Planning for one of Whistler’s favourite summertime happenings is underway, with the Whistler Summer Concert Series’ (WSCS) producer named for 2024. Whistlerite Kristen Robinson was awarded the contract at a recent council meeting.
According to a press release by RMOW, the past year’s contract was awarded through a Request for Proposals process in early 2023, which included an option to renew the contract upon review at the end of the season. The review was done, and staff proposed Kristen Robinson Productions to the Council for 2024 renewal.
The concert series is funded entirely through the province’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), generated by hotel tax, intended to support tourism programs and projects. The 2024 budget is $805,000 for the series, which includes all costs, including talent, related to the concert series.
As in 2023, the 2024 WSCS will feature 13 to 14 show dates, with the first on or around Canada Day and the last performance just before Labour Day. Specific show dates will be confirmed and announced as soon as possible. The performer lineup will take a little longer to confirm and will be announced in the spring.
The summary of 2023 and plans for 2024 were presented by Bob Andrea, Manager of Village Animations of Events. Following his presentation, councillors shared their support of the series with Coun. Arthur de Jong called it “a win-win for locals and visitors.”
Both Coun. Jessie Morden and Coun. Cathy Jewett asked to incorporate more local bands into the programming. In 2023, local DJs opened for the main acts. Coun. Jeff Murl suggested exploring multi-year contracts so the event producer could lock in acts sooner. The motion was carried unanimously, and Whistlerite Kristen Robinson was awarded the contract.
Coun. Ralph Forsyth added one final comment: “It’s a testament to how awesome Whistler is that a local resident has those connections and can book that talent. Pleased to see that the contract’s awarded to someone who lives here.”