It was a glorious day for the Music in the Park event last weekend. Mat Duffus kicked off the festivities with a few magic tricks, after which no audience member was allowed to just sit and watch when the music and dancing began in the afternoon sunshine.
Duffus brought the community together with spirited participation asking various audience members, young and old, to join him on stage, playing the kazoo, acting as a human music stand, judging a dance-off contest, eating snakes and singing back-up vocals.
Billed as a interactive folk singer with a set list spanning from 2014 all the way back to 1862, Duffus’ motto is, “fun for everyone.”
After taking a six-year hiatus, he returned to Nakusp to spread joy and laughter with his highly engaging stage antics.
Duffus acknowledged Mayor Karen Hamling’s hard work and dedication to making the Music in the Park a summer mainstay for the last 17 years. He invited her up on stage to sing a duet with him to the tune, “Shake Rattle and Roll.”
Musical instruments were freely distributed to the kids who did more dancing and giggling than you can stick a shake at.
Nancy Bone, representing Stepping Stones Day Care was also on hand to distribute free books to the dancing audience.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a local or not,” Karren assured the crowd, “everyone can walk away with a book tonight.”