Chad Saunders is a busy man. In-between calls from Sled Island staff and working at moving the station upstairs to the third floor of Mac Hall, he took two minutes out of his packed schedule to explain why the CJSW summer concert series will be the most happening gig at Olympic Plaza.
“It’s free. That’s the best thing ever,” says Saunders in practiced rapid-fire. “You go, you grab a quick bite to eat, you eat right in the park — probably the greatest meal you’ll ever eat will be at Olympic Plaza on these Saturdays.”
Saunders’ hyperbole might be spot on. Previous shows have seen hipsters splish-splashing in the Olymipic Plaza fountain to Azeda Booth or confused Stephen Ave. patrons encountering a punk rock show when least expecting it.
With lineups that include beloved Hot Little Rocket, thumpin’ rockabillies the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir and the Brenda Vaqueros, each show promises to bring some rock to downtown.
“These bands are amazing,” adds Saunders. “You got to pay dough to see those bands [usually].”
Saunders then rattled off the dates for those ready to start their nights off right at Olympic Plaza.
“June 6, June 20, July 4 — that’s American Independence Day; yankee doodle dandy is all I can say to that,” he says. “Then it all wraps up August 15.”