Get ready for an incredible showcase of talent at Spirit of the Stage: The Sound Challenge, part of RockiesFest 2026. This year’s lineup features a powerful mix of rock, alt, folk, metal, and party favourites from across the Kootenays and beyond.
Phaeton — Progressive Metal | Kootenays, BC
Formed in 2017, Phaeton combines the melodic complexity of progressive rock with the technical intensity of heavy metal. Drawing influence from bands such as Rush, Dream Theater, Mastodon, Gojira, and Animals As Leaders, the band creates all-instrumental compositions that are both powerful and intricate.
Phaeton has released three critically acclaimed albums—Phaeton (2018), Between Two Worlds (2023), and Neurogenesis (2025)—and has been featured in the UK’s Prog Magazine. The band has toured extensively throughout Western Canada, sharing the stage with notable acts including Anciients, Bison, Beyond Creation, Dead Bob, and Atavistia.
Website: www.phaetonprog.com
Down and Locked — Rock & Roll | Cranbrook, BC
Down and Locked deliver high-energy rock and roll, covering a wide variety of tunes from classic favourites to modern hits. Known for their crowd-pleasing sound and strong stage presence, they bring a fun, familiar energy that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
EightOneSix — Hard Rock | Cranbrook & Vancouver, BC
Formed in 2018, EightOneSix delivers hard-hitting rock with a growing catalogue of original music. The band has released one full-length album and one EP, along with multiple videos and a documentary available on their YouTube channel. With members from Cranbrook and Vancouver, they bring a powerful and polished sound to the stage.
The All New HoodiKatz — Party Band | Cranbrook, BC
The All New HoodiKatz are a fun, energetic party band guaranteed to get the crowd dancing. Playing popular dance hits from the 1970s through to today, they bring upbeat vibes and a packed dance floor wherever they perform.
The Bliss — Rock | Elko, BC
The Bliss are a high-energy rock band featuring Social Distortion covers alongside a mix of exciting rock tracks ranging from Volbeat to the Beastie Boys. Their gritty sound and driving rhythm make them a standout live act.
LO / HI — Alternative Rock | Cranbrook, BC
LO / HI is an alt rock band with members from Cranbrook and Kimberley. Core members Ethan Sawatsky (drums) and Patrick Lehocky have teamed up with vocalist Paul Dyson to create a sound influenced by Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, R.E.M., and Pearl Jam. New music is currently streaming on all platforms.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WoTWaNZDWjNlyouvRqNkd
Brotherhood of Lost Souls (BOLS) — Metallic Punk / Garage Rock | Cranbrook, BC
Formed in December 2022, Brotherhood of Lost Souls bring a hard-driving garage rock sound inspired by bands such as Motörhead, Supersuckers, Turbonegro, Danko Jones, and Zeke. Known for their relentless touring and high-energy performances, BOLS have shared the stage with acts including Econoline Crush, D.O.A., and Dead Bob. The band is set to release their debut recordings this year.
Charity Standing Orders — Alternative Rock | Cranbrook, BC
Charity Standing Orders features longtime collaborators Ethan Sawatsky (drums) and Daniel Pocha (guitar), who have been creating music together since their early school years. Winners of the 2025 Cranbrook Next Play competition, the band plays primarily original alternative rock influenced by Smashing Pumpkins, Portishead, and Queens of the Stone Age. Known for their electric stage presence, new music will be streaming on all platforms soon.
Follow them on social media: @charitystandingorders
Fyfe Williams — Folk / Rock | Kimberley, BC
Fyfe Williams is a five-piece folk/rock band with strong bluegrass and Celtic rock influences. Their energetic live performances are known for getting audiences on their feet, blending musicianship with a lively, danceable sound.