With Canada Day festivities approaching and summer well underway, there's plenty to do in the Okanagan with a multitude of activities, festivals and events, live music and fun in the sun.
I paint a beautiful picture in my head of friends getting together to share food and time, and there is always that one person who brought the guitar and is leading a singalong while the sun sets, it is such a romantic vision in my mind, if only I could play an instrument.
For those like me who can't, we learn from or admire those who can, and this week Kelowna hosts the 3rd annual Okanagan Guitar Festival inviting guitarists and music lovers to immerse themselves in four days of concerts, masterclasses and workshops from July 4-7.
Develop your guitar skills with leading experts including Daniel Bolshoy, Iliana Matos, Alec Pearson and Philip Hansen.
The concerts will take place at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, while the masterclasses and workshops will take place at UBC Okanagan. For more information and to register, visit okanaganguitar.com
The Penticton Art Gallery welcomes renowned artist Robert Bateman for exclusive events on July 6. His work is included in many prestigious collections, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
This iconic special appearance at the gallery will include events such as an intimate discussion with the artist and a book signing at 11:30 a.m., followed by a larger public encounter, celebrating both the artist's illustrious career and a belated celebration of his 94th birthday.
The exhibition will run from July 5 to September 14 and will offer visitors a comprehensive overview of Bateman’s evolution as an artist and his profound impact on the art world. For more information on events and to book your visit, visit pentictonartgallery.com or call the gallery during business hours at 250-493-2928.
This weekend, experience the power and soul of Aretha Franklin's music, alongside the iconic First Ladies of Motown.
This Vegas style show features the incomparable Yolanda Branch Fletcher. Yolanda is an exceptional talent who performs with the world famous Platters and currently resides in Las Vegas. She performs at the Kelowna Actors Studio.
Tickets are available online at KelownaActorsStudio.com or call the box office at 250-862-2867.
Tickets start at $49 plus fees.
Prohibition Day takes over Friday nights in July.
This Thursday night residency is booked twice, so choose July 5th or July 19th for your Vegas-style concert of exceptional talent with the Anna Jacyszyn Trio. The band brings a jazzy edge to the music that will become a nighttime favourite. Bring your gang to the Crown & Thieves speakeasy in West Kelowna. Tickets via eventbrite.ca.
In Penticton, Friday night at Hub On Martin, it's Get Chico, who will rock the house starting at 9 p.m. $10 admission at the door.
Summerland hosts a blues festival on the rodeo grounds. Featured bands include The Lonesome Town Painters and Scout Mountain. The weekend also includes jam sessions, workshops and open mics. Weekend passes are $60 and day passes are $30.
There are affordable campsites and you can get all this information for your weekend on summerlandbluegrass.com/festival-details.
Sunday in East Kelowna, it's Vibes at the Vine with Sugar Lumnum Applegath who will give a free concert from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Vibrant Vine.
Nothing says Sunday afternoon like live music, the outdoors, and a food stand serving delicious snacks.
thevibrantvine.com/events/public-events if you are interested.
