In just one day, Vernon songstress Olivia Penalva performs for one of her biggest audiences yet in the nation’s capital.
The 14-year-old singer-songwriter has been selected as a finalist in the She’s the One emerging female artist competition hosted by RBC Bluesfest in Ottawa.
Out of thousands of young female applicants all across Canada, Penalva has been chosen to compete alongside nine other aspiring singer-songwriters, ages 13 to 19, in the teenage category of competition.
The finals take place at Bluesfest, one of the largest music festivals in Canada, Saturday, July 5.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be heading to Ottawa for the Bluesfest this year for the finals of the She’s the One competition,” said Penalva. “It is truly an honour to know that I was picked to be in the finals and I can’t wait for all the fun.”
As a finalist, Penalva is vying for a chance to win this year’s grand prize: a career building trip to Los Angeles to work with top L.A.-based producer Barrett Yerestian (Chistina Perri) and record an original song at the legendary Sunset Sound Recording Studios.
The She’s the One winner will also receive a superstar makeover and photo shoot before filming a Hollywood-style music video courtesy of Popmania. She will also receive a guitar from Daisy Rock Girl Guitars.
Ottawa is not the only place that will get to experience Penalva’s vocal stylings this summer.
She just wrapped up a performance at Salmon Arm’s Wednesdays on the Wharf and will next perform at the Minstrel Café in Kelowna July 18 as well as Kelowna’s Lille Gard Festival July 26.
In August, she performs at the Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver and at Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country alongside local favourite Andrew Allen (Aug. 22 and 23).
More information on Penalva, visit www.oliviamusiclive.com.
