Downtown Vernon is about to go live once again, with the return of Civic Sounds and Jammin’ in Justice for the months of July and August.
Hosted by the Downtown Vernon Association (DVA), Jammin’ in Justice takes place in Justice Park, across from the courthouse, every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Michael Painchaud, a country music singer/songwriter currently based in the Okanagan, kicks off the series July 6.
The winner of this year’s Lake Country Open Mic Has Talent contest, Painchaud has performed throughout B.C. and Alberta, including the Calgary Stampede after he was voted one of the top 25 emerging artists by the B.C. Country Music Association in 2015.
Painchaud’s new album, released in May, is comprised of 12 original tracks. His live shows feature a mixture of original songs and a variety of covers, ranging from classic country artists (Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard) to present-day contemporary country artists (Jake Owen, Tim McGraw).
While his playing style sometimes ventures into the pop country genre, his traditional vocals keep each song rooted in classic country.
The DVA’s weekly concert series, Civic Sounds, once again takes place at Civic Plaza (in front of the museum) every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m..
The first concert, July 7, features new band 6 Shades of Grey, who recently played Lumby Days and Armstrong’s Valley First Music in the Park.
Although a new band, 6 Shades of Grey are not new to playing music. Band members have been playing since high school and have been involved in different projects, from country to blues to hard rock outfits.
The band’s members, collectively, have more than 300 years of musical experience and they love to play the music they grew up with, from the ‘60s through to present day.
For more information and the full lineup of artists for both Jammin’ in Justice and Civic Sounds, visit downtownvernon.com.