KELOWNA – The spirit of the Okanagan is sweeping across the valley as artists, musicians, writers, actors, entertainers and other multi-talented individuals get ready for the fourth annual Okanagan Arts Awards.
More than 200 local artists will gather for the celebration at the Kelowna Community Theatre Wednesday.
Winning nominees will be recognized for their contributions with a sculptural award.
North Okanagan nominees include Vernon’s Patricia Donahue and Devon L. Muhlert in the category of literary arts, Vernon’s Gerald Marchand and Armstrong’s Frances Hatfield for visual arts, Vernon’s Michael Poirier for theatre and Coldstream’s Imant Raminsh for music.
From slam poetry to comedy to dance, the event promises to entertain you in celebration of the talented guests being honoured throughout the evening, said Sharon McCoubrey, with the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, hosts of the event.
“After the concert’s grand finale, we’ll keep the spirit alive, serving up a delicious dessert reception, and sending you home with something sweet to talk about until next year’s production.”
The Kelowna City Band will kick off the entertainment at 7 p.m. as select dancers from the Kelowna Ballet don their slippers, and musicians Anna Jacyszyn and Bernie Addington jazz things up.
A showcase concert will feature performances by James Avery, Cameron Welch and a ceremonial dance by Westbank First Nations.
Doors to the awards gala open at 6 p.m. for refreshments, mingling and silent auction bidding.
Tickets are $30 and available at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, 250-717-5304, or at Select Your Tickets, www.selectyourtickets.com, 250-762-5050. For a full list of the categories and nomination criteria, visit www.artsco.ca.
