Local pop artist Sachika has put together new live music programming to run all summer in the courtyard of the Cortes Natural Food Coop.

Beginning July 1, there will be free entertainment at the bandshell every Saturday night put on by the new group, Cortes Music Collective.

The Gorge Harbour Marina provided free live music for the island throughout the summer months for many years, but the marina canceled their summer lineup, along with the closure of accommodations and the Floathouse Restaurant. Sachika saw the gap in programming and values what live music offers to the community.

“Personally, I need a lot more music in my life, and this community is amazing and I feel like music is the heart of this community and to celebrate together is a gift,” Sachika said.

Sachika grew up on Cortes and is working with local musicians in the new series. Kavika Noble, another a collaborating musician, helped make a new stage to use in the bandshell from wood donated by the Klahoose First Nation.

“We just started to dream up some ideas, talk to the Co-op, and they said, 'yes,'” Sachika said.

Local artists that will be showcased in the series include Michael Keith, Kavika Noble, Rick Bockner, Rex Weyler and Johnny Hanuse.

To hear more about the community programming, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: