“People just love to listen to local music in a farm setting.”
The recipe for one of Abbotsford’s favourite summer events is really as simple as that. Take some of your favourite local musicians and add the beautiful backdrop of Fraser Valley farms, paired with delicious local food and beverages. Together, they create the fourth annual Sun & Soil Concert Series returning this July and August.
First launched in Abbotsford during the pandemic, organizers quickly recognized the regional draw. This year’s series features two shows in Abbotsford and two shows in Langley, says Craig Nichols, executive director of Tourism Abbotsford.
Here at home, audience favourite Ryan McAllister – fresh off a cameo performance on CTV’s reality series Farming for Love – will thrill fans with a 90-minute set July 22 at Cannon Estate Winery.
“The vineyard is just a magical space and Ryan has always been a great supporter of Tourism Abbotsford,” Nichols says.
Tickets include a sharing charcuterie box (one per pair) from Lepp’s Farm Market and a bottle of wine from Cannon Estate Winery, with local beverages available for purchase, including from the winery, Old Yale Brewing Beer and Taves Estate Cider, along with non-alcoholic options.
On Aug. 19, the Tanner Olsen Band lights up Lakeland Flowers, where the cool country tunes and colourful setting will be complemented by a choice of four dinner options from Raven’s Brewing Company, and a choice of beverages from Ravens, Ripples Winery + New Wave Distilling, or Taves Estate Cidery.
In addition to the two Abbotsford dates, audiences can enjoy two more nights in the country in nearby Langley.
July 8 kicks off the series at the Fraser Valley Cider Company with a 90-minute set from Antonio Larosa, offering a fresh take on Canadian country-rock.
Guests will enjoy one of the cidery’s shareable Tiffin Tins for Two (one per per pair), with an assortment of local meats and cheeses (vegetarian or vegan option available by request), along with beverage options from the host, or wine or beer from Langley producers.
Closing things out Aug. 26 is a performance from vocal powerhouse Shawna Palmer at Roots & Wings Distillery, a micro-distillery near Fort Langley. Round out the evening with a Charcuterie Cup with a Pretzel from Oldhand Coffee (vegetarian or vegan option available upon request), and a selection of beverages from Camp Beer Co, Locality Brewing and Sidekick Brewing, Pentage Winery, Fraser Valley Cider Company or the night’s host, Roots and Wings Distillery.
Plan your Sun & Soil summer today
Sun & Soil performances all run from 6 to 8 p.m. and guests are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the show. Tickets for each date are $130 per pair (or $65 per person). Learn more at thefraservalley.ca/plan/sun-and-soil