Stage
Thurs. May 3
The Government Inspector – Kate Rubin Theatre and Dance Studio’s Advnaced Performance Group presents a Russian masterpiece of comic theatre by Nikolai Gogol, adapted by Vancouver’s Morris Panych. Preview May 2 at 8 pm. THURS and FRI at 12:30pm and 8pm. SAT at 8pm, SUN at 2pm. Metro Studio (1141 Quadra). Tickets at the door. $12/$9/$6.
The Wizard of Oz – Claremont Secondary presents The Wizard of Oz. May 2 – 5 and May 9-12 at 7pm. Matinee May 12 at 2pm. At Claremont Secondary (4980 Wesley) $12.50.
God of Carnage –From the author of Art, this Tony and Olivier Award-winning play begins as two power couples meet to amicably resolve a playground fight between their sons. Lines are drawn, allegiances are made and broken, and the evening quickly turns into a laugh-out-loud train wreck. 8pm The Belfry Theatre. Belfry.bc.ca for tickets. Until May 20.
1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible – Langham Court Theatre is proud to present James McLure’s comedy in two acts, 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible is a comical yet sentimental look at the effects war has on both the soldier and those left behind.with Laundry and Bourbon directed by Heather Jarvie and Lone Star directed by Paul Terry. 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible is a comical yet sentimental look at the effects war has on both the soldier and those left behind. To May 12 at Langham Court Theatre. $19/17. Tuesday May 8th students and seniors nights are 2 for $20. 250-384-2142 or visit langhamtheatre.ca
FRI. May 4
Charles – Two-man unibrow sketch comedy that blends Kids in the Hall with Monty Python. Charles had a successful run at the 2011 Victoria Fringe and were named Winners of “Best Solo or Duo” in the 2011 LA Comedy Festival. FRIDAY and SATURDAY at the Intrepid Theatre Club at 8pm. $15.
Cinco de Mayo – Club Salsa celebrates Cinco de Mayo with an all ages party complete with dance lessions (8:30pm with Sabor Asi Dance Company), DJs, and dance performances from 9:30pm to 1 am. Victoria Event Centre. $10.
Brigadoon – The Victoria Operatic Society invites you to a musical “ye dinnae want tae miss.” Brigadoon revolves around two American tourists who stumble upon a misty Scottish town. May 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8pm, and May 6 and 13 at 2pm. McPherson Playhouse. $24 at rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121.
Sat. May 5
Taste of Spain – Spring Flamenco fiesta and fundraiser for the Flamenco de la Isla Society. Featuring a performance by Alma de Espana, silent auction, music, bar and tapas. Gypsy costume theme. 7pm at Henderson Hall (1632 Yale). $25/$20. Ticekts at Munro’s, Ivy’s.
Sun. May 6
Orpheus – Theatre Inconnu invites you to a staged reading of Orpheus by Rachel Watt. Reading will be followed by wine and a disucussion. 2pm. Theatre Inconnu (1923 Fernwood). Admission by donation.
High Calorie Comedy – A night of scrumptions stand-up. Load up on belly laughs and sweet treats in celebration of International No-Diet Day. Hosted by Kirsten Van Ritzen, featuring comics from her level two comedy class. 8pm. Moka House (1633 Hillside). $5 at the door.
Tues. May 1
SIN CITY IMPROV: Carnies – This completely improvised play unfolds in 24 weekly episodes. Every week the cast of characters move the story forward in hilarious and unexpected ways, as they respond to live direction. 8pm. TUESDAYS to May 29 at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street). $12/$15. 250-480-3709.
Music
THURS. May 3
John Prine – With his trademark guitar finger-picking and unmistakable voice, John Prine is taking over the Alix Goolden Hall. 8pm. Tickets $75 at rmts.bc.ca.
Kill Matilda – Grunge/hard rock. With guests. 9pm. Logan’s Pub. $8.
ADULTS – featuring Geoff Lundstrom and Jason Cook Canoe Brewpub. 9 pm. $5.
FRI. May 4
Three Chords and the Truth- Dawson City, Yukon’s favourite folk trio. 7:30pm at Solstice Cafe. $TBA.
The Boom Booms – Six-piece Latin-soul-funk-rock-reggae band that makes people want to dance. 9pm at Canoe Brewpub. $5.
Tower of Song – A tribute to the music of Leonard Cohen featuring performances by Oliver Swain, Leah Abramson (The Abramson Singers), and Glenna Garramone. 8pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club. $12-$15.
Don Bray – The male, guitar playing half of The Brights is on tour promoting his new CD I Am Myself. Catch him at Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre at 8pm. All ages. Tickets $15 at timgosley@telus.net.
The Shorty Parker Band – Rock ‘n’ roll. 9pm at Bartholomew’s (777 Douglas). Free. Also SATURDAY.
Budokan – Local rock’n’roll with loud guitars and hooks. With Hello Polly, Moths & Locusts. 9pm at Logan’s Pub. $10.
