Music
THURS. July 12
The Chantrelles – Cross Canada Soul Revue with Open Relationship and Hundy Thou. 9pm at Upstairs Cabaret. $TBA.
Ska Fest Workshop – Music that inspires social change. 1-2pm with Adham Shaikh at Long and McQuade (2822 Nanaimo). Free.
Ska Fest Workshop – Horn arrangements in ska ensembles — 3-4pm with the horn section of The Pietasters at Long and McQuade (2822 Nanaimo). Free.
Ska Fest Free show – With Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana/NYC), Rocky Mountain Rebel Music (Victoria), and Bachaco (Florida). 4:30-10pm at Ship Point.
Global Electronica – With Adham Shaikh (Nelson), Sola Rosa (New Zealand). 10pm at Club 9ONE9. Vicskafest.ca
Woodshed Orchestra – With Gypsy brass band Bucan Bucan. 10 pm at Logan’s Pub (1821 Cook). $10.
The Sutcliffes – Music on the Lawn concert series at Government House (1401 Rockland). 6-8pm. Free.
Summer and the Sinners- Blues party at Swans Pub (506 Pandora). 9pm. Free.
Rusty Waters and the Broken Troubadors -Strings on Kings at Caffe Fantastico. 7:30pm. By donation.
Adults – Geoff Lundstrom and Jason Cook. 9pm at Canoe Brewpub (450 Swift). $5 after 9pm.
FRI. July 13
Ska Fest Free show – With Dope Soda (Nanaimo), Heads Hang Heavy (Vancouver). 4:30-10pm at Ship Point.
Ska Fest Workshop – Reggae hit bass lines — With Leroy Sibbles of the Heptones. 1pm at Long and McQuade (2822 Nanaimo). Free.
Ska Fest Evening – With The Pietasters (Washington, DC), Larry and his Flask (Oregon), Los Furios (Vancouver), Step Back Dave (Victoria). 4:30-10pm. Ship Point. Vicskafest.ca.
Ska Fest late Night – With La Pobreska (California), Rude City Riot (Vancouver), Mad Bomber Society (Edmonton). 10pm at Lucky Bar. Vicskafest.ca
Boogaloo En Orbit – With Fabulousas Boogalettes at Butchart Gardens. 8pm. Free with admission.
40AcresofRust – With Sound Design and Francis Melling. 9pm at the Cambie (856 Esquimalt). $7.
Misha Piatigorsky -With Neil Swainson and Willard Dyson. 8pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club (753 View). $20.
Rock The Shores – The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts Band, Current Swell and Jets Overhead. 4pm at Juan de Fuca Rec Centre. Sold Out.
Solipsis – With Stephen King at Logan’s Pub (1821 Cook). 9:30pm. $8.
Pacific Tattoo – The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific is joined by other performers for a musical salute to Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. This kick-off event to the first ever Pacific Tattoo is free to attend. 8pm on the Legislature lawn. pacifictattoo.ca.
SAT. July 14
Ska Fest Free show – Easy Big Fella (Seattle), Monkey (California). Noon to 3pm at Ship Point. Family friendly.
Ska Fest Finale – With Katchafire (Wellington, New Zealand), Leroy “Heptone” Sibbles (Jamaica), Giraffe Aftermath (Vancouver) and DJ Anger (Victoria). 4:30-10pm. Ship Point. Vicskafest.ca.
Ska Fest Afterparty – With The Boom Booms (Vancouver), Mindil Beach Markets (Victoria), DJ Su Comandante (Vancouver/Guatemala). 10pm at Dance Victoria Ballroom (2750 Quadra). Vicskafest.ca.
Pacific Tattoo – Marching bands, pipes and drums, dancers and more at the first-ever Pacific Tattoo. 7:30pm at Bear Mountain Arena. $37.50. Pacifictattoo.ca
Citizen Joy – With Jon Choi, Niska Napoleon and Richard Kim. 9:30pm at the Cambie (856 Esquimalt). $8.
