Just as things get a little quiet post-summer, Kelowna is going to welcome dozens of emerging musicians.
BreakOut West is coming back to the Central Okanagan and it will begin this week, running from Wednesday, Oct. 11, until Sunday, Oct. 15.
"We like to refer to it as a music discovery festival," BreakOut West Executive Director Michael Dawson told NowMedia back in August.
The event will bring over 65 artists to the city, each of whom will perform twice at several venues around the city.
It's a great deal for music fans because a $15 wristband gives you access to all of it.
At the same time, it's an opportunity for collaboration in a conference setting.
"So we're bringing in music industry people from across Canada and well beyond," said Dawson.
Conference delegates are expected from places like Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico and Europe.
"And those people are all running around to see the artists perform," he said.
"With the hopes that they get booked at festivals on the other side of the world or land a record deal somewhere."
The event has the support of numerous organizations such as Creative Okanagan.
"Events like BreakOut West demonstrate how connecting people with similar interests and vision can build a sustainable music industry here in Kelowna and Nationally," added Dyas.
Tourism Kelowna's Lisanne Ballantyne is in a word: "thrilled."
She's especially pleased with where it falls on the calendar.
"It takes place in October which is traditionally a much quieter time for tourism for us."
And Ballantyne said it is a chance to show off some talent that might otherwise be overlooked.
"BreakOut West is going to shine a spotlight on Kelowna's thriving creative and cultural sector," she said.
For a full schedule and a list of the artists who will be performing, visit the BreakOut West website.
