The colourful dance and music production starts Friday at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.

Pulse! unites 60 Okanagan-based performers who are celebrating the region's culture, talent and passion for the arts.

"There is so much talent and culture within our communities," said artistic coordinator Wendy Williams. "Our purpose for Pulse! is to highlight some of our area's cultural performers through an exciting high-level production."

Pulse! features a line-up of live music including rhythmic African drumming by Common Pulse out of Okanagan Falls; Latin music and flamenco guitar by Penticton's William Leggott Jazz Trio; Middle Eastern fusion music by the Barefoot Profits, which runs a Jam Camp at Mabel Lake near Lumby in the summer; and the melodic singing of Okanagan Falls artist Lauren Holmes.

Penticton singer Jennifer Lauren will also be a special guest at many performances.

"Instead of wine, Pulse! gives you a wonderful taste of our local talent and culture," said John Goudie, tour coordinator.

Along with spirited music, Pulse! features a wide range of dancers from energetic youth hip-hop dancers to an inspiring 76-year-old belly dancer who was a founding member of the Russian Ballet.

Pulse! also features Latin dancing, poi spinning and this year's highlight, performance belly dancing by Penticton's Get Bent Belly Dancers, which is said to be a unique artform not seen in many local venues.

Pulse! will tour Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton during November. For music samples and more information, visit www.PulseTour.com.

Friday's performance at the Performing Arts Centre starts with a pre-show in the theatre's lobby from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. with the stage show at 7:30 p.m.