April is a time of more sunlight, growth, and energy — it’s a great time to get outside and explore some of what Kelowna’s diverse art and culture scene has to offer! If you’re looking for something sweet to do over the next few weeks, here are four events that caught my eye.
Freeze the Fall: THRONES EP Preview with Kinshira
Where: Revelry Food + Music Hub (1383 Ellis St.)
When: Saturday, April 6, 2024. 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $15
Have you heard about Freeze the Fall yet? They’re one of the sharpest new bands in Kelowna and they’ve got people talking. The teenage rock trio first stepped on the stage together in early 2023, and they’ve been wowing people ever since.
I first saw them perform at Red Bird Brewing in June 2023, and I was instantly impressed with their skills and stage presence. These guys have some serious talent!
The band will soon release their debut EP, THRONES, and you can join them for a very special listening party at Revelry Food + Music Hub on Saturday, April 6. Performing artists Kinshira will also be on hand to entertain and delight.
Check it out and find out why Freeze the Fall is creating so much buzz in Kelowna’s music scene!
Darren Williams Solo Album Release Concert with The Cavernous
Where: Kelowna Unitarians (1310 Bertram St.)
When: Friday, April 12, 2024. 8 p.m.
Admission: $10 to $15
Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Darren Williams will perform alongside local electronic favourites The Cavernous on Friday, April 12. The show marks the release of Williams’ solo album Musical Idiot, a collection of original compositions for unaccompanied tenor saxophone. It is also the fortieth installment of the Skin and Bones Music Series — an Okanagan Arts Award-nominated concert series dedicated to the presentation of experimental music in the Okanagan.
The show will take place in downtown Kelowna at Kelowna Unitarians. If you haven’t heard of KU before, I highly recommend checking them out, too. KU is a diverse, inclusive community of curious and compassionate folk who come together to try to make sense of what it means to be human (I became a KU member back in February). They also have a little sanctuary in downtown Kelowna, right near the Cultural District, where the gig will take place.
If you’re looking for something different to do, Darren Williams’ solo album release concert with The Cavernous might be right up your alley. The concert is made possible through the partnership between the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art and the Inner Fish Theatre Society.
Folk Songs and Irregular Meters | Kelowna City Concert Band
Where: First Lutheran Church (4091 Lakeshore Rd.)
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024. 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 to $25
Did you know the Kelowna City Concert Band is Kelowna’s longest-running organization? The KCCB has been performing for over 130 years!
On Saturday, April 13, they’re presenting their 2024 Spring Concert, which will blend the rich tapestry of traditional folk tunes with the intricate rhythms of irregular meters (instead of the more usual 2, 3 or 4 beats to the measure, think 5, 7, 11 or even 13 beats; and switching between all of these in the same tune). The KCCB will present a selection of folk songs from around the globe, including some well-known tunes and others that may be new to attendees.
Robert Payne conducts the KCCB, and their Spring Concert will take place at First Lutheran Church on Lakeshore. Save the date and enjoy Kelowna’s oldest cultural institution!
Kelowna MapleFest
Where: Various locations in downtown Kelowna.
When: Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. Starts at 6:30 p.m. on April 25.
Admission: Pay What You Can (movie screening) to $20 (Sugar Shack Brunch)
All of the events in this month’s column are sweet in their own way, but I think it’s safe to say that this is the sweetest! The 45th edition of Kelowna MapleFest is a family-friendly celebration with music, artistic workshops, entertainment, and traditional food (including maple taffy).
The festivities start on April 25 with a special movie screening of the film Jacques at Le Centre culturel francophone de l’Okanagan. The film, presented in French with English subtitles, tells the story of Jacques Duhoux, who has lived alone in the Uapishka Mountains of northern Quebec for over 40 years. Even at 85, Jacques continues to live off the grid.
That’s followed by the ‘Family Day’ celebration on April 27, which promises fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stuart Park — get ready for tasty treats and live entertainment.
On April 28, the fun moves to the Laurel Packinghouse in Kelowna’s Cultural District as the traditional Sugar Shack Brunch delivers live music and delicious food.
Le Centre culturel francophone de l’Okanagan proudly presents Kelowna MapleFest! This maple season, the CCFO has also partnered with several local cafes and bakeries to offer maple treats that also help support the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
Learn more about all that sweet goodness here.
To see even more Kelowna events, visit the Tourism Kelowna events calendar here. See you out and about!
