A hot Okanagan summer for music fans

Rock the Lake is about to kick off in Kelowna, but it’s just one of several music festivals cranking up the volume in the Thompson-Okanagan region this summer.

From punk and metal, to folk and blues, electronic music, hip-hop and country, the festivals are checking all the boxes for music fans.

This weekend, Rock the Lake launches again with classic Canadian rock band April Wine headlining the first night, July 10, followed by Alexisonfire and BC country singer Cameron Whitcomb the next two nights at Prospera Place.

Merritt’s Bass Coast festival also kicks off again this weekend, bringing dozens of DJs and visual artists to the Nicola Valley after nearly 20 years running.

Later this month, those with heavier tastes can venture to the North Okanagan for the Armstrong Metal Fest on July 17 and 18, hosting bands like Gregorious, of Kamloops, and Dying Fetus, which has been on the metal scene since the 1990s.

The next weekend, Salmon Arm’s Roots and Blues festival kicks off in Salmon Arm on July 24, with headliners like Of Monsters and Man, Blue Rodeo and The Sheepdogs.

The shows go on in August, too, as the South Thompson Valley hosts Electric Love in Pritchard, another lineup of electronic artists for three days, starting Aug. 6.

Meanwhile, Penticton’s Peachfest kicks off Aug. 5, which closes its final two nights with Trooper and Faber Drive, respectively.

Those looking for more local artists can catch Nest Fest at Red Bird Brewing, a two-day event starting Aug. 1.

Also kicking off in Penticton is a new festival, True Rhythm, on Aug. 29. A variety of bands will hit the stage including Public Enemy, G-Eazy, Bedouin Soundclash and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

Even in September, Kelowna will host two more festivals. First is Anarchy in the OK, which is moving south after previous years in Vernon. Three days of punk outfits will include headliners like Propaghandi, The Flatliners and Protest the Hero, starting Sept. 3.

The next weekend follows with Denim on the Diamond, hosting an eclectic mix of dance, country and indie sounds over three days, starting Sept. 11, including names like Ian Asher, Nate Smith and Portugal. The Man.

It’s not just festivals in the Okanagan, though.

Mission Hill Winery is hosting Burton Cummings on July 22, Steve Earle performs at Kelowna Community Theatre on July 18, while the South Okanagan Events Centre hosting Koe Wetzel on July 10 and Bryan Adams on Sept. 13.

Aside from the bigger stages this summer, there are numerous other one-night-only events at venues across the region and, for those looking to avoid ticket prices, both Kamloops and Kelowna host musicians at parks throughout the summer.

Music in the Park will run until Aug. 31 at Riverside Park, while Kelowna’s Parks Alive will be at various venues throughout the summer until Aug. 27.