Community

Jonathan Brenneman writes a Monday Mag column on a day in the life of a pedicab driver. (Image provided for Monday Mag)

A day in the life of a pedicab driver: storytelling, shifting gears, and lots and lots of sun cream

Pedicab tours of Victoria are as much about the journeys we narrate as the physical ones we take

  • Aug 6, 2023
Jonathan Brenneman writes a Monday Mag column on a day in the life of a pedicab driver. (Image provided for Monday Mag)
Families doing arts and crafts at the Cadboro Bay Festival. (Sarah Faria/contributed to Black Press Media)

The Cadboro Bay Festival offers fun for the entire family

While there won’t be a sand-sculpting competition, the festival will include a variety of activities

Families doing arts and crafts at the Cadboro Bay Festival. (Sarah Faria/contributed to Black Press Media)
Jess Gibbard is a trans voice coach who leads peers across North America from a small studio on Saanich. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Saanich-based transgender voice coach blazing a trail for trans voice coaching in North America

Jess Gibbard got into voice coaching to “provide the service that was lacking” in an affordable way

  • Jun 30, 2023
Jess Gibbard is a trans voice coach who leads peers across North America from a small studio on Saanich. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Victoria Pride Week runs June 29 to July 9, 2023. (Courtesy KZ Photography/Victoria Pride Society)

‘There’s no wrong way to love’: Victoria Pride Festival returns June 29

Popular parade, taking place July 9, has a new route this year

Victoria Pride Week runs June 29 to July 9, 2023. (Courtesy KZ Photography/Victoria Pride Society)
Cartoonist Gareth Gaudin owns a vintage comic book store and is creator of the famous Perogy Cat. He also writes graphic novels for youth and teaches at Camosun College. (Katharine Brynjolfson)

From Cosmic Kitty to Legends: Victoria cartoonist looks over his legacy

Gareth Gaudin has turned each decade of his life into comic magic

Cartoonist Gareth Gaudin owns a vintage comic book store and is creator of the famous Perogy Cat. He also writes graphic novels for youth and teaches at Camosun College. (Katharine Brynjolfson)
Lydia Toorenburgh is a two-spirit Metis and mixed settler person who local drag show attendees might recognize as drag king Riel Deadly. (image supplied)

What it means to be two-spirit: Q & A with drag king Riel Deadly

Lydia Toorenburgh / Riel Deadly said a two-spirit Elder inspired them to transform their drag art into a reflection of two-spirit identity

  • Jun 9, 2023
Lydia Toorenburgh is a two-spirit Metis and mixed settler person who local drag show attendees might recognize as drag king Riel Deadly. (image supplied)
Rio Kaneki in his home studio that he shares with his wife. Kaneki has worked for skateboarding brand Hurley, Nike and does graphic design for local companies like Dumpling Drop and Wheelies. (Samantha Duerksen)

From tattoo shops to Nike: graphic design with Victoria-based Rio Kaneki

Kaneki’s work is resonant to the tattoo and wood carving that influenced him deeply when he lived in Japan

Rio Kaneki in his home studio that he shares with his wife. Kaneki has worked for skateboarding brand Hurley, Nike and does graphic design for local companies like Dumpling Drop and Wheelies. (Samantha Duerksen)
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)
With April 29 being Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, it’s a perfect time to get some book recommendations by local authors. (Sam Duerksen)

Celebrate local authors with these Victoria books

Books by local authors to enjoy this summer

With April 29 being Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, it’s a perfect time to get some book recommendations by local authors. (Sam Duerksen)
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)
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)
Pulcherie Mboussi organizes AfriCa Fest to help newcomers feel at home. (Kazakiz)

‘A space for me to feel at home’: AfriCa Fest set for May in Victoria

AfriCa Fest’s Pulcherie Mboussi uses dance, music and food to bring together small but diverse African community

Pulcherie Mboussi organizes AfriCa Fest to help newcomers feel at home. (Kazakiz)
Teredo wood electric guitars with unique historic spruce tops from Vigilant Guitars. (Runegate Photography)

Victoria Guitar Show set for its second coming

Co-founder and event director Trevor Woodland talks to MM about current guitar trends

  • May 3, 2023
Teredo wood electric guitars with unique historic spruce tops from Vigilant Guitars. (Runegate Photography)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour, which runs over Mother’s Day weekend. (Carol Sherwood photo)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour which runs over Mother’s Day weekend.

Five ways to treat mom this Mother’s Day in Victoria

High tea, gardens, annual art tours and more

Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour, which runs over Mother’s Day weekend. (Carol Sherwood photo)
Artist Marcela Strasdas shows art in her home during the Hills to Shore Artists Tour which runs over Mother’s Day weekend.
Timothy Vernon, the founding artistic director of Pacific Opera, is stepping down as artistic director after 43 years with the company. (image supplied)

“A little bit of Amadeus in him” – Pacific Opera’s Timothy Vernon celebrated

With Vernon leaving Pacific Opera, Friends of Timothy gala celebrates 43 years of excellence and Vernon’s role in bringing opera to Victoria

  • May 1, 2023
Timothy Vernon, the founding artistic director of Pacific Opera, is stepping down as artistic director after 43 years with the company. (image supplied)
Naomi Woo is one of two new conductors to join Pacific Opera this year through Women in Musical Leadership program. (image supplied Pacific Opera)

Women in Musical Leadership program aims to bring change to Victoria’s classical scene

Passing the baton: Pacific Opera mentors a new generation of musical leadership through program

  • Apr 21, 2023
Naomi Woo is one of two new conductors to join Pacific Opera this year through Women in Musical Leadership program. (image supplied Pacific Opera)
Artist Francis Dick will be working from a makeshift studio in the Legacy Art Gallery during her five month exhibit, with visitors encouraged to come and connect. (Don Denton photo)

Walking Thru My Fires: Francis Dick exhibit at Legacy Art Gallery is brave and poignant

Dick explores Residential School legacies, urban Indigeneity, and the healing power of art through deeply personal paintings, carvings and music.

Artist Francis Dick will be working from a makeshift studio in the Legacy Art Gallery during her five month exhibit, with visitors encouraged to come and connect. (Don Denton photo)
Così fan tutte, 2022, at the Theatre des Champs Elysees. (Vincent Pontet)

Pacific Opera Victoria stages comedy of follies and foibles

Really folks, what could go wrong?

  • Apr 3, 2023
Così fan tutte, 2022, at the Theatre des Champs Elysees. (Vincent Pontet)
Part of a piece created by graphic designer Juan Ramirez, made with the help of AI.

Exploring art through AI: what Victoria artists say about new trend

Digital artists are teaming up with Arts BC to put on “Exploring Canadian Art Through AI” public workshops in April

Part of a piece created by graphic designer Juan Ramirez, made with the help of AI.