If your summer MO is to put in as much beach time as possible (as it should be), then take note: the floating music and community festival, Throw a Boat Down in the Water, will be drawing crowds to Jericho Beach on Friday, June 27th.

To clarify: Throw a Boat Down…is not technically happening on the beach, since the onstage action will be set up onboard the historic (1903) Providence tall ship, and spectators are encouraged to come equipped with their paddleboard, kayak, canoe – you name it, so long as it floats! – as undoubtedly the best way to experience this event will be up close, on the water. (For folks who prefer to be on solid land, though, posting up on the shore with your beach blanket is also totally acceptable.)

Nor is it just a music festival. It’s also an evening of activism, since ticket proceeds are being funnelled into the Indigenous-led environmental protection organization RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs), and their fight to protect the marine ecosystem and strengthen Indigenous stewardship rights alongside the Heiltsuk Nation. From the organizers: “Heiltsuk Nation’s legal action arises from the devastating 2016 Nathan E. Stewart oil spill, which desecrated their traditional marine territory and shellfish beds. The case aims to affirm Indigenous governance over ocean spaces and secure accountability from the federal government. A win would set a powerful precedent for Indigenous coastal protection nationwide.”

Dig it? Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $15-25, to encourage all members of the community to join in the festivities. And although for now the full concert line-up of East Van artists is being kept under wraps, so far we know that the vibe is going to be funky, groovy and soulful. Headliners will be announced the day before the event, on Thursday, June 26th; stay tuned to RAVEN’s Instagram feed for that info. Performances begin at 7pm, with launch from Jericho Beach happening half-hour before, at 6:30pm. (Even if you’re staying on the sand, it’s probably still a good idea to show up early to stake out the best spot possible, of course.)

Hitting the beach and soaking up some early summer rays, while being serenaded and surrounded by cool, community-minded people – AND helping to support a good cause? That sounds like the perfect summer activity to us. So if you love music and give a sh*t about the environment and social justice, show up Vancouver!

Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach