SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING ARTS
Next Thursday, Aug. 21, Centennial Park will resonate with vibrant Latin rhythms as Empanadas Ilegales, Vancouver’s beloved psychedelic cumbia and salsa ensemble, closes out the 2025 Summer Outdoor Concert Series (SOCS). Don’t miss the final event of the season running from 6 to 8 p.m.
Presented by Salt Spring Arts, the SOCS has brought a diverse array of musical talent to the island community this summer. The concert marks the season’s grand finale, offering one last chance for residents and visitors to enjoy incredible music in Centennial Park’s iconic open‐air setting.
Empanadas Ilegales delivers a signature blend of contagious cumbia rhythms, hypnotic guitar melodies, and experimental salsa trumpet lines to create a Latin surf-rock/free-jazz fusion. With members representing diverse Latin backgrounds, the band cultivates an immersive experience that takes any audience on an unforgettable journey. With their infectious beats and unique sound, Empanadas Ilegales are a must-have addition to any lineup, offering an unparalleled energy and vibrancy that keeps crowds moving and grooving all night long.
Opening the series finale is Salt Spring’s own Tommy Van Solo, with roots in Vancouver and the small mountain town of Kaslo. He is an original member of Vancouver’s tropical disco-rockers The Boom Booms, and the frontman/songwriter for the rock band Small Town Artillery Collective. As a solo artist, Tommy puts on a warm and deep-feeling concert, not afraid to engage with a crowd and lean into experimentation within the confines of his songs.
SOCS events are free to attend, though donations to support future arts programming are welcomed and appreciated.
For more info, visit saltspringarts.com/socs.