Five Alarm Funk (photo courtesy of Culture Days)

By Liam Verster

Culture Days Kickoff

Dakota Bear, Five Alarm Funk to headline Sundog Festival

Aug 14, 2024 | 11:10 AM

The Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture will kick off a week Culture Days in Vernon with a bang.

On September 20 and 21, Polson Park will be transformed into a hub of creativity and celebration featuring live music, performances, artisan vendors, artist demonstrations and more.

The festival will launch the celebrations with a variety of musical performances, with Dakota Bear headlining Friday night and Five Alarm Funk taking the stage Saturday.

“Dakota Bear, a nationally recognized Indigenous hip hop artist, and Five Alarm Funk, B.C.’s favourite party band who are coming off a super-charged performance at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, promise to deliver unforgettable performances that cater to diverse tastes,” Heath Fletcher, Sundog Festival founder and committee co-chair, said.

“All the bands performing have been booked by our partner Local Losers Underground, and are geared to highlight the culturally diverse place we call home.”

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The music performances event will be free to attend as it’s put on by the Arts Council of North Okanagan, Tourism Vernon, the Regional District of North Okanagan, Fortis B.C. and local supporters.

“We are thrilled to bring this diverse lineup of musicians, performers, and artists to Greater Vernon,” Shawna Patenaude, executive director of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, stated.

“It’s all made possible by our sponsors, participants and volunteers.”

In addition to the music, the Polson Artisan Market will be up on the weekend to showcase local artists and craftspeople, and there will also be food trucks on site.

The Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture is the kickoff event for Culture Days, which will see a number of performances, art exhibits, cultural programming and more available throughout Vernon from September 20 to October 13. More details on the events and celebrations can be found at the Culture Days website.