Talented Kelowna Finale: Q+A With Finale Organizer, Vincent Jones

The final stage of Kelowna’s “premier talent competition” takes place at 7pm tomorrow evening, when 12 local acts compete for more than $8,000 in prizing in the free-to-attend Talented Kelowna Finale at Freddy’s Brewpub (check out the prizes HERE).

Earlier today, we sat down with the man tasked with organizing, promoting and hosting the Talented Kelowna Finale, Vincent Jones, a KelownaNow music columnist.

KelownaNow: What is Talented Kelowna?

Vincent Jones: “Talented Kelowna is a Kelowna talent contest that is organized by a local non-profit called Creative Okanagan. Since mid-September, acts have been auditioning every Thursday at Freddy’s Brewpub for a chance to compete in the Finale. Each week, up until the final round of auditions on October 16th, two acts (selected by judges) were put through to the Talented Kelowna Finale. There are some really talented folks set to strut their stuff in tomorrow’s event - I’m looking forward to it!”

KN: What is your role with Talented Kelowna?

VJ: “Creative Okanagan approached me and asked me to organize, promote and host the Finale. My goal through the entire process has been to create an event that is thoroughly enjoyable for the performers and the attendees. I am hoping it is going to be a fantastic night!”

KN: If you had to sell the Talented Kelowna Finale in one sentence, what would you say?

VJ: "I’d say: "Join us for an evening of totally free local entertainment, apart from your beer, because you’ve got to have at least one of those, as some awesome Kelowna acts showcase their talents!""

KN: What can event attendees expect?

VJ: “Those who come out to watch the Talented Kelowna Finale can expect a night filled with some fantastically talented Kelowna acts, from musicians to dancers. It will be fun to watch! The show starts at 7pm, and we’ll have six acts perform before a brief 15 minute intermission. Following the intermission the next six acts will perform. From there, we’ll take another short break while the judges deliberate, and then we’ll announce the winners. Once final placings are known, we’ll bring the top three back for another performance. It’s going to be great!”

KN: What sort of turnout are you expecting?

VJ: "We’re hoping to fill Freddy’s Brewpub to the rafters! Admission to the Finale is free and there will be some great local talent performing. When I checked earlier today, there were 70+ people marked as attending on the Facebook event, but I am hoping for even more, so please tell all your friends."

KN: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

VJ: “I’d like to thank and acknowledge all the people who have helped me with the Talented Kelowna Finale. I couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support I have received!

My sincere thanks to the event sponsors: KelownaNow (of course), Sun FM, Castanet, Music City Studio, Chris Bunnage and Freddy’s Brewpub, The Film Factory, Festivals Kelowna, Ryan Donn and Creative Okanagan, our judges for the evening: Floyd Vedan, Renata Mills and Pyper Geddes (who are all donating their time), Derek Ferrier from SW Audio Visual (who is also giving his time for free) and Valaura Vedan (who has donated so much of her own time helping with graphic design, social media and more). I’d also like to thank all the acts who have come out to perform, whether they made it to the Finale or not. Thank-you so much!”

The Talented Kelowna Finale takes place tomorrow evening at Freddy’s Brewpub. The 19+ event starts at 7pm and admission is free. Vincent Jones will be your host.

Check out Vincent’s KelownaNow music column HERE.