Global Citizen Kelowna week is almost upon us. It runs from Feb 24th-March 3rd.

In today’s column I wanted to feature two of their speaker series events.

March 1st: ONExONE founder, Joey Adler, the first Speaker Series event is at UBCO.

“One in five Canadian children live in poverty.....the idea that we are able to help a few of these kids is amazing” Adler says. In the following video she talks about ONExONE.

 
There will be about 10 local NGOs and groups working in the humanitarian field present displaying the work they do in Canada and around the world.
 
Location: UBCO Campus ASC140 , 7-8pm

Tickets: Students $5/General $10, For sale now through www.ticketweb.ca

For more information go to: www.globalcitizenkelowna.org/events/speaker-series

March 2nd: An Artist's Eye on the World – Artists and Activists

Photo: Contributed

The event is called ARTISTS and ACTIVISTS - a discussion and networking time facilitated by a panel of leading Okanagan artists and activists.

The panelists are Angela Reid-Nagy (former Kelowna city councilor), Jan Vozenilek (Film-maker), and Gabe Cipes (Summerhill Pyramid Winery).

As a side note Jan was recently interviewed by Castanet

It will be an informative way for artists to connect with local causes - and for activists to meet local artists.

Activists tend to have a deep understanding of the issues and the stakeholders involved. Artists tend to have a strong desire to make a difference in their community plus a way to ‘amplify’ a message through their work and their audiences.

Location: Bottega Farm (4485 Sallows, Kelowna), 7-10pm.

For more information click here

 
At the Rehearsal:


 
I dropped by KSS yesterday to catch some of their preparations for their annual music department showcase (video above).

Encore is a two night musical extravaganza organized by Sheila French and Neil Wong from the KSS music department.

This is an annual event that happens at the Kelowna Community Theatre.  Each evening of entertainment is complete with a celebrity Master of Ceremonies, a special guest and the Night Owl Orchestra. Over 250 students perform in the event.

This years special guest is Robert Fine.
 
Music teacher Neil Wong stated, "The show is not only for our school community but for the wider Kelowna community as well. The quality of the music is very high and we believe that many Kelownians would appreciate the opportunity to experience an evening of music at a reasonable price... Encore allows an opportunity for students to experience performing in a professional theatre."
 
If you want an idea of what just how professional the concert will be take a look at the highlight reel that they created from last years show:
 
Highlight Reel:

 
For more information please go to www.kssencore.com. Performances start at 7pm each night, and tickets range in price from $5- $15.
 
 
Tuesday, Feb 21st

Master of Ceremonies - Rosemary Thompson, Music Director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra
Guest performer - Robert Fine
 
Program includes: Grade 10 Concert band, Grade 12 Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir, R & B Band, Ladies Chamber Choir, Grade 10 Jazz Band, Night Old Community Orchestra, Vocal Jazz Combo, Grade 11 Jazz Band
 
Wednesday, Feb 22nd

Master of Ceremonies - Marion Barschel, CBC Radio Host
Guest Performer - Robert Fine
 
Program includes: Grade 12 Jazz Band, Grade 11 Jazz Combo, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Senior Concert Band, Grade 10 Jazz Band, Men's Chamber Choir, Grade 10 Jazz Combo

Photo: Contributed - Andrew Allen

Could Andrew Allen be our next big musical export?

His single "I want you" is top ten in Canada, he's currently on tour with Dia Frampton (runner up of "The Voice"), and one of his songs was recently featured in Taylor Lautner's movie, Abduction.

I think it's safe to say our local lad has made it into the big leagues.

Born and raised in Vernon, Andrew Allen is well known in the Okanagan as a songwriter and musician. His career got a major boost in 2010 when he was signed to Epic records.

He is returning to Kelowna after a sold out show in Vernon to headline this year's Global Music Fest.

Here is my interview with Andrew talking about his career, upcoming tour, and his upcoming show in Kelowna.

Did you know he opened for Bruno Mars, The Script, and the BNL's last year?
 

Here is a video of top ten single "I want you":

2012 Gold Medal Plates Culinary Championships

Kelowna is staging the 2nd annual Canadian Culinary Championships Feb 10-11th. 

The city will welcome Olympic Gold Medalist Adam van Koeverden, nine gold medal winning chefs from across Canada and two entertainers with a golden touch: Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies and Barney Bentall.

The Grand Finale, February 11, 2012 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel, will see the winning chefs from nine Canadian cities coast to coast, compete to be crowned Canada’s #1 Chef.

For more information and tickets go to: http://http://www.goldmedalplates.com

Photo: Contributed

2012 Competing Chefs - Regional Champions

Winnipeg
Michael Dacquisto - WOW Hospitality. Paired with Gray Monk Estate Winery, Odyssey Rosé Brut, BC

Montreal
Jean-Philippe St-Denis - Kitchen Galerie Poisson. McAuslan Brewery, St-Ambroise Cream Ale, QC

Calgary
Michael Dekker - Rouge. Paired with Stratus Vineyards, 2010 Charles Baker Riesling, ON

Edmonton
Jan Trittenbach - Packrat Louie. Peller Estates Winery, 2009 Private Reserve Syrah, BC

Vancouver
Rob Feenie - Cactus Club Restaurants. Paired with Haywire Winery, 2010 Pinot Noir, BC

Saskatchewan
Anthony McCarthy - Saskatoon Club, Saskatoon. Nichol Vineyard, 2007 Cabernet Franc Syrah, BC

Toronto
Jonathan Gushue - Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa. The Organized Crime Winery, 2008 Riesling Reserve, ON

Ottawa
Marc Lepine - Atelier. Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery, 2009 Estate Chardonnay, ON

St. John's
Mike Barsky - Bacalao. Pelee Island Winery, 2010 Pinot Noir Reserve, ON