Picture this: a lazy summer evening in the Rainbow Valley, the sun setting over the lush greenery, and the valley alive with the sound of music and poetry. This can be your reality this summer at the Sounds from the Valley: Music and Poetry event hosted by the Edmonton Public Library all summer long. It’s the kind of picturesque backdrop that could make even the most mundane Instagram feed look like it belongs in a travel magazine.
“Sounds from the Valley — now in its third year — grew out of a desire to promote the rich Edmonton art scene by providing a free concert where people can enjoy music and poetry created right here in Edmonton,” says Neil Jackson, part of the Capital City Records team for EPL. He describes it as an opportunity to “bring people together and give artists a chance to showcase themselves to people they might not normally have access to.”
Another unique addition this year is Sticks and Stones, a three-piece percussion band that plays 7:00pm July 9. It only plays percussion, and one of the instruments is a 230-pound rosewood marimba. Jackson shared, “It’s going to be something really different compared to what we normally have.”
Stephen Stone, a member of the Sticks and Stones Percussion Band, shares, “We do play a little bit of every style of music. We especially play a lot of upbeat pop music because on the side of the street, that’s probably the easiest way of connecting with a lot of people.”
Stone says the band submitted its newest album to the library to take part in the event. “Probably the thing I’m most proud of is we put out this album, which is where the connection to the library is. I took folk music from 15 countries, did some arrangements, blended it with pop, rock, and jazz, and did some creative things.”
If you can’t make it on opening day — worry not, Sounds from the Valley isn’t just a one-day wonder. It’s a season-long series of musical and poetic performances that have slowly built a loyal fanbase. It’s like that cool underground band that only your friend knows about — until now. Every Tuesday from July 2 to August 27, a new lineup of local talent takes the stage, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience that keeps people coming back for more.
Attendance has started to increase, and the event has gained a bit of a fan base. Neil notes, “We’ve noticed we have a repeat group of people who look forward to it every year. The expansion of the audience is one thing we’re really proud of.”
The event is evolving performance-wise, too. This year, visual artists are joining the lineup, as part of Capital City Arts. “We’re going to have the Everything Calligraphy Society, a fine artist, a painter, and an illustrator,” says Neil, “It’s an extra addition to the events, which is going to be really cool.”
But it’s not just about the music. The poetry readings are equally captivating, offering a chance to hear some of Edmonton’s finest wordsmiths. The spoken word artists here can weave tales that make you laugh, cry, and think — sometimes all at once. Imagine sitting under the stars, listening to a poet whose words dance through the night air, punctuated by the rhythmic accompaniment of Sticks and Stones. It’s the kind of cultural experience that makes you appreciate the simple yet profound joys of life.
What really makes “Sounds from the Valley” special, though, is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a place where artists and audiences alike can come together, share their passions, and connect over a shared love of creativity.
So, if you’re looking for something to do in Edmonton this summer that’s a little off the beaten path, stop by the Rainbow Valley with a blanket and a picnic, and get ready to be serenaded. Rain or shine, the show is on, says Neil, “If it’s raining and you don’t see any activity taking place outside, it’s on inside — it’s always on,” he assures.
