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Summer at the Gardens: Alan Doyle show highlights busy schedule

Musical offerings range from classical and jazz to bluegrass and vintage rock
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Alan Doyle, former front man for Great Big Sea and more recent solo artist, appears live with his band at Butchart Gardens for a mid-week concert on July 18. Facebook

Alan Doyle will be a long way from the body of water that gave his old band its name, but he’ll be pretty close to another one when he hits stage for a show at Butchart Gardens on July 18.

The Wednesday evening outdoor concert in the bandshell by the former Great Big Sea front man and songwriter is among the highlights in a busy summer entertainment schedule at the world-famous gardens. The fast sellout of presale tickets for the show illustrates the popularity of the man well known for singing such songs as “Ordinary Day,” “End of the World” and “Mari-Mac” with the old band, and more recent solo hits, “Summer Summer Night,” “So Let’s Go” and “I’ve Seen a Little.”

Fans not able to get tickets in advance still have a chance to see the show, by arriving that afternoon.

The air around the Gardens’ grassy hillside is filled with music every evening between June 30 and Sept. 1, with a mix of local musicians and world-renowned artists showcased, all included in visitors’ admission ticket to the facility.

“There is so much local talent and we take pride in featuring these performers each year. It is very much part of our strategy to promote local [performers],” says Craig Moddle, Butchart Gardens’ manager of arts and entertainment.

Other highlights include John Gogo (July 22), Stephen Fearing (July 25), The Paperboys (Aug. 3), the Wailin’ Jennys (Aug. 10) and Russell deCarle (Aug. 15), to name a few. Live performances range from big band and jazz, to bluegrass and classical: the Victoria Symphony perform July 27 with guest conductor (and former music director) Tania Miller holding the baton.

For a list of performances for 2018, visit butchartgardens.com/summer-entertainment-calendar.

– Monday Magazine staff