West Kelowna is putting local talent in the spotlight this Friday with an evening of rockabilly and classic Canadian rock at Music in the Park.

Local Talent Night takes place Friday, July 17, at the Annette Beaudreau Amphitheatre in Memorial Park, located at 3737 Old Okanagan Highway. The free, family-friendly event runs from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, with two Okanagan-based bands scheduled to take the stage.

Dixie Fried Hep Katz will start the evening at 7 pm with a high-energy mix of vintage rockabilly favourites and original music. The group combines an authentic retro style with an energetic live performance.

At 8 pm, The Hip Replacements will perform a tribute to The Tragically Hip. The Kelowna-based tribute band recreates the sound and spirit of the iconic Canadian rock group and its late frontman, Gord Downie. Set times are subject to change.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of live music under the summer sky. Families can also visit the event’s Fun Zone, which offers games and activities for all ages. Food trucks will be on site throughout the evening with local food and beverages available for purchase. Dogs are not permitted at the concert.

Those arriving early can stop by the Friday Market on the Plaza from 3 pm to 8 pm. The market is being held alongside Music in the Park and features local growers, makers and artisans.
Free parking is available at several nearby locations, including Carrington Court on Westbank First Nation and the corner of Old Okanagan Highway and Ingram Road.

Local musicians take the stage at West Kelowna’s Music in the Park | iNFOnews.ca

Music in the Park continues every Friday through August 21, with a different musical theme and lineup each week.

Upcoming performances include:

July 24: Soft Rock Tribute
July 31: The Rolling Stones Tribute
Aug. 7: Cultural Music Night
Aug. 14: Elvis Presley Tribute
Aug. 21: Country Music Night

Each Music in the Park event generally begins with an emerging artist at approximately 6:40 pm, followed by an opening act at 7 pm and a headliner at 8 pm.

If a concert must be postponed because of extreme weather, poor air quality or an emergency, the City of West Kelowna will share an update through its social media accounts by 6:30 pm on the day of the event: https://www.facebook.com/cityofwestkelowna