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Average Joe’s brings Boatapalooza back to the menu

Popular lakeside concert returns for a second round on July 11

This Sunday evening, from 4 to 7 p.m., the waters before Average Joe’s restaurant will be dotted with boaters hungry for tasty food and groovy tunes.

Boatapalooza returns lakeside bigger and better, with four shows planned throughout the summer.

The idea was born from Average Joe’s staff last year, who wanted to provide some entertainment in the wake of the first Covid wave.

“Something to break the old Covid routine” of last year, Average Joe’s proprietor, Jim Bruce said.

“It was a steady stream of boats all day long,” during last year’s event, he added. “They enjoyed it very much.”

See: Boat-A-Palooza taking place on Trout Lake this Sunday

Last year’s single day show is expanding to four this year, with Paul Pruneau and the Journeymen first to kick out the jams on July 11.

“I’ve played in every bar in this city” over the past thirty-odd years, Pruneau explained, “and I never thought I’d be playing on a dock in the middle of Trout Lake” he joked.

It’s been a while since the band tuned up together. Since Covid, they have not played in 18 months. “We might have to relearn all of our songs,” he cracked. “It will be fun.”

After their show, Maple Hill Project—who played at last year’s event—hits the stage on Sunday, July 25.

Shows are scheduled for August 15 and September 5 with the bands to be announced via Average Joe’s social media pages.

The concerts are free, and all are invited to row up dockside to listen.

Boaters can order from a special Boatapalooza menu online or by phone (online is preferred, the phone gets busy, Bruce said), and meals will be delivered via the restaurant’s Sea-Doo fleet.

“It’s kind of like the old days of A&W,” Bruce said. “We run out and drop it off right to their boat.”

No boat? No problem. Guests are welcome to enjoy the show from the patio. Call ahead to ensure a spot.

The event “has really taken on a life of it’s own,” Bruce said, adding that he plans to continue the event next year.

“I think it’s kind of a novel idea, and it certainly attracts a lot of people on the lake. It’s a fun time."

See: The hill was alive with the sound of music

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.


David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

About the Author: David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering civic and diversity issues for BayToday. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada
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