When Daniel Lapp presented his first Joy of Life concert it was at the First Metropolitan Church in Victoria.
Now, almost two decades later, his annual celebration is back in that same venue, which is now the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and Lapp’s home as the director of the new VCM School of Contemporary Music.
The third annual Joy of Life Festival is on stage at Alix Goolden Hall May 8 to 10. Each event features a different “Joy of” theme and each features renowned performers.
n The Joy of Fiddle: Features one of the finest fiddlers in North America, Mark Sullivan: a six-time Canadian Fiddle Champion who has been awarded the title of Canadian Grand Master on three occasions. Also on stage will be Miriam Sonstenes of the Sweet Lowdown, Adrian Dolan, Folkestra and the B.C. Fiddle Orchestra celebrating folk fiddle music from around the world. Friday (May 8) at 7:30 p.m.
n The Joy of Song: The Sweet Lowdown perform. Also featured will be the 85-voice Joy of Life Choir singing a wide assortment of songs from various genres and eras accompanied by a house band of local legends including Adrian Dolan, Rick May, Kelby Macnayr and Norm Macpherson, and the B.C. Fiddle Orchestra. Saturday (May 9) at 7:30 p.m.
n The Joy of Jazz: Features a cast of local and internationally recognized artists lead by special guest Louise Rose. The afternoon will be filled with some familiar swing classics sung by Louise and also some more adventurous jazz standards from the 1950s, 60s and up to more modern times. Sunday (May 10) at 3 p.m.
Ticket info available at 250-386-5311 and online vcm.bc.ca.