Vancouver fireworks crowd treated to lively Latin rhythms and world music at Shore Fest

Shore Fest, a musical component of the Celebration of Light, regaled Vancouverites with an eclectic mix of folk, country, and Latin music performances before the fireworks went off on Wednesday at Sunset Beach. The grass in front of the outdoor stage was spotted with locals lounging in the late afternoon sun, bobbing their heads to local talent The Breakmen, Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson, Ache Brasil, Grupo America, and The Be Good Tanyas. 

The show drew a diverse audience, from families with toddlers to lone hipsters, and almost all seemed to have arrived by bike. As the sun set, cyclists and joggers veered off of the seawall to check out the inviting scene. Stand up paddle boarders also peered across the bay, curious to see where the echoing sounds were coming from.

The Fireworks on Wednesday were hosted by Brazil, so it was no surprise that the local group, Aché Brasil was at the festival. Their high energy performance, mixing traditional Brazilian dance and martial arts with Brazilian music such as Samba, Coco de Roda, and Maracatu, was the highlight of the festival. It is no wonder the group recently won “Live Performers of the Year” at the West Coast Music Awards.

The group’s male dancers and musicians wore colours of the Brazilian flag, while the female dancers changed from one elaborate costume to the next for each song; they saved the best for last, marching onto the stage donning sequins and bright feather plumes. 

There is one more chance to check out the Shore Fest and fireworks this Saturday August 4th at Sunset Beach. See the schedule for details:  http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/artists/shore-fest