Afternoon recitals – 4pm through July and August at Christ Church Cathedral (930 Burdett). By donation.
The Ghostbirds -Love is a Con release party. With Mark Edne, As the Crow Flies (duo), and National Tape. 7:30pm at The Fort Café (742 Fort). $5.
Market Square Courtyard Sessions – With En Noir and Natron. 1-4pm. Free.
The Sardines – Mike Hann and Tyler Harvey. At Canoe Brewpub (450 Swift). $5 after 9pm.
Sun. July 15
The Capital Cit Syncopators – Featuring Avram Devon McCagherty, Reube Wier, Christopher Herbst, Matthew Pease and Marcus Hissen. 3-6pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club (753 View). $12.
Wed. July 16
The Cave Singers – With BoneHoof. 9pm at Club 9ONE9 (919 Douglas). $18.
Canvass – With Grass Taracks and Cumpiss at Logan’s Pub customer appreciation night. (1821 Cook). 8pm. Free.
Stage
Thurs. July 12
Of Mice and Men- Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre presents the dramatic Steinbeck depression-era masterpiece and towering indictment of American capitalism with a star-studded cast including Gary Farmer and David Ferry. Opens Thursday at 8pm at the McPherson Playhouse (runs until July 15). Tickets $24.50 at rmts.bc.ca.
The Path – Impulse Theatre’s brand new physical/dance theatre tale of love and hate a the English Inn’s Verdant Gardens (429 Lampson). Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm. To July 26. $15/12.
Fri. July 13
The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs- In a one-time-only intimate performance at the Atomic Vaudeville studio, David Ferry will be performing Mike Daisey’s controversial one-man show. Ferry is currently performing in Blue Bridge Theatre’s production of Of Mice and Men at the McPherson Playhouse. Show at 11pm at 1618 1/2 Government. $10 cash at door. Limited seating. Email atomicvaudeville@gmail.com for reservations.
Sat. July 14
Suddenly Sasquatch – An original musical by Saanich resident Sasha Moriarty-Schieven. Performances on the Ortega Terrace at Muse Winery and Bistro (11195 Chalet). Curtain 7:30pm. Tickets $25 at Muse or 250-656-2552.
Scenes and Games – Improv intensive with Dave Morris. 11am-3pm at Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $50. Davemorrisisa.com..
Sun. July 15
The Showdown – Seven solo performers have seven minutes to do their thing. Audience votes for the winner of $200 cash. 8pm at Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $10/8.
Javanese Wayang Kulit and Dance – With Dhalang Sutrisno Hartana and gamelan master Djoko Walujo Wimboprasetyo. 4pm at Little Fernwood Hall (1923 Fernwood). By donation. Email timgosley@telus.net for reservations.
Long Form Intensive – For improvisors who want to push their limits. 11am-3pm at Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $50. Davemorrisisa.com.
Audition – Peninsula Players is holding audtions for their jubilee production, Crown Jewels. Sunday at 1pm and Monday at 7:30pm at the Peninsula Players Clubhouse at (1649 Mount Newton Cross). Call 250-655-9295 for information.
Events
Thurs. July 12
Amazing Race – Join CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists to start off along this nature-based race through the forest. Register at the meeting place, grab a race sheet and test your wits and powers of observation as you tackle skill-testing questions throughout the park. Five years and older. 11am-2pm at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich). Free. 250-478-3344.
Volkssport walks – Special 5/10km evening walk (rated 1B) to celebrate Esquimalt’s Centennial. Registration 5:30pm, walk 6pm at Archie Browning Centre (1151 Esquimalt). Free. 250-598-4316.
