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Countdown to BreakOut West: 20 reasons why you don't want to miss this amazing festival

With the Opening Reception for BreakOut West 2018 coming up in just 20 days, the countdown is officially on!

Still not quite sure what BreakOut West is all about, or what there is to look forward to during the multi-day event which is taking place right here in Kelowna from October 10th -14th? Then you should definitely read on!

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>

We spoke with 20 people who are involved in BreakOut West, from artists to organizers to venue hosts, to find out what they are looking forward to this year — one for each day left until the event starts!

One

“I have personally been to many BreakOut West Festivals and the one thing I can say is if you are a professional in any aspect in the industry, you don't want to miss this. BOW festival goers can look forward to an amazing eclectic lineup of bands this year and really informative conference sessions. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is the industry 1 on 1's, that's an opportunity most musicians strive for and now's your chance to make the most out of it!” – Art Szabo, SFEAR

Two

“J'aime découvrir les histoires qui se cachent parfois derrière la musique ou une chanson. C'est un plaisir de partager les parcours des artistes et délégués, et de découvrir ce qui les motive dans ce secteur si prenant, mais oh, si exaltant! What I really look forward to are the stories behind the music... It's always inspiring to hear about why artists and industry partners work in the music industry and what a song can mean to one or to many.” – Nathalie Kleinschmit, Prairie Mix

Three

“From an artist perspective, BreakOut West is easily our favourite showcase. It's a well-curated display of what Western Canada has to offer. Because it's smaller than some of the nationwide or international showcase festivals, it gives bands a chance to get in front of great crowds, good industry representatives, and it gives crowds more of a chance to see everyone they want to see. There are few weekends that have such a concentrated amount of fantastic music, BreakOut West is one of them!”The Middle Coast, Artist (M.B.)

Four

“It is a real treat to be able to visit nearly all of Kelowna's downtown art and entertainment venues for under $20 for the whole weekend.” – Jennifer Goulet, Sapphire Nightclub

Five

“BreakOut West is full of friendly people from all over the world, mixed with incredible musicians from an assortment of genres. Attendees of the event in scenic Kelowna should look forward to walking away with new friends and a ton of new favourite artists!” – Brittney MacFarlane, Sask Music

Six

“Jeremy and I can't wait to visit Kelowna for the first time for BreakOut West 2018. We love the intimacy of the event and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.” – Tom Busby, Busby Marou, Artist (Australia)

Seven

“The best part of BreakOut West for me is discovering, and falling in love with, new music and artists. I have distinct memories watching a performance at BreakOut West and getting chills because the music is just that good. People are STILL talking about how amazing BreakOut West was last time it was held in Kelowna, so I expect no less this time around.” – Sarah Shandl, Marketing & Social, BreakOut West / White Tide Entertainment

Eight

“BOW is so great for the community at large because of the showcase festival, the ability to see the 60+ up and coming artists from Western Canada, with the price of the wrist band, coming out for even one night and seeing five bands makes it totally worth it! Within the festival concept, the host committee has organized the family event on Saturday afternoon called Mini-BOW, being that it’s something to enjoy with the little people in our lives, most of the bands playing Mini this year are enjoyed by adults equally and it not just for the kids, it’s for everyone and it is at a great time of day for our community to come out. Mini is at the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Oct. 13 from 1 - 4 p.m.!

This is a great time for people to see bands that don't play Kelowna often and many who have never played in the Okanagan! I have favourites I'm looking forward to seeing and am really looking forward to hearing the buzz about bands to see based on industry folks in town as well as seeing amazing random discoveries! A few favourites include The Jerry Cans from Iqaluit, daysormay from Vernon, nehiyawak from amiskwaciy in Treaty 6 Territory, actually there are so many I could write my own article!” – Karma Lacoff, Host Committee Chair, BreakOut West

Nine

“This year will be our first trip to BreakOut West, for many of us our first time in Canada and for all of us our first time playing music in Canada. We are so excited to be taking part and know this will be the case for most of the acts, regardless of how far they have to travel. Events like BreakOut West are perfect for that reason, it’s a chance to witness grassroots music (no matter where its roots may lie) at its absolute best. I’ve always found that ‘industry’ or ‘showcase’ festivals bring out the excitement in performers and that shared enthusiasm makes for great performances and a general feeling of good vibes and camaraderie.”Campfire Social, Artist (Wales)

