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Battle of the Bands – Day 1 (Past Event)
Note: This event has already taken place. Check out the Live Music Events in Kelowna page for similar upcoming events.
Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm – 11:00pm PDT
Live Music Events in Kelowna
Stage:
Outdoors
Age restrictions:
19+ only
Click here to buy tickets directly on SimpleTix.
Local talent. Live competition. One step closer to the main stage.
Battle of the Bands is back for its second year at Red Bird Brewing — and the stakes are higher than ever. In partnership with the team behind Rock The Lake Music Festival at Prospera Place, this two-night live music competition gives local artists a shot at performing on one of the region’s biggest festival stages.
Following a packed and wildly competitive debut event last year, Battle of the Bands returns April 24 and 25, 2026, bringing together some of the Okanagan’s most talented rock musicians. Each night, selected bands will take the stage to perform in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, all competing for a paid performance slot at Rock The Lake Music Festival this July.
Last year’s competition proved just how deep Kelowna’s talent pool runs. With two standout winners crowned, CrushXO and Lucky Monkey went on to open the Rock The Lake 2025 main stage — including performances ahead of Simple Plan and The Sheepdogs. This year’s event builds on that momentum, moving to Red Bird Brewing’s outdoor stage to welcome even more fans and elevate the experience.
Winners will be determined through a combination of audience participation and judge scoring, making every cheer, vote, and moment in the crowd count. Whether you’re there to support a friend, discover a new favourite band, or help decide who earns their place on the Rock The Lake lineup, Battle of the Bands is your chance to be part of the journey.
Join us for two nights of high-energy performances, local pride, and the thrill of live competition — all for just $10 per night.
Event Highlights
- Two nights of live local rock music
- Performances judged by industry professionals
- Audience participation helps decide the winners
- Two bands earn paid performance slots at Rock The Lake 2026
- Outdoor stage setting at Red Bird Brewing
Lighthouse Rd.
Lighthouse Rd. is a country/folk band formed by lifelong friends Wesley (lead vocals, guitar), Eric (piano, backup vocals), and Brandon (drums). Born from countless jam sessions in their shared basement, the trio officially came together in 2025, united by a deep bond and a shared passion for storytelling through music. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Lumineers, Mt. Joy, and Zach Bryan, Lighthouse Rd. crafts a sound that blends folk authenticity, country soul, and rock energy. Their music reflects a core vision: to help listeners feel seen, understood, and a little more grounded—like a lighthouse guiding the way.
Tess Anderson
“Throw out the expectations and just make music that feels good.”
That’s the mantra fuelling Vancouver-based Tess Anderson, and it bleeds through her latest body of work. Fronting a dynamic six-piece band, Tess is known for high-octane, emotionally charged performances that leave audiences buzzing. Her live shows aren’t just concerts—they’re cathartic, full-body experiences.
After a decade of burning through genres that didn’t quite fit, Tess claimed her space in the raw, no-rules world of alternative rock. Drawing heavy influence from acts like Paramore and Nothing But Thieves, her sound is a collision of grit and gloss, where distorted guitar riffs meet shimmering pop melodies. Her songwriting explores themes of liberation, self-reclamation, and breaking free from toxic cycles—delivering both vulnerability and defiance in every line.
In May 2024, she released her debut album Before I Come Unhinged, which racked up over 100,000 Spotify streams within its first four months. The project marked a major milestone, earning her international media attention including features in Billboard Music Canada and Exclaim! Magazine, plus national airplay on CBC Radio.
Known for playing upwards of 70 live shows a year, Tess recently wrapped her first headlining tour across Western Canada. She’s opened for acclaimed acts like Mother Mother and Aaron Pritchett, performed at major BC festivals, and even collaborated with Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother on several tracks.
Whether she’s belting a hook that hits like a gut punch or pulling the crowd into a shared moment of emotional truth, Tess Anderson’s music is built to hit hard—and leave you feeling more alive than ever.
Sad Tom & The Noodles
Fronted by Tom Knoll on vocals, Sad Tom & The Noodles fuse indie, modern, and alt-rock into a groovin’ sound that leans into both big emotions and small, everyday moments. With Caleb Howes on guitar, Rob Larkin on drums, Shiloh Taetz on bass, and Robin Depres on keys, their live show is full, dynamic, and unapologetically fun. Originally coined “Sad Tom” for its introspective songwriting, the band embraced “The Noodles” as a playful counterbalance — a reminder to feel deeply, but never take life (or yourself) too seriously.
Hot Knox
Fronted by the dynamic song-writing duo Tammy Thomas and Kelly Shepherd, Hot Knox brings a unique blend of beach-inspired music that captures the essence of long days by the water and warm nights under the stars. This Kelowna-based band features a talented ensemble of musicians, including Luke, Glenn, Will, and Steve, who add depth with keyboard, harmonica, and a solid rhythm section. Together, they create an unforgettable live music experience that’s both fresh and timeless.
Rise Overrun
Do you love math…. Probably not. Well that’s okay cause we’re an indie pop\rock band. Through university connections, high school bonds, and bizarre online encounters Rise Overrun has taken form, and represents the next generation western Canadian talent. We’ve got Berkley drop outs, overly sensitive men, tech nerds, nerd nerds, and more guitars than you can handle. Collectively we have played shows around the globe , and across Canada. With a brand new band and new songs, with words that we wrote, we are extremely excited to connect with eager ears.