Meet the 2023 Nominees!
GonzoOkanagan.com is excited to announce the Gonzo Okanagan People’s Choice Music Awards 2023 nominees!
The purpose of the Gonzo Okanagan People’s Choice Music Awards is to celebrate the musicians and industry professionals that bring joy into our daily lives, bring our communities together, and in appreciation of their hard work. Music is an essential part of society—it brings people together, it defines our culture, it induces healing, and gives us freedom of expression. It is critical that we celebrate it. From the musicians that light up our local venues to those touring across the country, every one of them is important to us for many different reasons.
Congratulations goes out to those who made the top favourites, your fans have spoken! *Names appear alphabetically
Andrew Allen (Vernon)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Rock / Pop
- Favourite Songwriter
Allen’s DIY ability and optimistic attitude have served him well. He’s scored five Top 10 hits in Canada, 2009′s “I Wanna Be Your Christmas”, 2010’s “Loving You Tonight” which was lodged in the upper reaches of the charts for more than 22 weeks. 2011’s “I Want You”, 2015’s “What You Wanted” and 2016’s “Favourite Christmas Song”! READ MORE…
Website: https://www.andrewallenlive.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/andrewallenlive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewallenlive
Vote for Andrew here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Ben Klick (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Humanitarian or Influential Industry Person
In 2018, Ben’s dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. With a growing connection within country music, he ventured into the areas of production, talent buying, promotion, and events, where his experience led him to found, organize, and run “Music Fest MS”. This brought the MS Society of Canada, the BC Interior, and fans of country music together not only raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis, but raising over $115,000 in three years naming the show one of the largest single-day fundraisers put on by a third party in Multiple Sclerosis research history. Through the years, Ben gained interest into the business of the music industry, attending seminars and national conferences to expand his knowledge and network. READ MORE…
Website: https://www.benklick.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/benklick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenKlicksMusic/
Vote for Ben here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Bianca Berkland (Oliver)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Jazz Artist
- Favourite Music Video: Black Bird
Bianca Berkland is an exceptionally gifted, modern Jazz/Blues multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer based out of Oliver, BC. Her growing presence in the Okanagan region over the past 4 years performing pop, rock and jazz cover songs ignited within her an endless ambition to share her own wealth of beautiful, original material. READ MORE…
Website: https://www.biancaberkland.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_CJEX3UZpU9oEroSm88FLA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biancaberklandmusic/
Vote for Biance here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Black Hat Wagon (West Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Country Group
- Favourite Single (Best Song): The Devil Wears Blue
Members: Justus MacLeod, Josiah MacLeod, Jory Higgins, and Tim Buckley.
Justus Macleod, BC born and based in West Kelowna, BC. Father of three children, a dog, a cat, and multiple fishies… multi-instrumentalist and front man for the band. Passionate songwriter and poet. READ MORE…
Website: https://blackhatwagon.wixsite.com/blackhatwagon
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackhatwagon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhatwagon
Vote for Black Hat Wagon here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Blu & Kelly Hopkins (Salmon Arm)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Folk / Roots Group
Winners of 2 BCIMA music awards, Blu & Kelly Hopkins are a songwriting multi-instrumentalist duo. Focusing on original material, their extensive repertoire lets them blend traditional and contemporary tunes into their show with a dash of humour to achieve an entertaining, exciting, yet mellow brew of good times good tunes!
