Enjoy live music, help the food bank

The popular Vale Summer Concert Series continues June 18 at Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park.

The June concert (starting at 7 p.m. sharp) is an exciting double bill featuring two rising stars on Canada’s music scene.

As always, admission to Vale Concert Series shows is free, but monetary donations to the Sudbury Food Bank are greatly appreciated. Every month, the food bank ensures thousands of Sudburians have food in the fridge, and funds raised by initiatives like the Vale Concert Series go a long way to ensuring everyone has enough to eat.

Kicking off the evening is Atlantic Canada recording artist Christina Martin, accompanied by Dale Murray (guitarist and vocalist for Cuff The Duke).

With five albums to her credit, Martin has won accolades and awards across Canada, and several successful international tours under her belt.

East Coast Music Awards include Female Artist Record Of The Year in 2008 and 2012, and an ECMA for Pop Recording Of The Year in 2009.

Martin’s video for the song “Two Hearts” hit No. 5 on Much More Music, while her fifth album, “Sleeping With A Stranger,” saw the single “Falling For You” receive extensive radio play on CBC Radio2, holding a spot on the top 20 for more than five months in 2013.

Martin’s style is described as “an effortless union between alt-country and rock with pop sensibility,” and renowned folk artist Dave Gunning says Martin's voice is “sonic perfection.”

The second half of the evening features folk-rocker Liam Titcomb of Toronto, accompanied by his drummer. Titcomb began performing at an early age and was signed to a record development deal by Sony Records when he was just 15.

In 2005, Titcomb released his self-titled debut album, which was produced by Grammy winner Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson, Elton John). Two singles from the first album reached the top 20 charts on Hot AC radio, with the tune “Sad Eyes” hitting the No. 9 slot.

In 2006, Titcomb recorded his second album in Nashville under the production of Jay Joyce (The Wallflowers). His third album, “Cicada,” was released in 2012 to critical acclaim.

Titcomb has opened for major acts across Canada, including Colin James and David Usher. He has also enjoyed acting roles on television in “Strange Days At Blake Holsey High” and starred as Jones in the CBC television drama “Wild Roses.”

Titcomb last performed in Sudbury four years ago as part of his charitable cross Canada tour for War Child humanitarian relief efforts.

The concert is rain or shine. This promises to be an enjoyable evening of music on the shores of Lake Ramsey.