Wire Service

“This show feels like a moment of reclamation for them to enjoy the fun and adventure of camp but this time on their own terms in a safe and supportive environment,” said Tala Small Wolf. (Marissa Lyn Photography)

Campy Cabaret raising money for Trans Lifeline

Local production company owner responds to “active crisis against trans lives” with SUMMER CAMP, June 17 at the White Eagle Polish Hall

  • May 31, 2023
“This show feels like a moment of reclamation for them to enjoy the fun and adventure of camp but this time on their own terms in a safe and supportive environment,” said Tala Small Wolf. (Marissa Lyn Photography)
Victoria JazzFest 2023 will take place at venues across the city, including free performances at Bullen Park, and ticketed performances at Hermann’s Jazz Club, McPherson Playhouse, Tom Lee Music, and more. (Victoria Jazz Society)

Here’s some upcoming highlights of 2023 JazzFest in Victoria

In it’s 40th year, JazzFest has headliners Snarky Puppy, Molly Johnson,Sona Jobarteh, Chris Botti, and BADBADNOTGOOD

  • May 31, 2023
Victoria JazzFest 2023 will take place at venues across the city, including free performances at Bullen Park, and ticketed performances at Hermann’s Jazz Club, McPherson Playhouse, Tom Lee Music, and more. (Victoria Jazz Society)
Attendees at a previous Victoria International Wine Festival. This year’s event happens Sept. 29-30 at the Victoria Conference Centre. (Courtesy Victora International Wine Festival)

Victoria wine festival returns with 400 wines from 14 different countries

Festival is set for Sept. 29 to 30 at the Victoria Conference Centre

  • May 31, 2023
Attendees at a previous Victoria International Wine Festival. This year’s event happens Sept. 29-30 at the Victoria Conference Centre. (Courtesy Victora International Wine Festival)
Rich Aucoin is an indie alt-pop and electronic musician based in Halifax. He is the winner of SiriusXM Indie Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year Award, Eastern Canadian Music Awards and is known for his crowd-karaoke multimedia live shows. (Riley Smith photo)

Rich Aucoin lighting up Lucky Bar with sea of confetti and crowd karaoke June 2

Direct from his Japan and South Korea tour, Rich Aucoin brings the Is This Real Life Tour to the West Coast

  • May 30, 2023
Rich Aucoin is an indie alt-pop and electronic musician based in Halifax. He is the winner of SiriusXM Indie Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year Award, Eastern Canadian Music Awards and is known for his crowd-karaoke multimedia live shows. (Riley Smith photo)
Toronto-based East African singer-songwriter Witch Prophet creates a soundscape of vocal layers, loops, raps, and harmonies on a bed of hip-hop, jazz, and soul-inspired beats produced by her wife and business partner, SUN SUN. She will be performing Tuesday, June 27 at Victoria Event Centre as part of JazzFest 2023. (Francesca Nocera)

‘Ethereal, mystical’ Witch Prophet a standout act at JazzFest 2023

The Kenyan-born artist’s music explores lived experiences as an East African, queer, and a mother

  • May 30, 2023
Toronto-based East African singer-songwriter Witch Prophet creates a soundscape of vocal layers, loops, raps, and harmonies on a bed of hip-hop, jazz, and soul-inspired beats produced by her wife and business partner, SUN SUN. She will be performing Tuesday, June 27 at Victoria Event Centre as part of JazzFest 2023. (Francesca Nocera)
Sixty Watt Trivia events take place weekly across the city at places like Maude Hunter's Pub, 5th Street Bar and Grill, the Loghouse Pub, Bartholomew's Public House and more. (image provided)

Lawrie lighting up Greater Victoria with Sixty Watt Trivia

Marketing pro-turned-entrepreneur makes creating quizzes a living

  • May 29, 2023
Sixty Watt Trivia events take place weekly across the city at places like Maude Hunter's Pub, 5th Street Bar and Grill, the Loghouse Pub, Bartholomew's Public House and more. (image provided)
Galactic, a funk band from New Orleans, will be playing at Vancouver Island MusicFest this summer. Photo by Josh Brasted Photography.

