Five years of Sound Check. A whole new experience
Sound Check 2026 is a boutique indoor Busking & Bistro Festival celebrating local music, food and community in a brand-new venue and a completely new format.
For our fifth anniversary, Sound Check is moving from competition to collaboration and celebration, bringing local musicians together for an evening designed to be explored, not simply watched.
Move between three spaces at The Blue Building Project as you discover acoustic performances, live bands, food stations, fundraising activities and places to relax and connect.
Your ticket includes a selection of charcuterie, savoury small bites and dessert served throughout the evening.
Come for the music. Stay for the food. Wander, discover and enjoy a very different Sound Check experience — all while supporting The Centre for Young Parents and the young families we serve in our community
Wander. Listen. Graze. Gather.
Sound Check 2026 is designed as a roaming indoor festival, with each space offering something different to discover.
Move between rooms, enjoy the music, grab a bite and find your own favourite spot.
WANDER
THE COMMON ROOM
Acoustic music, savoury bites, silent auction, bar and social space.
GRAZE
ENCLOSED PATIO
Charcuterie, cozy lounge seating, conversation and acoustic music.
GATHER
THE BLUE BOX
Live bands, dessert, live auction, high-top tables and the main stage.
Local artists. New format. Five years of Sound Check.
Sound Check 2026 brings local musicians together in a new format that celebrates collaboration over competition.
Throughout the evening, you'll hear returning Sound Check participants performing in intimate acoustic settings, along with live bands taking the stage in the Blue Box.
MEET THE ARTISTS
CHELSEA
ATKINSON
SOLO ACOUSTIC
Originally from Nova Scotia, Chelsea Atkinson is a singer-songwriter based in Grande Cache, Alberta. She has performed alongside Brett Kissel, George Canyon and Aaron Goodvin, and was showcased during Canadian Country Music Week in 2024. Inspired by country music and her own experiences, Chelsea was the winner of Sound Check 2024 and later released her debut single, “See You Soon.”
VONDA McDERMOTT
SOLO ACOUSTIC
Grande Prairie-born Vonda McDermott is an award-winning vocalist and musician known for her soulful blend of country, rock, folk and bluegrass. A lifelong performer, she grew up singing and playing guitar in her family band. In 2024, Vonda released her first country single, “Let It Go,” produced by Duane Steele. The song reached No. 4 on the Canadian Independent Country Music Charts in March 2025.
CODY
DERKSEN
SOLO ACOUSTIC
Cody Derksen grew up in the Peace Country and now calls Grande Prairie home. A tradesman by day and musician on weekends, Cody performs throughout Alberta and B.C. This summer, he shared a festival bill in Fort St. John with artists including High Valley and Blue Rodeo. Cody recently released his first EP, True North Troubadour, and is preparing to head to Nashville as he pursues his goal of a full-time career in music.
NEVER
BETTER
BAND
Never Better is a Grande Prairie pop punk and alternative rock four-piece that plays a mix of covers and original music. The band returns to Sound Check after having such a great experience at last year’s event and values the opportunity to give back to the community they call home. With several members raising families of their own, the event’s purpose is especially meaningful to them. They’ll return for a full-band set at Sound Check 2026.
CECILY
PHELPS BAND
BAND
The Cecily Phelps Band is a Grande Prairie group known for heartfelt original music that blends rock, folk and pop. Over the past several years, they have written and performed throughout the Peace Region, bringing stories of love, loss and everything in between to life on stage. Cecily was the winner of Sound Check 2023, and the band returns for Sound Check’s fifth anniversary with a full-band set.
ZACHARY
KAY
SOLO ACOUSTIC
Zachary Kay is a Grande Prairie singer-songwriter known for his folk and folk-rock sound rooted in Northern Alberta. He is the frontman of The Northbloods and also performs solo and as lead guitarist with McKindred. His songwriting explores themes of isolation, struggle and redemption, reflecting his experience growing up in the north. His thoughtful lyrics and years of live performance experience make him a compelling storyteller on stage.
A taste of something delicious.
Your ticket includes food woven throughout the evening.
CHARCUTERIE CORNER
SAVOURY SMALL BITES
DESSERT / DOLCE
ENCLOSED PATIO
A relaxed grazing spread of meats, cheeses, breads, crackers, fruit, pickled items, olives and spreads.
THE COMMON ROOM
Easy-to-enjoy bites designed for mingling and socializing.
THE BLUE BOX
A selection of bite-sized sweets and desserts later in the evening.
Food is included with your ticket. Beverages are available for purchase at the venue bars.
Great music and good food can do something good for our community.
Sound Check 2026 supports
Centre for Young Parents,
a local organization supporting young families in our community.
Through free childcare, food security programs, mental health supports and parenting resources, Centre for Young Parents helps young parents build stronger, healthier futures for themselves and their children.
YOUR TICKET HELPS MAKE THAT WORK POSSIBLE.
Enjoy the evening. Support the cause.
Throughout the evening, there will be opportunities to support Centre for Young Parents through fundraising activities, including:
-
SILENT AUCTION • LIVE AUCTION • RAFFLES • 50/50
Additional fundraising activities may be announced as details are confirmed.
Beverages, auction purchases, raffles and other fundraising activities are not included with your event ticket.
One ticket. Three spaces. Food included.
EARLY BIRD
$85
September 1–15 or
first 50 tickets
GENERAL ADMISSION
$100
Available Sept 16-Oct 28
Your ticket includes admission to Sound Check 2026, plus charcuterie, savoury small bites and dessert served throughout the evening.
Beverages, auctions, raffles and other fundraising activities are additional.
Come comfortable. Come curious.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026
DOORS OPEN
5:30 PM
PROGRAM
Approximately 6:30–11:00 PM
LOCATION
The Blue Building Project,
Grande Prairie
Sound Check is designed as a roaming, social event, not a formal sit-down dinner. Seating will be available throughout the venue, but guests are encouraged to move between spaces and enjoy the different experiences.
DRESS
Comfortable, casual and elevated.
This is not a formal event.
FOOD
Included with your ticket.
DRINKS
Available for purchase at the venue bars
Sound Check is better when the community gets involved.
There are lots of ways to be part of Sound Check 2026 — whether you're joining us for the evening, helping spread the word, donating an item or service, sponsoring the event, or bringing your own ideas to the table.
SPONSOR • DONATE • VOLUNTEER • SHARE • CONNECT
SPONSOR SOUND CHECK
Help us create an unforgettable evening while supporting young families in our community.
DONATE TO THE AUCTION
Have a product, service, experience or gift card you'd like to contribute? We'd love to hear from you.
SHARE
SPREAD THE WORD
Share Sound Check with your friends, family, colleagues and community
CONNECT
HAVE ANOTHER IDEA?
We'd love to hear from local businesses, musicians and community members.