SAT. July 14
Mt. Finlayson Madness – How far can you hike for charity? This year’s event will benefit the Mustard Seed Church and Food Bank (50 per cent of money raised); Janeece Place and Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children (35 per cent of proceeds); Goldstream Park Enhancement Fund (10 per cent) and St. John Ambulance (5 per cent). All ages welcome to participate, but minors will require permission from a guardian in writing. 8am-8pm at Goldstream Park (Trans-Canada Hwy). By donation. 250-686-1965, finhike.org
Water Garden Tour – Check out the sixth-annual Victoria Water Garden Tour, featuring a number of Victoria’s landscape designers and home owners proudly showcasing their private water gardens to the public. All proceeds support the For the Love of Africa society which creates opportunities to provide a better life for the people in poor communities of Tanzania by funding education, health and vulnerable children. 10am-4pm at various locations in Victoria. $20, available from Cannor Nursery, Dig This, Elk Lake Garden Centre. 250-891-0762.
Sandsculpting Competition & Exhibition – Take a trip upIsland to Parksville to see the world class event for Master Sand Sculptors. Vote in the ever popular “People’s Choice Award” or make one yourself. This is a qualifying event for the World Championship of Sand Sculpting in Florida in 2012. 9am-9pm daily to Aug. 19. Grand opening 2pm at Parksville’s Community Park. $2.50. parksvillebeachfest.ca.
CeltFest Vancouver Island – Partake in week-long classes and special workshops, see the performances and note CeltFest’s 12th anniversary and the festival’s first time in Greater Victoria. Various times at the Canadian College of Performing Arts (1701 Elgin). Various ticket prices. 250-888-3938, celtfest.ca.
Victoria Dodgeball Championships – Dodge the ball (or at least watch others do it) with the eighth-annual Victoria event, hosted rain or shine. 11am-6pm at Royal Athletic Park (Pembroke). Free to watch. 250-361-0732.
Labyrinth Walk – Join a morning labyrinth walk in an atmosphere that is contemplative and harmonious, for an opportunity for quieting the mind and pausing to check inwardly in a unique and deeper way. 10am-11:30am at Christ Church Cathedral (930 Burdett). By donation. 250-361-7508.
Sun. July 15
Fresh BC Wild Salmon Festival – Celebrate this year’s catch of sustainable, delectable, fresh BC Wild Sockeye Salmon. Proceeds from the barbecue go to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Tour de Rock. 10am-3pm at Thrifty Foods Central Saanich (Wallace). Free. 250-483-1659.
Giant Annual Costume Sale – Check out Langham Court Theatre for contemporary, vintage and costume items. Bring cash/credit/debit and your own bags. 10am-2pm at at Langham Court Theatre (805 Langham). Free. 250-384-2025.
ivy pull – Join Friends of Brighton Avenue Walkway volunteers in a new community effort to remove invasive species and encourage native plants. Get exercise and meet new friends at the same time. Second and fourth SUNDAYS 9-11am at the walkway between St. David Street and Transit Avenue (Oak Bay). Free. 250-475-4412.
Summer salty sundays – Explore the Maritime Museum’s Salty Sundays, every second Sunday of the month. Enjoy crafts, activities, programming and tours. 1pm at the Maritime Museum (28 Bastion Square). $12, programming is included with admission, two kids free with each paying adult. 250-385-4222, mmbc.bc.ca.
Tea leaf readings – See into your cup and have your tea leaves read by Ellena. SUNDAYS 2-4pm at James Bay Coffee and Books (143 Menzies). 250-386-4700, jamesbaycoffeeandbooks.com.
Board games Night – Scrabble and more. SUNDAYS 5:30pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
Mon. July 16
TD Art Gallery Paint-In – Check out the 25th-annual event, thanks in part to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Peruse artists, ask questions, even take part in creating an art exhibit or two. From MONDAY to July 20 11am-4pm at Centennial Square. July 21 11am-4:30pm at Moss Street (between Fort and Dallas). Free. 250-384-4171.
TAIKO DRUMMING WORKSHOPS – Two English-speaking leaders of the Japanese Taiko drumming group Saiho Kotengu, from Nagasaki Prefecture, will be in residence MONDAY through July 29. All equipment is supplied. No experience is necessary. 6:30-9pm at the Old School House Art Centre (122 Fern, West). $100/five classes. 250-752-6133.