TALES FROM MUSICFEST: A showcase of ‘Americana’ royalty

BY ROBERT MOYES Special to Black Press The Americana genre encompasses traditional…

  • May 26, 2023
Galactic, a funk band from New Orleans, will be playing at Vancouver Island MusicFest this summer. Photo by Josh Brasted Photography.
Empress Hotel, sunset sips (image supplied)

Fairmont Empress in Victoria debuts Sunset Sips

New evening service available Thursdays through Sundays at iconic Victoria hotel starting May 25

  • May 25, 2023
Empress Hotel, sunset sips (image supplied)
A bone in the office of Dr. Victoria Arbour at the Royal BC Museum. (Ella Matte, Black Press Media)

SUE set to show what she’s made of

Royal BC Museum hosts the best T-Rex ever found

  • May 24, 2023
A bone in the office of Dr. Victoria Arbour at the Royal BC Museum. (Ella Matte, Black Press Media)
Daniel Romano. (image supplied)

Daniel Romano gears up for Victoria showcase of unique genre of music

Ontario musician, poet & visual artist plays the Capital Ballroom on June 16

  • May 19, 2023
Daniel Romano. (image supplied)
Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres are a Vancouver Island-based folk duo who have won awards and nominations from the JUNOS, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards and Grammy Awards. They been playing together since 2008 and will play together at the Folk ‘N Fiddle Festival in June. (image supplied)

Folk ‘n Fiddle Festival Q & A: Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres speak to the revival of traditional folk music

The award-winning Canadian folk duo play the Seaside Folk ‘n Fiddle Festival in Sidney, June 9-11

  • May 18, 2023
Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres are a Vancouver Island-based folk duo who have won awards and nominations from the JUNOS, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards and Grammy Awards. They been playing together since 2008 and will play together at the Folk ‘N Fiddle Festival in June. (image supplied)

Bruce Steel

April 19, 1930 - May 18, 2023In loving memory ~ Steel, Bruce…

  • May 18, 2023
Claire Yoo (left), president of the Victoria Korean Canadian Women's Association, joins Heejae Shin, Sugene Song and Kyoung Soon Won at the association's booth at Folktoria in Centennial Square. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Every culture has its lullabies – Folktoria June 3 and 4 in Victoria

More than 65 groups are represented, showcasing dance, food, clothing and more

  • May 15, 2023
Claire Yoo (left), president of the Victoria Korean Canadian Women's Association, joins Heejae Shin, Sugene Song and Kyoung Soon Won at the association's booth at Folktoria in Centennial Square. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
The Sealion Medieval Market (image supplied for Monday Mag)

Sealion Medieval Market in Saanichton is a time warp to the Middle Ages, complete with sword fighting and minstrel shows

Market and annual “battle” between mainland and island baronies takes place May 27

  • May 15, 2023
The Sealion Medieval Market (image supplied for Monday Mag)
Canadian music legend Burton Cummings will perform at the Royal Theatre on May 28. (image supplied)

Burton Cummings brings his legendary voice to the Royal Theatre May 28

The Guess Who frontman returns for his first local performance in four years

  • May 14, 2023
Canadian music legend Burton Cummings will perform at the Royal Theatre on May 28. (image supplied)
David Arkenstone (image supplied)

Genius behind the curtain

David Arkenstone’s music has been the backdrop for more than you know

  • May 13, 2023
David Arkenstone (image supplied)
Stephen "Dusty" Roberts stands among some of the rugs cleaned at his business, Luv-A-Rug Services Inc. (Courtesy Dusty Roberts)

Make a difference and get a clean rug to boot at Luv-A-Rug in Victoria

Greater Victoria business owner steps up to fulfil a dream

  • May 11, 2023
Stephen "Dusty" Roberts stands among some of the rugs cleaned at his business, Luv-A-Rug Services Inc. (Courtesy Dusty Roberts)
The second annual Awakening Chinatown Festival takes place in Victoria’s Chinatown Sunday, May 28. (Courtesy Victoria Chinatown Museum Society)

Awakening Chinatown Festival weaves history into the future of Victoria’s downtown

Canada’s oldest Chinatown celebrates enduring contributions to the community at May 28 festival

  • May 11, 2023
The second annual Awakening Chinatown Festival takes place in Victoria’s Chinatown Sunday, May 28. (Courtesy Victoria Chinatown Museum Society)
Big Bad John’s started in 1962, during a celebration of the World’s Fair in Seattle, where the Strathcona Room was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar.” Due to popularity, the bar has continued in all its quirkiness ever since. (Dave Van)

Behind Bars: Big Bad John’s puts the quirk back into the bar experience

Throwing peanuts, falling spiders, and bras hanging from the rafters – Big Bad John’s has it all.

  • May 11, 2023
Big Bad John’s started in 1962, during a celebration of the World’s Fair in Seattle, where the Strathcona Room was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar.” Due to popularity, the bar has continued in all its quirkiness ever since. (Dave Van)

Peter

DEAR PETER WE MISS YOU

  • May 11, 2023