Nanoose Bay Cafe's annual Waterfront Music Series returns this summer, with the first show featuring the Beatles tribute band Dear Prudence on June 27.
This homage to the 'Fab Four' includes Jer Breaks (lead guitar), JP Maurice (rhythm guitar), Parker Bossley (bass) and Dicky Neptune (drums), according to the Nanoose Bay Cafe. Also performing that evening is New Road Echo.
The second show (July 11) welcomes Cowichan locals Big Dirty Boots to the marina-side stage with Eugene Smith opening the night.
Big Dirty Boots is made up of Kaj Falch-Nielsen, Dave Peters, and Tad Ruszel who all grew up in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. They bring together a harmony-driven blend of West Coast country and folk music. Known for their dynamic chemistry, rooted from childhood friendship, they always engage audiences to become fan-favourites at festivals and folk clubs.
This show is put together with the leadership of cafe owner/director Eli Brennan who grew up with the band members and has since enjoyed life-long friendship. The Moments Hospitality Collective co-founder and COO will be honoured as a 2025 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee later this year as a "Local Champion".
Next up, on July 25 is Juno Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda, whose latest blues collection Midnight Blues showcases her full-throttle raspy voice
“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” Shawanda said.
Opening for Shawanda is Sebastian Robles.
On Aug. 8 is a show featuring the West Coast-based indie folk rock outfit WiL and Company, led by the fiery, silver-bearded frontman Wil Mimnaugh, who will perform after a set by Cara McCandless.
The series wraps up with Faber Drive, and Desmond Day, on Aug. 22. Faber Drive is going back to their pop-punk roots with a new six-song EP that dropped in April 2025.
Their first album was released in 2007 and produced three top 10 singles with even more hits coming off their second and third albums. Faber Drive has toured extensively throughout Canada and abroad.
Doors for all five shows open at 5:30 p.m. Opening bands start at 6:15 p.m., with main shows going from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $38 and are available online through the Nanoose Bay Cafe's website.
Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. These are all ages events, with children under 12 years old free – must be added to original ticket purchase details.
