2021 So Far

the news

Interior Health Lifting COVID-19 Gatherings and Events Order.

As of midnight November 30th, capacity restrictions on restaurants and public gatherings were lifted, meaning a rerturn to 100% capacity throughout the region. "We will be lifting the regional restrictions tonight and people will be able to host gatherings in their home and indoor events will be able to return to full capacity with proof of vaccination.” said Dr. Sue Pollock, Interior Health’s interim chief medical health officer. This is great news for the live music industry in the area, and we have been hearing from local venues already this morning.

House of Rose Announces It Has Been Sold

House of Rose Winery has been sold, and the new owners will not be continuing to run live events at the vineyard. Under the most recent ownership, the winery held over 200 music events featuring many of Kelowna's very best local musicians. Thank you, Aura, for the way you supported the local music scene while at the helm. You, and the venue, will be missed.

Fernando's Announces Its Permanent Closure

After being home to hundreds of live music events over the past decade, Fernando's has made the difficult decision to close its doors for good. This news represents a major blow to the local scene, local artists, and even touring artists that played the venue regularly.

Ben Klick's "Fishin' Off The Moon" Official Video Releases

The official video for Ben Klick's "Fishin' Off The Moon" release is now out, and it's a great vid. To watch the official video, just click on the Fishin' Off The Moon link.

Your Band Moms YouTube Channel Launches

A pair of young Kelowna women who are serious music fans have started a seriously irreverent and totally welcoming YouTube channel about the music they love and all that music means to them. Check them out by clicking on the Your Band Moms link.

The Curious Cafe All In on Live Music

The Curious Cafe downtown on Ellis St is the latest restaurant to enter into the live music space, and what a welcome entry they are. They have created a covered and heated outdoor patio out back where the now host live music on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, as well as having a DJ in on Saturdays.

OK Corral To Welcome Back Live Music

The OK Corral is planning to bring back live music this fall, government Covid restritions permitting. The hoped for return to hosting bands and artists will happen in October.

Gonzo Okanagan Releases Local Music Picks Spotify Playlist

Brad Krauza has developed and released a Spotify playlist of local artists tunes that are up on the popular streaming platform. It's an inclusive list, and you can find it at gonzonokanagan.com

Could This Be The Year of the Breweries?

Red Bird Brewing, Barn Owl Brewing, Copper Brewing, and Others

Red Bird Brewing hosted a bunch of Saturday afternoon shows out in their big parking lot last year, and are hoping to do the same this year, if Covid restrictions allow. They managed to get Sam Balson and Kentucky Eileen each to do a set a couple weekends ago. Already this year both Copper Brewing and Barn Owl Brewing have hosted live music events and are likewise looking to do more over the late spring, summer, and early fall months.

The Wineries Came Through, Will They Again?

The Vibrant Vine, The House of Rose, Priest Creek Winery and others.

An amazing array of wineries came through with gigs for musicians last year, providing artists a chance to play as well as giving their patrons a chance to listen to live music in a safe, outdoor setting. Places like The Vibrant Vine and House of Rose, who have both been hosting hundreds of shows each year for a long time now, were able to still move forward with a large number of shows, albeit in front of smaller crowds.

The Vibrant Vine has already booked over 30 shows for this year, and we're waiting to get numbers and artist info from other wineries. Sperling Vineyards also entered into the live music space this year and we were fortunate to catch Major Mambo there this summer. The owners have expressed the desire to do more of that in the years to come.

Creative Okanagan

Central Okanagan Music Strategy

Creative Okanagan started working with the Central Okanagan Music Strategy group last year to try and gain an understanding of what can and should be done to help nurture the music scene here in Kelowna. A series of phases have been agreed to and commenced that have included surveys and interviews and even an online summit with people in and around the space that is ongoing throughout the rest of April and into May.