By Kristin Froneman – Vernon Morning Star

Local musician Jayme McKillop performs along 30th Avenue in Vernon at the Streets and Sounds of Downtown event Friday.

There’s more to hear and see as downtown Vernon continues to come alive with live music and art on Friday nights.

Sights and Sounds of Downtown, which started July 6, has so far featured a number of buskers playing live on the sidewalks of 30th Avenue, while visual artists have been selling  and creating their wares. Some businesses have also remained open for evening shopping.

“We are very pleased with the first two nights of Sights and Sounds Downtown,” said Holly Schmidt, events and marketing manager for the Downtown Vernon Association. “It’s been fantastic to walk the streets of downtown and see so many people stopping and listening to the many performers we have from 29th Street to 25th Street. It’s also nice to see them have the opportunity to pop in and out of the many unique businesses we have downtown while they’re down enjoying the sounds.”

This Friday, the DVA has lined up a number of entertainers who will perform on selected blocks along 30th Avenue.

On the 2900-block is local trio Sorella, who perform their contemporary music in three-part harmony. Next door on the 3000 block will be local singer-guitarist Jake Hubner, who plays a variety of styles including folk, rock-like pieces and lots of original tunes.

Vocalist Paul Rossetti will be on the 3100 block to perform folk, blues, classic rock and gospel, while guitarist/singer  David L’Hirondelle will perform pop and rock featuring his original works mixed with recognizable cover tunes from the past on the 3200 block.

Further up the sidewalk on the 3300 block is The Desert Rose Duo, who perform a blend of folk, bluegrass and old-time music.

Kelowna folk artist and songwriter Jane Eamon, who will be on the 3400 block, is a five-time B.C. Interior Music Award winner who loves to tell stories about life and everything in between.

Visual artists will include Christine Kashuba, on the 2900 block, who will be showcasing an introduction to the world of printmaking. The demo will introduce participants to a variety of methods used to produce original prints.

Carrie Abbott of Waterat Designs will also be also demonstrating  her glass etchings, while Nadine’s Fine Art & Frames, located at 3101-31st Ave., will feature live art making demonstrations.

Entertainers on Friday, July 27 include local rising star Raquel Warchol, whose career has taken her to Nashville and beyond. She’ll be on the 2900 block, while award winning country-roots singer Pauline Kyllonen will be on the 3000 block.

Host of numerous open mics throughout the North Okanagan,  Rory White takes over the 3100 block with his guitar and mixture of contemporary and original songs, while local trio Steel Wound will present a repertoire of original tunes and semi-obscure alt-root jazzy country blues on the 3200 block.

On the 3300 block is Camryn Sproule, who plays a variety of pop, folk and easy listening songs including mainly covers. And Roy & Michelle will play a blend of classic rock and original compositions including music from Fleetwood Mac, Blue Rodeo, Adele, and Bruno Mars on the 3400 block.

Sights and Sounds of Downtown runs Fridays through July and August from 5:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the DVA office at 250-542-5851 or visit www.downtownvernon.com.