On October 10, 2007 at the Kelowna Community Theatre, the valley will have a chance to attend a celebration of musical endeavors by paying tribute to local musicians, their achievements, and the local scene. The Okanagan’s version of the Juno’s will present 25 Awards to the Okanagan’s 2007 favorites.
Special guest headliner, Stabilo will be entertaining and inspiring us with their many hits in their broken down raw, unplugged storytellers set. This is one of the only times that you will get to see this band at its rawest form. You will learn the songs as they were created! In the true sense of the musician bash theology, they will also share techniques to find inspiration for songs, and demonstrate how they turned those ideas into hit songs. 2 of the 4 member band are scheduled to perform a set at approximately 10:30 pm after the awards and other performances.
STABILO - HAPPINESS & DISASTER (2006)
Rock is positively littered with overnight success stories, but the groups with staying power are usually the ones that honed their chops first. It's been a decade since the boys of Stabilo began rocking out at suburban B.C. barn parties, but their first major label full-length Happiness & Disaster reveals the slow-burning band is finally ready to blow up.
Like the album title itself, Stabilo is defined by dichotomy, by the distinct but complimentary songwriting styles of Jesse Dryfhout and Christopher John, who combine acoustic and electric guitars while taking turns on lead vocals and keyboards. Chris played the first song he ever wrote-"Everybody"-which would eventually become Stabilo's breakthrough hit (and was re-recorded as a bonus track on the new record for those who may have missed out).
Stabilo's early success came not from ad campaigns or media hype, but a listener-voted radio competition on XFM that saw "Everybody" become that station's most-requested song for nearly a month. You could practically hear the doorways swinging open as the track, already years old at this point, worked its way into radio rotation across Canada and helped move 5000 copies of their self-released CD.
In 2003, Stabilo became the only indie act nominated for the Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Rock Group. Though they didn't win, the unlikely nod did not go unnoticed.
Balancing its rainy-day angst with hook-filled melodies and addictive riffs, they've delivered a timeless album that sounds singular despite its two-pronged singersongwriter team.
"There's definitely a reason why a lot of other bands don't have two lead singers. It can sometimes come across as two different bands. But I think we've done a pretty good job of making a cohesive record and having our stuff work together rather than conflict," Chris says. "The benefit is a broader scope of influences and ideas."
Stabilo’s Jesse Dryfhout and Christopher John will be at this years Okanagan Music Awards to tell their story and inspire all to hold on to your dreams because they do become reality.
The Sleddogs will also perform their radio single “Give Me a Sign’ at the Awards Ceremony. Kelowna’s Sleddogs have quickly emerged out of the rock landscape building one success after another while braving blistering wind chills, ice, sleet, and snow – performing a total of 280 shows in just 18 months. This Canadian influenced rock trio has had five charting singles, including Frosty the Snowman three added videos on Much, MMM and MuchLoud. Sleddogs sophomore album “Take Me Away” hits stores shelves across Canada on August 28 through their label Bhurr Records and distribution with Fontana North / Universal Music Canada. A fall 3 month campus and club tour across Canada is planned to support their second sing “Give Me a Sign” intent on puching Sleddogs deeper into new territories.
The evening will also include performances by; Cold Driven, Roger Gabriel, Kinship, Jane Eamon, Raquel Warchol, Helcion, Olga Osipova, Uptown Hornz, and A Day Late And A Dollar Short, some of the Okanagans finest artists.
Power 104’s radio personality Liz McKinney will host the event. Joining her on stage will be a barrage of special guest presenters, making this special celebration of local musical achievements a true community event supported by local business, industry peers, friends and family.
Pre-show events include; music industry seminars from SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada) and Music BC. Lobby activities include; industry displays, entertainment, food and licensed bar.
The purpose of the Okanagan Music Awards is to promote professional excellence; a better understanding and greater appreciation for music; and to provide a public forum for songwriters, performers, and musicians in order to recognize their artistic efforts and achievement.