Outdoor concert venue adds soul to Similkameen ranch

A Similkameen woman opens up her rural property for artists to share their music with the public at the grassroots level.

Every summer a series of outdoor concerts happen at Gateway Ranch, near Yellow Lake between Penticton and Keremeos. They're hosted by Shannon Coppin, and she's not looking to make a profit – her only expense is the rental of two porta potties, and the remainder of the ticket sales goes to the artists.

Coppin describes the concert area as having an amphitheatre style, being a wide open space surrounded by mountain ranges. It's a space she wants to share with the community.

“When I moved here in 2019, I thought, ‘I gotta do something with this,’” she recalls.

Compared to a commercial venue, Coppin said her concerts offer a friendlier atmosphere and a more intimate connection between the performer and audience.

“It’s such a great feeling to be able to hear the musician from up close, actually be able to hear the strings instead of watching them on a screen.”

The space can only fit about 150 guests, so it’s easy for every attendee to find a good spot.

“Guests get to choose how to take it in – sit on a blanket, chair, yoga bolster. It’s more of an open-concept, mingling situation. I love that feel of a small venue, but outdoors.”

Coppin’s goal is to fill the space with soul.

“I’m not a super religious person, but you can feel god here. It’s such a weird feeling – when you’re in these mountains it’s so soulful, it’s just incredible.”

Soul is the theme of every show. The first Sunday Soul Sessions of 2023 is planned for June 25, and will feature vocalists Mandy Cole; Bexs; Kaliee McGuire; Naveha Dyson; Ellie Fier; and Falhon. And on July 9 will be another Soul Sessions with Roots musician WiL.

Every concert ends before sunset, that way nobody has to drive home in the dark. 

For anybody interested in attending the soulful shows at Gateway Ranch, get on the mailing list by emailing Coppin or follow her on Instagram. 

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