The couple are a bona fide channel for classic folk, roots and country. Blu demonstrates again and again a deep connection to the lyrics of the greats. Names like Stan Rogers and John Prine float over the campfire when he and Kelly bring their award-winning talent to the party. READ MORE…
Website: https://blukellyhopkinsmusic.wordpress.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BluHopkinsSilvrcreek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvercreekmuse
Vote for Blu & Kelly here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Bobby Bovemzi (Summerland)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Music Teacher
Nankama (which means Born to Drum) is a West African Drum and Dance troupe, lead by Master Rhythm Instructor Bobby Bovenzi. Nankama has performed throughout the Okanagan in over 300 shows since 2007. Members of the troupe are keen students of drum and dance and study very hard to make sure they are representing these traditional rhythms in a way the Masters of Africa have intended. Nankama has assisted many organizations to fundraise over $100K for countries in Africa, Women in Need and the homeless here in Canada. READ MORE…
Website: http://www.nankama.com/Media_Page.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.bovenzi.1
Vote for Bobby here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Cathy Ann Peros-Wells (Vernon)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Blues Artist
- Favourite Female Artist
YouTube PlayList: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTXExMmsudYNJNCJosGxez74bKBAxbZb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CathyAnnWells
Vote for Cathy-Ann here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Cory Janko (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Recording Engineer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cory.janko
Vote for Cory here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Dirt Road Opera (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Album: Nowheresville
- Favourite Country Group
- Favourite Folk / Roots Group
- Favourite Music Video: Tell the Truth
- Favourite Single (Best Song): Seven Shells
- Favourite Songwriter: Barry Mathers
Members: Barry Mathers, Rachel Matkin, Robert Bailey, and Mike Brown.
The term “you never know what the future holds” is as good a touchstone as there is when it comes to understanding the genesis of Canada’s roots band, Dirt Road Opera.
That the members in the group, Barry Mathers, Rachel Matkin, and Robert Bailey have intersected in a multitude of scenarios over the past quarter century serve as the foundation for this group, whose members officially announced their union a few months before the world was hit with a pandemic. READ MORE…
Website: https://www.dirtroadopera.ca/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtRoadOpera
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtRoadOpera/
Vote for Dirt Road Opera here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
DLopez (West Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Hip Hop (Rap) Artist
West Kelowna rapper, David ‘DLopez’ Mejia is spitting rhymes that carry weight.
He has just dropped his second album, Fallen with Broken Wings, where he waxes poetic about issues close to his heart, such as the opioid crisis.
“I have friends that have died, so many friends that have just wanted to have a good time and then they go and buy something and then they passed away,” said Mejia. Read more…
Website: https://linktr.ee/dlopezmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DLopez
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialDLopez/
Vote for DLopez here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Freeze the Fall (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Young Musician(s)
- Favourite Metal / Hard Music Group
Quinn M. (guitar & vocals), Jonah G. (drums), and Aria B. (bass & vocals). Ages range from 14 to 16 years old — all band members were born and raised in beautiful Okanagan, BC. Read more…
Website: https://freezethefallband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonahGDrummerOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeze_the_fall_band/
Vote for Freeze the Fall here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Gold Mynd (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Reggae Artist
- Favourite Single (Best Song)
Gold Mynd is a grounded, passionate, ambitious and prolific international Reggae artist who now calls Kelowna, British Columbia Canada home. Original songs created by the artist can be found on Spotify and a simple search of Gold Mynd’s YouTube channel will yield a variety of visually creative music videos. Gold Mynd’s debut Reggae album titled “Love & Life” is completed and ready to be presented to the world. Upon early review is slated to do great things for the artist. The album is slated for release in early 2023 and is an eclectic mix of songs designed to promote fun, educate, elicit emotion and highlight important social issues. “BLAZE” was the first single released from the forthcoming album and has already secured over 50,000 plus Spotify streams. Read more…
Website: https://goldmyndmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolf.gayle
Vote for Gold Mynd here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
HazyMADE & Strain K (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Hip Hop (Rap) Group
HazyMADE is a Western Canadian independent Rap/hip hop artist, producer and founder of HazyMADEmusic. With hands on experience, Hazy has a passion for everything from producing beats, writing, recording and mastering lyrics, along with filming and editing videos. HazyMADE is introducing a hot new 420 friendly sound that resembles an EDM trap vibe, combine with a hip/hop flare.
