A Vernon band will raise a little Hep Friday.
The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) is proud to announce Dixie Fried Hep Katz will perform as the opening act for legendary Canadian Hall of Fame rock band Trooper for VDPAC鈥檚 inaugural Signature Concert Series event Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert is sold out.
VDPAC invited the local performers who were previously featured as part of its FOCUS Online Series in 2021 during COVID restricted public events. The Hep Katz were one of 24 selected area performing artists from 37 who originally auditioned.
Now, the chance to open for such an iconic Canadian band is a well-deserved and tremendous opportunity for an emerging local band.
鈥淭hanks for remembering us from your FOCUS Online Series, we really enjoyed that program and we look forward to performing again on the 25th,鈥� said the band.
The Dixie Fried Hep Katz trio consists of Porter Johnson, singer-songwriter, lead guitar; Kyndra Johnson, drums, backup vocals, songwriter; and (Slappin鈥�) upright bass player, Neil Graham. They are heavily influenced by the Sun Records artists of the 1950s, including Eddie Cochrane, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Duane Eddy, and contemporary rockabilly greats including The Stray Cats, The Wheelgrinders, Cousin Harley, and Reverend Horton Heat.
Between performing throughout Western Canada, their music videos and new album Loud Guitars & Neon Lights is receiving airplay in Europe and North America, acquiring an ever-expanding following.
Dixie Fried Hep Katz has performed at many events, indoor and outdoor venues, and car shows all over B.C. and Alberta, and 鈥渓ove performing [their] exciting stage show full of energy and tricks.鈥�
鈥淲e are so pleased to be able to include and promote area artists together with major headliners we can feature with our new Signature Concert Series,鈥� said VDPAC鈥檚 executive director Jim Harding. 鈥淣ot only do we want to bring these iconic concert experiences to our audiences, but also help emerging artists to get the profile and make the connection with new followers these opportunities can offer.鈥�
Audiences can sample a preview of the Dixie Fried Hep Katz experience at their website: and performance videos on .
