You don't always need to fly to Europe to tour. The "BC Interior Run" is a rite of passage for West Coast DJs. From the high-energy après scenes of Whistler to the growing underground of Kelowna and Kamloops, there is a circuit of venues that can sustain a solid two-week tour if you plan it right.
Whistler: The Wednesday/Sunday Circuit
Whistler plays by its own rules. The big nights often aren't Friday and Saturday; they are "locals' nights" like Wednesday or Sunday. Venues like Garfinkel's and Maxx Fish are hungry for talent that can keep the energy high for a crowd of international seasonal workers. The key here is versatility—you need to be able to read a room that might be 50% hardcore techno heads and 50% tourists looking for Top 40.
The Connector: Kamloops and Sun Peaks
Don't sleep on the stops in between. Kamloops has a small but dedicated scene, with venues like The Blue Grotto offering decent sound and an eager crowd. Sun Peaks resort is also a viable stop during the winter season. These "fill-in" dates are essential for breaking up the drive and covering your gas money.
Kelowna: The Weekend Anchor
Kelowna is the metropolis of the interior. Venues like Distrikt and the new Revelry Food+Music Hub have high production values and can host proper ticketed events. The crowd here is knowledgeable, thanks to the influence of nearby festivals like Shambhala. Treat a Kelowna gig with the same seriousness as a Vancouver show; the potential for building a loyal fanbase is huge.