Strain K is a Western Canadian Rap, hip/hop lyricist, musician and rising performance artist, enthusiastically representing HazyMADEmusic. Strain K has been gaining traction with his natural talent while he infuses compound syllables with intricate wordplay, with a delightfully positive frequency. He may be new to the public, but his love for the craft shines through as Strain K teams up with HazyMADE to serve up some fresh hip hop, with a favorably unique style and sound. Read more…
Website: https://hazymademusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazymademusic
Vote for HazyMADE & Strain K here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Highway 97 Brewing Co. (Penticton)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Venue Supporting Live Music
Our local music scene is popping and we wanted to showcase some of the best talent around. Check out the Culture page, or social media for upcoming events! Read more…
Website: https://hwy97brewery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hwy97beer
Vote for Highway 97 Brewing Co. here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
James Hay (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Blues Artist
James Hay is a Western Canadian electric blues guitarist and singer/songwriter based out of Kelowna, British Columbia. He began working as a sideman in travelling blues bands in the mid 1990’s but these days you can catch him working as a solo blues act or fronting the James Hay Blues Band. Read more…
Website: https://www.jameshaymusic.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.hay.33
Vote for James Hay here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Jeff Piattelli (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Cover Artist
- Favourite Male Artist
Jeff Piattelli is a professional Musician out of Kelowna, B.C. He is one of the top guitarists in Canada and has an unforgettable voice that suits any venue. He writes and performs original music while also playing his take on popular covers using live, on the spot looping. Read more…
Website: https://www.jeffpiattelli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpiattelli
Vote for Jeff Piattelli here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Jimmy LeGuilloux (West Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Recording Engineer
Musician, singer, songwriter, actor, engineer, and producer at All Things Music.
Website: https://www.jimmylegs.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jimmyshoes
Vote for Jimmy LeGuilloux here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Jonathan Williams (Vernon)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Male Artist
Jonathan tells powerful stories of faith, love, and family, using his evocative voice and intimate lyricism to build meaningful connections with his listeners. Not confined to a single genre, he combines elements of pop, rock, and folk to create his emotionally stirring sound. He is an artist of rare candour and authenticity, one who puts his entire heart into every song he writes. Read more…
Website: https://jonathanofficialmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jonathan.J0n4th4n
Vote for Jonathan Williams here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Kinga (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Jazz Artist
Kinga has spread her vocal talents – as smooth, heady and sophisticated as a well-matured brandy – throughout Canada: She has sung the American and Canadian national anthems for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs (in partial French, for a sold-out contest against the Montreal Canadians), the Toronto Raptors, and internationally-broadcast Hockey Night in Canada. Kinga has performed with pianist Renee Rosnes, flugelhornist Guido Basso, and Don Thompson’s jazz ensemble, and appeared at the National Jazz Awards, the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and on CTV and CBC Radio. Read more…
Website: https://www.kinga-jazz.com/
Facebook: https://www.kinga-jazz.com/
Vote for Kinga here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Leila Neverland (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Female Artist
Leila Neverland is coming on a decade in these hills, living and writing to social justice, love, and laughter. This BC composer, poet, and theatrical performer captures Canada’s wilderness, cultural diversity, and love in her unique sound.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/leilasings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leila.neverland.entertainment
Vote for Leila Neverland here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Lyndsey Wong & Neville Bowman (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Jazz Group (Duo)
- Favourite Female Artist (Lyndsey Wong)
- Favourite Male Artist (Neville Bowman)
Lyndsey Wong: Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Lyndsey grew up studying Violin, Voice, Piano and Polynesian Dance. She is an alumnus of the University of Alberta (B.Sc. Biological Sciences (Minor: Classical Voice), Doctor of Medicine) and is currently a software developer. Past credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Music Director), Rock of Ages (Vocal Coach, Dance Captain) – New Vintage Theatre, Chicago (Velma Kelly), Rocky Horror Show (Columbia/Usherette), Addams Family Musical (Morticia), Les Miserables (Madame Thenardier) – Kelowna Actors Studio. You can see her back on stage in 2022, as Sally Bowles in Cabaret with New Vintage Theatre. Thanks to Vince for the opportunity and Neville for being her partner-in-crime (and music).
