Musicians are an essential part of the fabric of Gabriola Island, which makes the arrival of the Brickyard Jam this year a welcome event. Adam Larson created the Jam along with musicians Bryce Lalonde, Johnny Sauvage, Nathan Sobko, and José Vieira. The weekly pop-up location on the south side happens every Wednesday during the summer season.

It arose in part due to a lack of outdoor music venues on the island and helps to foster an inclusive musical community on Gabriola. Everyone is welcome to witness, enjoy, and explore music.

The Brickyard Beach night has quickly become a favourite for many of the island’s musicians and music fans. Dozens of people of all ages attend. It's a real community event with dancing, singing and many people bringing potluck offerings.

The Jam starts at 4 in the afternoon. The musicians and organizers construct the stage and set up the equipment. Larson and the other organizers spend the evening running the event. They manage the sound, take sign-ups, and put together the evening schedule. Then at 10 they tear down and pack it all up, which can take until midnight or later.

There’s no cover charge. People donate what they can to show appreciation.

Larson says, “There’s not too much of a financial reward from it, but this is something I enjoy doing, and I treat it as a full-time job. But it’s kind of a full-time volunteer job.”

It’s not easy making a living as an artist on Gabriola Island, with rising food and housing costs. Donations, from both attendees and participants, ease the burden of providing the equipment and help cover other costs.

“It took us several months to accumulate all the lighting and sound. Audio equipment, everything we needed to make this run, was actually through the donations we received from attendees.”

Larson calls it a “labour of love” and plans to continue running music events as long as the community remains engaged. He credits residents for creating the event through their attendance, participation, and financial support.

For those who may have missed this summer’s programming, Larson says plans are to move the jams indoors for the winter. In May 2024, they’ll be back at Brickyard Beach.