Okanagan Echo Special Feature: 'This is Adele' with Amanda Bentley

When Amanda Bentley performed at a recent International Women’s Day event in Kelowna, it only took a few lines for the room to pay attention. There was no over-the-top production or attempt to imitate Adele down to the smallest detail. What stood out was the voice, the control, and the emotion behind it.

Now, Amanda is bringing that same energy to This Is Adele, a live tribute show backed by a six-piece band she carefully assembled herself. The production blends theatre-style intimacy with the kind of powerful live vocals audiences expect from Adele’s music, while still allowing Amanda to remain fully herself on stage.

Born into a musical family in Penticton and shaped by years of touring and performing original music, Amanda says the show came from an “aha” moment — a realization that she could create something unique while building a more sustainable life in music and motherhood.

Ahead of the performance, we spoke with Amanda about the pressure of taking on Adele’s catalogue, the emotional discipline behind the show, and why she believes audiences are ready for this kind of live experience.

OE: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a performer?

AB: I grew up in Penticton where my parents owned the local music store and a small sound production company. They also played in a band so my childhood was spent either at the music store of helping lug gear to various events or gig. Christmas gifts were always musical instruments.

OE: What drew you to the music of Adele, and what inspired you to create a tribute show around her work instead of focusing solely on your original music?

AB: I spent many years working as an original artist. It’s a huge commitment to pursue that career path and often costs more than you’re able to earn. When I became a mother my focus shifted. I started finding ways to earn a living as a musician rather than focus on “making it”. The Adele Tribute show came to me in an “aha” moment where I realized I can sing her music and there aren’t many people who can. It would be a very unique show that I could bring to theatres. It’s a leap of faith and I’m putting that trust in myself.

OE: The music of Adele is both emotional and technically demanding. How do you prepare - vocally and mentally - to step into that space on stage?

AB: The music of Adele is no cake walk. I had a band member describe her vocals as the deep sea diving of singing. They were not wrong! Every breath has to be meticulously timed. There is no wiggle room. For me it’s been about immersing myself as much as possible into the nuances of her voice. I’ve spent hours listening to her isolated vocal tracks and live performances. When you do that you start to see patterns in how she uses her voice. As for the emotional aspect, as I learn her songs I try to draw on memories or situations in my own life that relate to her lyrics. That helps me emote in an authentic way rather than just trying to mimic her.

OE: How do you balance staying true to Adele’s sound while still bringing your own identity as an artist?

AB: I think for me the key is to honour the music but don’t imitate. I’m not an impersonator. I’m not going to stand on stage and talk with a British accent. I want to honour her as an artist and give my audience the emotional experience you’d expect at an Adele show.

OE: You’re backed by a six-piece band that you personally selected, what were you looking for when building this group?

AB: I hand selected players and singers that I felt would best honour and represent Adele’s sound. I’ve worked as a bass player for decades so finding the perfect rhythm section was job number one for me. Luckily I’m married to a drummer who definitely understands the assignment and was thrilled when Jim Ryan agreed to play bass. He’s in the BC country music hall of fame. Piano is at the core of almost every Adele song so that was the most pivotal role to fill. Justin Glibbery is well known throughout the Okanagan for his piano skills and also happened to be my high school music teacher. It’s a full circle moment to be working with him professionally. Rounding out the band is Mike Jervis. He was the last person to sign on and possibly one of the most pivotal as he is balancing playing both guitar and keyboards. For my backing vocalists I asked Lorill Jensen and Lisa Dunn. We affectionately call them ‘Lilo”. Lorill was the first call I made. She’s been a friend for years and I discovered she has this rich deep voice reminiscent of Nina Simone. She's handling all the lower vocal parts, the stuff you might not notice, the parts that aren’t as flashy but that parts that are essential to the sound of the songs. She’s the glue. I reached out to Lisa because of her huge voice and range. I basically needed a second me on stage. Someone who can cover anything and everything. She has had her work cut out for her!

OE:What can audiences expect from the live experience? Would you describe it as more of a concert, theatre performance, or something in between?

AB: Adele’s show style is best suited to a theatre environment so this does allow us to bring the audience her show in a way that it should be presented. She’s not flashy with choreography and costume changes. It’s all about the voice and the emotional experience. That’s what I want to bring to the stage.

OE: For someone seeing you perform for the first time, what moment do you think will stay with them long after the night ends?

AB: I hope people remember my voice and I hope they remember the emotion. Singing Adele is not about belting out big notes. It’s about nuance and refinement. She’s also very funny. I feel very connected to her personality, the fact that she can be goofy but then deliver these beautiful emotion pieces. I want the show to be fun.

OE: Where do you see this show going next, are you thinking of bigger stages, touring, or something beyond?

AB: We are already booking a mini tour for this coming fall and spring of 2027. For now I want to keep the show close to home so I can be home at night for my kids. We’ll start in BC and go from there.

OE: What does success look like for you after this performance?

AB: Success for me is about accepting that I can be fabulous. I’m betting on myself. It’s been a deeply uncomfortable process for me. As a mother it’s easy to lose yourself. This is about stepping into my own light and showcasing what deep down I know I am capable of.

OE: If you could describe this show in one sentence to someone on the fence, what would you say?

AB: Local artists, world class performance - an Adele tribute that combines community heart with arena level talent.

Whether you’re a longtime Adele fan or simply looking for a live performance that feels immersive, emotional, and genuinely memorable, This Is Adele promises an evening of powerful vocals, live musicianship, and connection through music.

With upcoming performances across the Okanagan, audiences can expect more than a tribute show — they can expect a carefully crafted live experience led by local artists bringing world-class talent to the stage.

Tickets and upcoming show information are available at:This Is Adele Official Website