Neville Bowman: Few musicians have had the opportunity to work in as many diverse fields of music and arts as Neville Bowman. Long established as one of the top pianists and keyboard players in BC, Neville has gained respect both locally and internationally as a sideman, arranger, writer, producer and actor, in almost all genres. Read more…
Neville Bowman Website: https://nevillebowman.com/
Lyndsey Wong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eldublo/
Vote for Lyndsey Wong & Neville Bowman here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Michael Garding (West Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Recording Engineer
Musician, instrument repair technician, recording studio engineer, and band leader.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Garding-Studios/100048136007549/
Vote for Michael Garding here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Nevaeh Dyson (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Young Musician
Nevaeh Dyson is a young acoustic guitarist and singer from Kelowna, BC. She ventured out to do some busking in the summer of 2021 and took the next step to performing at wineries early in the fall. Read more…
YouTube Interview: https://youtu.be/R6H4qT5zvD8
Vote for Nevaeh Dyson here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Pharm (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Metal / Hard Music Group
Pharm is a Ménage à trois from Kelowna that plays aggressive progressive music.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pharmband
All My Links: https://allmylinks.com/pharmtheband
Vote for Pharm here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Pinky Celena Simms (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Humanitarian / Influential Industry Person
Black Mountain Music & Media was created and founded by Celena Simms better known in the music industry as “Pinky”. In 2012 Celena aka “Pinky” began dabbling in the industry helping a well known friend, a country music artist out with the promotion of an upcoming single. Another country music artist followed her work and was impressed. Within a few short months Celena had created a fan site on Twitter from scratch with well over a thousand followers and had developed an online presence for herself from virtually nothing. Celena dedicated the next 2 years to research and learning about social media while working for 2 country music clients and expanding her network of online contacts. Read more…
Website: https://www.blackmountainmusicandmedia.com/
Vote for Pinky here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Proper Man (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Music Video – Chance of Flurries
The Proper Man frontman, Jason Parkes, and guitarist, Petri Nieminen, spent a lot of time writing music that sounded just like everything else. But when a few too many scotch whiskies made Jason’s words slur together, an English accent emerged that had Petri dancing terribly with excitement. Read more…
Website: https://www.propermanband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propermanofficial
Vote for Proper Man here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Rebel Luv (Oliver)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Rock Group
- Favourite Album – Dirt Road to Heaven
VOTED South Okanagans #1 Musical Group/Band 2018 by Okanagan Life Magazine. From Newest Releases to Classic Rock, 60s, 70s, 80s Pop, Originals, New and Old Country. Read more…
Website: https://rebelluv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelluvu2
Vote for Rebel Luv here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Rhindress (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Album – Cut Flowers
- Favourite Country Group
- Favourite Songwriters (Jim and Kim Rhindress)
- Favourite Folk / Roots Group
- Favourite Music Teacher (Kim Rhindress)
Jim and Kim Rhindress front this high energy band who deliver country, blues, rock, folk and Celtic songs written about the great people we’ve met across Canada. Read more…
Website: https://www.rhindressmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhindressMusic
Vote for Rhindress here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Rick ‘Poppa Dawg’ Halisheff (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Blues Artist
Rick ‘Poppa Dawg’ Halisheff has been a mainstay on the Western Canadian blues scene for over 25 years, making a name for himself based on his strong vocal and guitar abilities as well as being a seasoned songwriter. His use of the ‘talkbox’ was a signature of his sound for many years prompting Tom Hyslop from Blues Revue magazine to comment, “some of the snarkiest wah tone ever waxed” on his 2011 release ‘Same Dog, New Suit’. Read more…
Website: https://halisheff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halisheff
Vote for Rick ‘Poppa Dawg’ Halisheff here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Rosina Turner (Penticton)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Music Teacher
Owner and Teacher, as well as Behavioral Intervention Specialist at
Dream Team Music Centre.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamteammusicpenticton
Vote for Rosina Turner here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Runaways Lounge (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Venue Supporting Live Music
Restaurant, bar & live music venue in the heart Kelowna BC.
