THE DAY LIVE MUSIC FESTIVALS RETURNED TO KELOWNA

THE DAY LIVE MUSIC FESTIVALS RETURNED TO KELOWNA - OCTOBER 5, 2021

by Miles Overn

The Long Wait For Something Huge

It had been a long time since there had been a music festival in Kelowna, or at least it sure felt that way. When Covid hit early in 2020, the entire live music industry seemed to shudder to a sudden halt. Major international touring artists and bands cancelled whole tours in an instant, and live music fans everywhere felt the immediate onset of withdrawal from their most cherished source of energy and excitement. A sense of dread fell over even the most robust and well established promoters. Everyone knew it would come back, but nobody knew it what form, or when.

While some artists started touring again earlier this year, and south of the border a number of festivals started to re-open their gates and welcome crowds in, nothing of that magnitude was really expected to happen in Kelowna until next summer at the earliest. The creative minds behind Denim On The Diamond had other ideas. That, and a determination to make it all happen sooner rather than later.

The Relentless Work of the Denim On The Diamond Team and Crew

Thick as Thieves Entertainment partners Mitch Carefoot and Kurt Jory, who are the producers of Denim On The Diamond, managed both the emotional roller-coaster and logistics nightmare rides of the on again off again and finally on again 2021 festival. Navigating all the Covid restriction changes and permutations meant juggling everything from vendors and sponsors all the way through artist contracts. It had only been days before the eventual go ahead decision from Interior Health that they had released all the booked artists from their contracts to allow them to go find other work. The sudden reversal from the health authorities and the great relationships built over the many years of putting on the festival allowed for a quick restoration of committments with all involved except for one artist; JJ Wilde. Fortunately Dear Rouge was able to draw in and they delivered a show worthy of their slot in the program just before the headliners.

The producers described the day going "as smooth as any event we've ever done" and humbly but genuinely gave the credit to everyone involved, including the many volunteers without whom the festival simply couldn't have happened. Local live event veterans such as Ben from SW Audio, Don from International Crowd Management, Mike Schell and others brought their considerable experience to the table to aid in putting on the biggest live music event in a long time here in town.

The Artist Lineup

Denim has never been a totally country music festival, and this year was no different. This years artists included everything from local rising country star Teigen Gayse to pop and alt pop groups such as The Royal Foundry, Moontricks, Shawnee Kish, Yukon Blonde, Dear Rouge, and headliners Hunter Brothers.

The Royal Foundry

The Royal Foundry sent us this reply when we reached out about the festival. 'There is no greater feeling playing a live show after a year and a half of lockdown - and DotD brought so many feelings of love and normalcy that we were so used to before!! It was full of hope in a future that seems even better than that before the pandemic. We have so much love for everyone involved in DotD and for the understanding of all those who did their part to attend and make it the absolute best!! WE LOVE KELOWNA, thanks so much for having us!!'

photo review

Dear Rouge

Similarly, Dear Rouge responded with "We loved being in Kelowna. The crowd was buzzing and it felt like Covid didn’t exist for a moment. Super grateful to the people of Kelowna and can’t wait to come back and party."

Teigen Gayse

Local rising country music artist Teigen Gayse offered "Playing on a stage that big felt like home, it felt like I was right where I was meant to be. Entertaining is my favourite thing and it was my chance to showcase that. I can not wait to do it again!"

Other Local Participants

Local promoter and musician Mike Schell stepped in to the stage production manager role and reportedly had a blast, feeling grateful and blessed to be asked by the Thick As Thieves promoters of Denim On The Diamond to be involved. He was blown away by the way they were able to bring it all together on a couple weeks notice and pull off a great festival. He particularly enjoyed seeing local artist Teigen Gayse get her first shot one a big stage, and like Moontricks as well, along with headliners Hunter Brothers.

Local musicians Kim and Jim Rhindress, who are part of a couple local bands of their own, formed part of Kelowna rising country artist Teigen Gayse's backing band for her opening performance of the festival. One that she delivered very well we might add. "We had a BLAST backing up this talented young woman we’ve known (and worked with) for years and believe this is just the beginning for her. The stage crew were excellent and we were thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the entire event. The sound was fantastic! which is not always the case at large events. Kelowna is lucky to have such a great show in our home town and we loved playing a big stage!" shared these local music heroes.

The Fan Response

We did get the opporunity to speak with some young music fans who had made their way right up to the front in order to get the best view of their favourite bands. One such group, which included Brielle, Clare, Grace, and Jordyn, share their thoughts; Jordyn "loved the Hunter Brothers, their energy and stage presence were insane." Brielle shared that "The Hunter Brothers and Dear Rouge were my favs." Jordyn also added "My favourite part of the whole experience was getting the opportunity to experience live music again." Clare suggested "I honestly can't say which was my favourite, they all had their different vibes and it was such fun to be able to be there and witness them all." Lastly, Grace added "My favourite was a toss up between Hunter Brothers and Dear Rouge. It was wicked to get to experience live music again, and the performers were incredible. The staff at the event was fantastic; so nice and understanding. It was an overwhelmingly welcome vibe."

Summary

While we spent most of the day either in the photo pit or backstage in the wings, we did take more than the occasional glance out into the assembled masses. It was comforting knowing that everyone present had been fully vaccinated. What might not be well known is that the promoter refunded 1000 tickets for those who were not willing or able to get vaccinated by the time the festival was held. Even as the crowd built over the day, and as the celebration of what was happening was getting a little more robust, this was a very well behaved festival audience. Nothing outrageous from my vantage point, although by the time the last couple acts took the stage I could only see a few rows back.

Congratulations to the Denim On The Diamond team and all the vendors and suppliers and sponsors and volunteers, and especially the fans who turned out in force and celebrated in joy. What a tremendous display of community from Kelowna residents and all who visited for this live music event. This was more than just a concert, more than just a festival. This was indeed a coming out party of epic porportions.

Miles Overn

October 5, 2021