Okanagan Strong: A Concert For Wildfire Relief (Past Event)

Live Music Events in Kelowna

Kelowna unites for okanagan wildfire relief

This September, Red Bird Brewing is opening its doors, its patio and its stage for something bigger than a Saturday night show. Okanagan Strong is a community fundraising concert bringing together musicians, local businesses and neighbours from across the Okanagan Valley to support families and communities impacted by the wildfires in the South and North Okanagan.

Every dollar raised through ticket sales, cash donations and business sponsorships will be split equally between the SOS Wildfire Response Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, and the wildfire relief fund administered by the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan. The SOS Wildfire Response Fund was established specifically to support those affected by the Bald Range wildfire, with funding decisions guided by ongoing conversations with local partners and real-time assessments of community needs, both in the immediate response and throughout long-term recovery.

Representatives from both foundations will be on site all evening, running an information and donation booth, accepting cash donations and taking a moment on stage before the music starts to share how the funds raised are making a difference. Can’t make it to the booth? A QR code posted throughout the venue makes it easy to add an extra donation on top of your admission.

Fill the Truck for Mamas for Mamas
Alongside fundraising, we’re collecting tangible donations for wildfire-affected families. Thanks to Kelowna Chevrolet, a one-ton truck will be parked on site with one goal: fill it up. Bring hygiene products, back to school supplies, household necessities and other urgently needed non-perishable goods, and Mamas for Mamas will get them directly into the hands of the families who need them most. See full list of accepted items below.

Event Details
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a DJ set to kick off the evening, followed by live music from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and a closing DJ set from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is just $10 in advance or at the door, and kids 12 and under get in free, making this a family friendly Kelowna event the whole crew can attend.

Of course none of this would be possible without the incredible musicians donating their time, talent and energy to take the stage for this cause. Their generosity is what turns a fundraiser into a celebration, and we can’t thank them enough for showing up for their Okanagan community.

We’ve got 5 amazing artists taking the stage on September 26th:
Nevaeh – BC-based singer-songwriter Nevaeh Dyson blends Joni Mitchell’s soaring vocals with the storytelling heart of artists like Brandi Carlile, crafting folk-pop songs rich with dynamic vocals and intricate narratives. This year catch her on tour across Europe, promoting her debut EP.
Dan & Rod – Known for their engaging performances and witty stage banter, Dan & Rod are a Kelowna based duo who bring an electrifying sound to the stage, captivating audiences across the Okanagan.
Josh & Bex – This Kelowna-based dream folk duo blends Josh’s Eastern soul-folk roots with Bex’s melody-driven West Coast influence with the result being music of rare tenderness and honesty. Together they craft timeless, open-hearted songs that invite listeners into their world.
Free Lung – The brain child of multi-instrumentalist Dustin McGifford, Free Lung blends uplifting melodies and intricate arrangements into music born from his home studio sanctuary. Rooted in a mission of free expression, free love, and free thought, each song invites listeners into a soulful, evolving sound built to resonate deeply.
Goldsauce – This high-energy funk rock trio is serving up heavy grooves and deep sounds that keep crowds locked in. Fresh off their fiery new EP “Too Hot,” the band will be bringing their playful energy to the stage.

This is shaping up to be a night of music, generosity and Okanagan community spirit, and we hope you’ll be part of it.

Can’t make it, but want to contribute? Make a donation using the button below!

Donate Here

Donation List for Mamas for Mamas

Baby & Toddler Needs:
Infant & toddler formula, baby food and cereal, diapers and pull-ups, baby wipes and diaper cream, baby personal-care items.

Fall and Winter Kids Needs:
New fall-to-winter jackets and winter coats, new rain jackets, new kids winter boots, new shoes and runner

Family & Household Essentials:
Personal hygiene products, shampoo, body wash and soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, laundry and dish soap, toilet paper and paper towels, feminine hygiene products, new blankets and towels.

Non-Perishable Food:
Canned and packaged foods, pasta, rice, cereal, snacks and granola bars, peanut butter, other non-perishable pantry staples.

Birthday Party Program:
New toys for our Birthday Party Program, helping children experiencing poverty celebrate their birthdays with a special gift.