well as cottagers and campers who spend their summers here. The concerts also offer an opportunity for area seniors to get out and socialize. Plus they serve as an economic development tool, attracting tourists to Grand Bend mid-week which benefits the village’s restaurants, bars and pubs.
Alderson reminds concert-goers to bring their own lawn chairs, as well as their wallets. “These are ‘Pay What You Can’ concerts, so we hope everyone will contribute.” Lions Club members will be circulating before and after the concerts and during intermission, seeking donations in their colourful beach buckets.
While the ‘Pay What You Can’ buckets are necessary to bring in top quality entertainment, the Lions Club is also grateful to their other sources of funding. Grants were gratefully received from the Cordelia Power Vibrancy Fund, the Municipality of Lambton Shores, Lambton Creative County Grant Program, and the Grand Bend Community Foundation.
In addition, there are Golden Sunset Sponsors – Grand Bend Legion Branch 498, Geo-Teck Heating & Cooling, Physiotherapy Alliance, and Tourism Sarnia-Lambton. The Silver Sparkling Lake Sponsor is Bluewater Windows and Doors, and the Bronze Sandy Shore Sponsors are Robert Q Travel, Denny’s Drive-In, Hoffman Funeral Home, UBU Fashions, Prosper’s Garage, Hair Bend’rs, Paddingtons Eatery & Ale House, The Iron Barn, and the Gallery on Main Street.
Parking is free on the beach after 7:00 p.m., and after 5:00 p.m. on Main Street on weekdays.