Tues. July 17
SCRABBLE NIGHT – Bring a board game and a friend, or play on the in-house boards and find an opponent there. TUESDAYS 6:30-9pm at James Bay Coffee & Books. Free. 250-386-4700.
Markets
James Bay Market – Live music, food, farmers, artisans and service providers offer quality handmade, homemade and homegrown products. SATURDAYS 9am-3pm at 332 Menzies. Free. jamesbaymarket.com.
Metchosin Farmers’ Market – Farm fresh goodies and locally grown offerings to please every taste for the whole summer, through October. SUNDAYS 11am-2pm at Metchosin Municipal Grounds (4450 Happy Valley). Free. metchosinfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Summer Vintage Fair – Check out the second-annual event, and 35 local sellers with a fine selection of vintage and retro clothing, jewelry, accessories, decor, kitchen kitsch and more. A treasure trove of 1920’s-1980’s one-of-a-kinds. SATURDAY 10am-4pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). $3. 250-590-1491.
Bastion Square Public Market – Check out the eclectic mix of arts, crafts, imports and entertainment, along with locally grown produce and fruits; homemade breads, pastries. THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS 11am-5:30pm, SUNDAYS 11am-4:30pm at Bastion Square and Langley. Free. 250-885-1387.
Victoria Downtown Public Market – Visit Victoria’s one-stop shop for all of your local grocery and farmers market needs. WEDNESDAYS noon-5pm until October at Market Square (Inner Courtyard). Free. victoriapublicmarket.com.
WORDS
Thurs. July 12
Thirdspace Zine Launch Party and Exhibition – Visit the launch and exhibition of the 2012 “Bodies” issue of the UVSS Women’s Centre’s anti-racist feminist zine. Everyone welcome. 7-10pm at Fifty Fifty Arts Collective (2516 Douglas). Free. Thefiftyfifty.net.
Introduction to Microbrew Bio-Diesel – Learn a more efficient way to run your car. 7pm at Camas Books and Infoshop at (2590 Quadra). Free. 250-381-0585.
Sat. July 14
Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Cecil Beaton – The Greater Victoria Public Library hosts a program in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. 3:30-4:30pm at Oak Bay Library (1442 Monterey). Free. 250-413-0369, gvpl.ca.
Sun. July 15
Bill bissett – Bill Bissett reads from his newest work. 3-5pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
WED. July 18
Spirit of Canada – Check out the city’s best poetry, spoken word and singers/songwriters for the 2012 Spirit of Canada contest, to run WEDNESDAY, July 25 and Aug. 6. 7-9pm at The Well (821 Fort). $7. 250-590-4995, thewellvictoria.com.
Galleries
Thurs. July 12
Polychrome Fine Arts gallery – HOBNOB 4: a group exhibition and grand reopening party. Reopening reception7-9pm. To Sept. 6 at 977-A Fort.
Fri. July 13
View Art Gallery – Black Moon Rising, a collection of new works by Yuri Arajs. Opening reception 6-8pm. To Aug. 11 at 104-860 View.
Deluge Contemporary Art – I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It, works by Sarah Gee. Opening reception 7-10pm. To Aug. 11 at 636 Yates.
Open Space – See Deirdre Logue, artist in residency, for her artist talk and exhibit. Opening reception 7pm. To Aug. 4 at 510 Fort.
G++ Interactive Media Gallery – See Impulse, the latest interactive window installation, where emerging video artist Danielle Gotell invites you to speak with your cardiac muscles. 8pm at 1119 Fort.
Tues. July 17
West End gallery – France Grice expresses raw human emotion in her kiln cast glass studies. Opening reception 10am-5:30pm at 1203 Broad.
Wed. July 18
Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria – See Holga Dreams, a photography exhibition featuring 10 students from the Capital Regional District aged 14 to 23. Opening reception 7-9pm. To July 30 at 3220 Cedar Hill.