Ten

“BreakOut West to me is special because it gives the opportunity for the conversations, connections and synergy that is necessary in the music business/entertainment world. Any time you can combine culture, music and great energies in one place you have the perfect ingredients for endless creativity and possibilities.” – Yusuf Muhammad, A3C Festival

Eleven

“BreakOut West is a great place to connect with industry professionals that you would not usually get a face to face meeting with. The BEST part about the festival is that you can never predict what experience, meeting, or show is going to be really special. You should come prepared with a plan in mind, but the experiences that you walk away with are never what you would have expected, and they are always more amazing than anything you could have hoped for! – Diga, Digawolf, Artist (N.W.T.)

Twelve

“BreakOut West brings the balance of being able to access notable people within this industry, and being serious about your craft. It's an event that allows you to connect with other artists, and build with those you know and resonate with. Those attending should look forward to being inspired by new music and opportunities in the industry.”Local Boy, Artist (Y.K.)

Thirteen

“The thing I love most about BreakOut West is show hopping. Going from venue to venue to discover new music - that’s exciting. Getting to reconnect with folks that you have met at Breakout West over the years is a lot of fun. It is a great networking opportunity. Attendees should look forward to the music! Breakout West always has an interesting line up.” Megan Nash, Artist (S.K.)

Fourteen

“I think that BOW is great because it gives you an opportunity to see tomorrow's stars - today - and in an intimate setting. I am looking forward to seeing some great Western Canadian talent.” – Adam Lewis, Planetary Group

Fifteen

“BreakOut West is great because it has tons of great bands who are ready to break. Behind the scenes, all these deals are getting made, connections being forged, and everyone on every stage knows that someone could be at that show that could change things for them. So it's really a festival of great bands giving their all.” Yes We Mystic, Artist (M.B.)

Sixteen

“BOW is walkable! Grab a wristband and go with the flow. You could party with a hip-hop artist from Saskatchewan or mellow to synth-pop from Manitoba. Allow the night to unfold.” FOONYAP, Artist (A.B.)

Seventeen

“BreakOut West is very special in the way they support Western Canadian artists nationally and internationally. 2018's festival is especially noteworthy as attendees can look forward to being part of the first BreakOut West to showcase an equal balance of performer genders.” Hello Moth, Artist (A.B.)

Eighteen

“There’s always a buzz around BreakOut West. It’s something that I look forward to every year as an artist, because it’s so easy to check out new bands that I may not have had a chance to when I’m home. Breakout West did all the heavy lifting and brought all of the great new acts in one place for everyone to enjoy! Aside from my own showcases, I’m excited to check out Andrew Judah - he’s so rad, but I haven’t had a chance to catch him live yet. Now I will!Nuela Charles, Artist (A.B.)

Nineteen

“If you don’t know you won’t know you about to see a woke show.” Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Artist (B.C.)

Twenty

“BreakOut West is a fantastic opportunity for live music fans in Kelowna to get out and gorge on gigs over the course of a few days - it's like holiday feasting but for your ears, and without any calories.” – Kevin Kane, Grapes of Wrath (B.C.)

Bonus

“This will be my first experience with BOW and I am looking forward to it immensely. Having the opportunity to not only dive into the incredible talent and energy boasted by these up-and-coming musicians but to also witness the waves of attendees realizing the depth of our local music scene will be incredible to see. As an aspiring music journalist, I have to say I am most excited to document the talent that blooms here in Kelowna and to let those in our area who have dreams of going for a career in music know that there is a massive support system in our city.” - Savannah Bagshaw, KelownaNow Photographer & Events Journalist

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing festival that’s coming right to our backyard. For less than $20, you can spend the weekend venue-hopping and discovering budding new artists. Click here for more information about BreakOut West, and click here for more information about tickets.


BreakOut West is an annual event that includes 3 nights of music, a 4-day conference and the Western Canadian Music Awards. For its 16th year, Kelowna will be hosting BreakOut West and live performances will be taking place throughout the city from October 10th to 14th, 2018.

NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.



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