Chris Sharpe, the new cultural co-ordinator for the City of Thompson, has been bringing different musical acts into the city to perform at MacLean Park every Friday at noon during the summer as part of the city's Concerts in the Park initiative.
Last Friday Rishi Sookhoo, also known as DJ Snipa, a disc jockey originally from Trinidad and Tobago, came up from Winnipeg to spin some beats at MacLean Park.
Sookhoo, who has been in Canada for 15 years and has been a disc jockey for eight, says music is definitely his passion in life.
"I've always been into music, ever since I was a kid just listening to music, anything from country to dancehall to reggaeso I know music, and I love music - all kinds of it," he explains. "My knowledge of music is pretty big, I know everything from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and up to dateit's my love."
Sookhoo came to Thompson for the first time about a month ago to perform, and has been requested back three times since, including a being a disc jockey at the Element Bar & Grill. He says he loves coming to Thompson.
"The air is better, the people are really friendly out here the vibes are definitely here in Thompson!" he enthuses. "I was actually quite surprised. The first time coming out here I didn't know what to expect as a DJbut I'm just loving it."
About 100 people showed up to MacLean Park to listen to DJ Snipa's disc jockeying. He says it was great to see people up, dancing and having a good time, from special needs people to small children and the elderly. Sharpe says he's very excited about bringing artists like DJ Snipa out to Thompson. The Concerts in the Park will be going until Aug. 21, and if it rains they will be held in the City Centre Mall. Sharpe says he is currently looking at whether or not it is feasible for the City of Thompson to bring in musical acts in the winter, too.
Sookhoo says he'd love to come to Thompson again, and hopes next time he's up to be able to go fishing.
