Hello again readers, I hope you are all having a great summer.

As promised, I am out and about enjoying the sunshine, (to a sensible degree) good food, (to a less sensible degree) and some pretty great music too.

I am someone who feels there is a time and a place for all types of music. For me, for the past three weeks, that time has been 7pm Thursdays, and that place has been Mettawas Park in Kingsville, for their “Live at the Lighthouse” summer concert series.

Unfortunately I missed the first concert, but I was able to take in the last three in a row.

The first artist I saw was Molly Ferdinand who was billed as country/bluegrass but I found her to be more country/folk … not that it matters since I very rarely look into events or places before I go. You see I like to share my unbiased and often unfiltered opinion with you, dear reader.

Regardless, she had such a beautiful voice that I found so melodic and, in a way, so vulnerable. From Tom Petty to Bonnie Raitt, to Janis Joplin, to a beautiful rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” even though it made we wince (anyone with a song featuring their name understands this reaction fully) it was wonderfully sung.

I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, and I hope she makes it to Nashville, as was her intention.

The next act I had the pleasure of seeing was “Trio Caliente,”  a bit of a misnomer, given that there were four people, but who nevertheless turned out to be an amazing jazz band with a full sound. In a word they were terrific.

They played just the kind of jazz I like, smooth and silky, rather than staccato and busy. They covered greats like Miles Davis and Roberta Flack, with a sound reminiscent of any dingy jazz club … I could almost smell the cigarette smoke.

They wrapped up with some audience participation in their version of “Tequila.”  I’ll bet you can hear it now in your head, can’t you? You’re welcome for the ear worm.

The last act I saw was a duo “Petals of Gold” who were fun and upbeat and had a cool vibe that was very easy to listen to.

They covered hits like “Sweet Caroline “ to the delight of the audience and a couple of my favourites … to the delight of me, “Time after Time” and “Crazy Little Thing called Love,” as well as an awesome version of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

All three acts were vastly different but equally enjoyable … And it’s by no means over!

The summer’s concert series runs Thursday evenings at Mettawas Park from 7-8:30 p.m. until August 28th so there’s still lots of entertainment to come.

And best of all it’s free!

Thanks to Kingsville for the great entertainment … the popcorn machine was a nice touch, and the venue was perfect for a summer evening event.

There was shade, song and community, even a light breeze.

Don’t forget your lawn chair, or go early so you can park  close and listen from your car.

Maybe I’ll see you there.

~ All photos by Jolene Carley