The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society proudly launches its new FOCUS Online Series. Premiering Thursday, January 21st 2021. Streaming for free every two weeks. Links available at 12am, Thursday January 21st at ticketseller.ca

Twenty-two artists from the Okanagan Valley will be featured in this first series, including local Julliard trained opera singer Melina Schein; singer-songwriter Shaughnessy; Maritime Kitchen Party; singer songwriter Justin Moore; classical guitarist Manfred Harter; fashion designer Jill Setah; and new artist HaidenLaird.

The first episode kicks off with producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Jodie B. Jodie B is a live loop performer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, performing as both a solo artist and as a duo with her sister. Her original craft is a seamless blend of electro-soul, inspired by FKJ, Atmosphere, Rufus Du Sol, NomBe and DubFx. Jodie B performs with her guitar, violin, bass, harmonicas, synths, vocals, and electronic drums, while her sister Nique Bruce specializes in saxophone, mandolin and harmonizing vocals.

Charlotte Backman is a singer from Vernon BC. Known for her soulful voice, Charlotte has performed in many musical theatre productions in the North Okanagan. Charlotte joined the City Soul Choir in Vancouver, BC and played to a sold out crowd at The BX Press.

Manfred Harter is a recognized musician / classical guitarist in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada who performs Flamenco, Spanish, classical and world music. A talented, experienced and versatile entertainer based in Vernon, Manfred has performed both as a solo act and with other musicians in the interior of British Columbia and in Alberta in a variety of venues. Manfred has an extensive and eclectic repertoire that ranges from the renaissance to current popular compositions. Here is a small sampling of some titles from his collection of performance works that can be delivered in a formal, classical guitar venue, or in a plugged-in, amplified outdoor version.

The Raz was formed by Will Sinclair on guitar and vocals and Roman Picco on keyboards and vocals. Together this DYNAMIC DUO is churning out heart thumping Epic hits from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the new millennium with uncanny accuracy!

To get a taste of what you’ll see and hear, check out these two FOCUS Promo Vids on You Tube:  Promo Video 1 and Promo Video 2

The link will be available on at 12am, Thursday January 21st, and available for 4 days.