Local Entertainment

Jayce Barreiro (from left), Brock Morgan, Chad Rook, Kevin Durand, Emmanuel Addo and Ryan Robbins in Dangerous, which is in production in the Okanagan. (Minds Eye Entertainment)

Okanagan reels in record year of films despite COVID-19

Dangerous the last of 30 productions shot in the region in 2020

The Okanagan's own Marv Machura has written and produced a single appropriate to Christmas in 2020. (Marv Machura photo)

Okanagan song in tune with COVID-19 Christmas

Theme is timely during a Christmas unlike any other where many people are not able to see friends and family

Jayce Barreiro (from left), Brock Morgan, Chad Rook, Kevin Durand, Emmanuel Addo and Ryan Robbins in Dangerous, which is in production in the Okanagan. (Minds Eye Entertainment)

Okanagan stars in film featuring Mel Gibson, Scott Eastwood

Production underway in Kelowna, Quilchena, Kamloops and Lavington for Dangerous

John Beuhler performs at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in Vancouver in 2016. Beuhler will headline the Kelowna Curling Club for Train Wreck Comedy Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (YouTube photo)

‘COVID-safe’ comedy coming to Okanagan curling club

Eat and Laugh at the Kelowna Curling Club on Saturday, Nov. 21

John Beuhler performs at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in Vancouver in 2016. Beuhler will headline the Kelowna Curling Club for Train Wreck Comedy Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (YouTube photo)
Chantal Kreviazuk is breaking back into the concert scene, with two shows coming to Lake Country. (Contributed)

UPDATE: Chantal Kreviazuk Okanagan shows sell out in two minutes

Creekside Theatre hosts two shows of Canadian songstress

Chantal Kreviazuk is breaking back into the concert scene, with two shows coming to Lake Country. (Contributed)
Okanagan venues light up for visibility amid pandemic

Okanagan venues light up for visibility amid pandemic

Impact of COVID-19 on live event workers sparks Canadian movement

Okanagan venues light up for visibility amid pandemic
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Okanagan talent airs for Top of the Country

Okanagan talent airs for Top of the Country

Raquel Cole semi-finalist in SiriusXM contest with Canadian Country Music Association

Okanagan talent airs for Top of the Country
The 2020 Penticton Dragon Boat Festival will not be held due to coronavirus. (Western News file photo)

South Okanagan Dragon Boat Festival marks what would have been 20th year

COVID-19 forced the festival to postpone until 2021

The 2020 Penticton Dragon Boat Festival will not be held due to coronavirus. (Western News file photo)
Film production continues to be a growing industry in the Okanagan region. (Phil McLachlan - Black Press)

Okanagan film industry booming despite COVID-19

Productions booked into summer of 2021, with filming currently taking place in Kelowna, Peachland and Vernon

Film production continues to be a growing industry in the Okanagan region. (Phil McLachlan - Black Press)
Lil Jimmy Reed keeps up the tune on guitar and harmonica after climbing down from the Roots & Blues main stage to walk amongst the crowd during the 2018 festival. Reed will be one of the performers featured in the online 2020 festival’s first night. (Jim Elliot/Salmon Arm Observer)

Opening night lineup for online Roots & Blues festival released

The first night of the festival on Aug. 14 will be stacked with favourites from previous years

Lil Jimmy Reed keeps up the tune on guitar and harmonica after climbing down from the Roots & Blues main stage to walk amongst the crowd during the 2018 festival. Reed will be one of the performers featured in the online 2020 festival’s first night. (Jim Elliot/Salmon Arm Observer)
The sound of engines roaring and the smell of diesel filled the air at the Penticton Speedway on Saturday, their first race of the season. (Phil McLachlan - Western News)

In photos: Penticton Speedway celebrates opening weekend

Despite having to turn away roughly 700 cars, organizers celebrating a successful weekend of racing

The sound of engines roaring and the smell of diesel filled the air at the Penticton Speedway on Saturday, their first race of the season. (Phil McLachlan - Western News)
Armstrong MetalFest 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19 and recommendations outlined by provincial health officials. (Morning Star file photo)

COVID-19 knocks out Armstrong MetalFest

Tickets can be refunded or honoured next year

Armstrong MetalFest 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19 and recommendations outlined by provincial health officials. (Morning Star file photo)
Vernon resident Gabriel Newman started a YouTube channel called the Daily Goat on March 24, 2020, to share videos of his baby goats and alpaca named Jack with his friends to bring joy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (YouTube)

WATCH: Vernon man shares baby goat videos to show beauty amid pandemic

‘There is such a desperate need for some reminders of purities in this world’

Vernon resident Gabriel Newman started a YouTube channel called the Daily Goat on March 24, 2020, to share videos of his baby goats and alpaca named Jack with his friends to bring joy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (YouTube)
Brad Paisley performed with MacKenzie Porter at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday, March 6. (Phil McLachlan - Western News)

Gallery: Brad Paisley and surprise guest rock Penticton

The country music star surprised the Okanagan town with an appearance by Brett Kissel

Brad Paisley performed with MacKenzie Porter at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday, March 6. (Phil McLachlan - Western News)
Beyond the Woods, filmed in Westwold, is a psychological thriller which will be screened at the Kamloops Film Festival. (Beyond the Woods image)

Westwold film in spotlight at Kamloops Festival

Psychological thriller Beyond the Woods was filmed in the rural community

Beyond the Woods, filmed in Westwold, is a psychological thriller which will be screened at the Kamloops Film Festival. (Beyond the Woods image)
The Okanagan Singer Songwriter Competition is now open with auditions March 5-April 9. (Submitted Photo)

Local vocal talents sought for Okanagan stage

Okangan Singer-Songwriter Competition auditions underway

The Okanagan Singer Songwriter Competition is now open with auditions March 5-April 9. (Submitted Photo)
Ian Parker reunites with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra March 6-8. (Submitted Photo)

Old Friends return to Okanagan Symphony stage

OSO marks 60th anniversary with Masterworks series in Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon

Ian Parker reunites with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra March 6-8. (Submitted Photo)
The marrying of magic and dance - Celtic Illusion

The marrying of magic and dance – Celtic Illusion

Tickets still available for the Celtic Illusion show which starts at 8 p.m. this Saturday at SOEC

The marrying of magic and dance - Celtic Illusion
Singer Justin J. Moore, who was raised in Vernon, had a video with his father go viral online and on Feb. 2, 2020, he is preparing to release a duet with his opera singer mother, Melina Schein. (Justin Moore - Facebook)

Viral Okanagan singer to serve up Moore music

Justin J. Moore to release new video starring opera singer mom

Singer Justin J. Moore, who was raised in Vernon, had a video with his father go viral online and on Feb. 2, 2020, he is preparing to release a duet with his opera singer mother, Melina Schein. (Justin Moore - Facebook)
Penticton VegFest organizers Stephanie Groulx and Barbara Nixon stand outside the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre where the event will be held later in the summer. (Submitted Image)

First VegFest of the South Okanagan coming to Penticton

The festival is scheduled for Aug. 23, with speakers and entertainment all day.

  • Jan 19, 2020
Penticton VegFest organizers Stephanie Groulx and Barbara Nixon stand outside the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre where the event will be held later in the summer. (Submitted Image)