Country Stars and a Cause That Hits Home – Our Backyard Supports Upstream Kelowna
As the city prepares to welcome country music’s biggest stars for the 2025 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week, a one-night-only songwriter showcase is tuning into a deeper note – the kind that changes the lives of young people.
On Tuesday, September 9, Jordyn Pollard is hosting Our Backyard: Raised on Country, Rooted in Community. The evening of unplugged performances takes place at Hello Darlin’, Kelowna’s newest honkytonk bar, a speakeasy located within BNA Brewing. The event promises heartfelt storytelling and a cause that hits close to home: preventing youth homelessness.
Proceeds to support Kelowna youth
Presented by local financial planning firm Peacock Sheridan Group, the $57 ticketed event will direct proceeds to Upstream Kelowna. BGC Okanagan, in collaboration with other community-based organizations, runs the program by embedding support workers in select Kelowna schools. They work directly with youth showing early signs of struggle. Since launching, the program has helped teens return to school, access mental health care, and rebuild purpose and belonging.
“With the right supports in place, before crisis hits, we can keep kids connected, in school, and on a path to a brighter future,” says Jeremy Welder, CEO of BGC Okanagan. “Upstream Kelowna exists because far too many youth are slipping through the cracks. We’re changing that.”
Artists bring their own stories and star power to the stage
Six singer-songwriters from across Canada will take the stage for an intimate, acoustic night of music.
- Brayden King – A country-rock powerhouse known for his high-energy live shows and debut album Stayin’ Wild
- Martina Dawn – Alberta-based artist reviving the spirit of ‘90s country with viral content and CMAB awards under her belt
- Jordyn Pollard – An 11-time Saskatchewan Country Music Association nominee with Billboard-charting tracks and a fresh take on the female country sound
- Teigen Gayse – Kelowna’s own breakout Métis artist and SiriusXM Top of the Country semi-finalist with millions of streams and a heartfelt songwriting style
- Sydney Mae – Award-winning Toronto-based performer Known for her vocal depth, this award-winning Toronto-based performer has songwriting featured on Love Is Blind
- Mitch Zorn – A rising country voice turning heads with raw, honest lyrics and a gritty acoustic style
Guests will enjoy snacks, enter for a door prize, and bid in a silent auction. Plus, they’ll get up close with artists in a venue made for rhythm, roots, and real connection. For more information or to buy tickets, visit: https://trellis.org/our-backyard-presented-by-peacock-sheridan-group
“As Okanagan locals, we couldn’t think of a better way to give back than by supporting a night where country music meets compassion,” said Brent Peacock, Partner at Peacock Sheridan Group, the event’s title sponsor. “It’s about creating real change, close to home and having an incredible time doing it.”
On Tuesday, September 9, Our Backyard: Raised on Country, Rooted in Community will raise fund for Upstream Kelowna.