Website: https://runaways.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runawayslounge
Vote for Runaways Lounge here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Scotty Berg (Kelowna)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Young Musician
Scotty Berg is a singer/songwriter quickly on the rise following the exciting news he has signed with Predominant Studios. Building himself from the ground up and harnessing the power of social media, Scotty has been able to build a loyal and dedicated following to share his music with. Read More…
YouTube (Dreams Official Video): https://youtu.be/ddfQ41IE5hI
Website: https://scottyberg.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scotty.berg.94
Vote for Scotty Berg here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Shawn Lightfoot Band (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Cover Band
THE SHAWN LIGHTFOOT BAND is one of the Okanagan’s most popular must-see live cover bands.
Shawn Lightfoot Band is a 4-piece high-octane powerhouse that will to take you on an energy-packed musical journey you won’t soon forget. The band is highly acclaimed for pumping out high-energy hits all night long.
The band has played on the big stage opening for headlining acts such as Platinum Blonde and Big Sugar. Performing a vast and diverse range of hits covering Rock to Country to Pop, the group has become renowned for creating an authentic and engaging musical experience. Read more…
Shawn Lightfoot (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Kevin Lane (Drums, Percussion), Dennis Marcenko (Bass, Vocals), and Roman Picco (Keyboards, Vocals).
Website: http://shawnlightfootband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049129646609
Vote for Shawn Lightfoot Band here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Stereo Sunday Band (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Rock / Pop Group
Stereo Sunday Band creates music to make your life moments more colourful and vibrant. The Okanagan Region is not only known for its wineries and fruit orchards, but also for its diversity in race including Filipinos who are celebrated singers and musicians. Stereo Sunday Band is the rising Philippine band in KELOWNA, AND one of THE BEST AND FINEST PINOY BAND IN THE OKANAGAN REGION offering a nouveau experience in music to enjoy special occasions or to simply make life memories. Read more…
Mel (lead vocals), Marie (vocals), Jun (bass guitars), Darren (LEAD GUITARIST), Darling (KEYBOARD), and Japoc (Drums).
Website: https://stereosunday.mystrikingly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stereosundayband
Vote for Stereo Sunday here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
SweetBeast (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Metal / Hard Music Group
Subterranean Psyche Fuzz coming to you from the Okanagan.
Website: https://sweetbeastrock.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBeastFuzz
Vote for SweetBeast here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
The Young’Uns (Okanagan)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Cover Band
The Okanagan’s most versatile band, performing together for 30 years! Read more…
Tim Reardon (Lead Vocals / Guitar / Keyboards), Brad Krauza (Bass Guitar / Vocals), and Matt Rands (Drums / Vocals).
Website: https://theyounguns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyounguns
Vote for The Young’Uns here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Vernon Jazz Club (Vernon)
Nominated for:
- Favourite Venue Supporting Live Music
“One of the things many do not know about the Vernon Jazz Club is that it is one of three jazz – primary clubs in BC. That is right. We are 1 of 3 joining Frankie’s in Vancouver and Herman’s in Victoria…. And…. that next year in 2024, the Vernon Jazz Club will celebrate 25 years of creating a space for superb live music in the North Okanagan. We are immensely proud of this achievement and the devoted musicians from the Okanagan and across North America that love playing the Vernon Jazz Club.” – Vernon Jazz Society
The Vernon Jazz Club is operated by the Vernon Jazz Society, which is a completely volunteer-run, non-profit society.
We host around 20 live music events each year, usually occurring every other Saturday from September through to June. Read more…
Website: https://www.vernonjazz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JazzClubVernon
Vote for Vernon Jazz Club here:
2023 Official Ballot Page
Thank you for supporting live music in the Thompson Okanagan!