Crystal Journey – David Hickey’s set up includes 15-20 quartz crystal bowls, 8-10 Paiste Planet gongs, a vibraphone and a santoor. Nothing is amplified, pre-recorded or rehearsed. Planet Gongs are tuned to the natural harmonic series based on the orbital properties of the Earth, moon, sun, and planets. All of these gongs resonate in harmony with the celestial bodies and communicate a distinct aspect of the music of the spheres, which was first documented by Pythagoras in the 6th Century BC. Each planet gong contributes a vital pitch to the total harmonic resonance of our solar system. FRIDAY and SATURDAY at 7:30pm at Church of Truth (111 Superior). $TBA.
Make a Joyful Noise v6.0 – The Cadboro Bay United Choir will be joined by old and new friends for a great evening of music, song and laughter, all followed by those famous treats created by our own choir bakers. 7pm at Cadboro Bay United Church (2625 Arbutus). Free.
REDMOND O’COLONIES – This Troubadour returns with special blend of songs and hilarious stories. From Gershwin to “Goons”. British humour. After open stage at 8pm. James Bay Coffee and Books (143 Menzies). By Donation.
The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival-Vocal Honours and Rose Bowl Concert. 7:30pm at Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Bldg, UVic. $12 / $8 seniors and students
Allegra Singers – Featuring showtunes, jazzy standards, songs from Michael Jackson, Billy Joel and many more. FRIDAY at 8pm, SATURDAY at 2pm. The Garth Homer Centre (813 Darwin). $12.
Summer, Sinners and Friends Blues Party – Blues jam with Summer and the Sinners. 8pm at My Bar and Grill.
SAT. May 5
HECTOR’S FRIENDS – Seven men who sing conducted by Sarah Quartel present “Love, Saucy, Sacred, Sweet and Horrid,” a program of choral music from the 16th century to the present day. 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s Anglican Church (1701 Elgin). $15/$10/Free.
Michael Wood Band- CD release concert with special guests Sam Weber and Reverie at the Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney) at 7:30 pm. $12.50.
Alan Gerber – Blues meets boogie-woogie. Gerber has toured with BB King, The Greateful Dead, The Doors Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix and more. 7:30pm at Brentwood United Church (7162 W Saanich). $17.
Skydiggers – Roots rock band from Toronto in town to promote their new album Northern Shore. 7pm at Lucky Bar. $22.
McKinley Wolf – Live blues, 8pm at the Upper Deck (229 Gorge). Free.
The Stockers- Garage punk. With The Vicious Cycles, CHeat The Hangman, Shakedown. 9pm. $12.
The Shorty Parker Band – Rock ‘n’ roll. 9pm at Bartholomew’s (777 Douglas). Free.
The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival-Piano (Senior and Open) Honours and Awards Concert. 2:30pm at Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Bldg, UVic. $12 / $8 seniors and students.
KELT ECCELSTON – Mark Hellman and Rose Birney bring fine vocal harmonies, guitars, mandolin, harmonica, percussion to James Bay Coffee and Books. After open stage at 8pm. By Donation.
Greater Victoria Concert Band Spring Concert – Join the GVCB for a wonderful evening of concert band music performed by two of the GVCB’s bands. 8pm at Alix Goolden Hall. $7.50/$5.
Ekoos Vocal Ensemble- presents Songs in the Key of Spring – a concert featuring Mass for four voices by William Byrd and Gartenlieder by Fanny Hensel (née Mendelssohn). Also guitar and flute duets. SATURDAY at 7:30pm at Holy Trinity Church (1319 Mills, North Saanich) and SUNDAY at 7:30pm at Holy Trinity Church (1962 Murray, Sooke). $12.
Sun. May 6
Pram Trio -Toronto-based jazz ensemble comprised of Jack Bodkin (piano), Mark Godfrey (bass) and Richard Piasetski (drums) will perform in promotion of their digitally released live EP “PRAM.” 8pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club.
Pacific Poi Boys – Blues meets Hawaiian music with 70s pop tunes with Doug Cox and Anela Kahiamoe. 2pm at The Well (821 Fort). $12, kids free.
Kelby MacNayr QUintet – The quintet features some of Canada’s leading creative voices, including Danuel Tate on piano, Dave Flello on trumpet, Roy Styffe on sax, and Sean Drabitt on bass. Featured performers at Jazz Vespers 7pm at St. John’s United Church (10990 W Saanich). By donation.
Jazz Vespers – Featuring Tom Vickery on piano, Bruce Meikle on acoustic bass and Bob Watts on drums. Superb jazz in a reflective atmosphere. 7:30pm at St. Philip Anglican Church (2928 Eastdowne). By donation.
Victoria Folk music society: The Melody Quartet – Perform a fusion of Celtic and contemporay folk after open stage. 7:30pm. 6:45 open jam.At Norway House (1110 Hillside). $5. victoriafolkmusic.ca.
CanUS Hot Jazz – 4pm.at Hermann’s Jazz Club. $12.
Mon. May 7
The Hampton Concert Orchestra – Looking for string players of all ages. Check out their concert at Gordon Head United Church (4201 Tyndall). By donation.
Wed. May 9
The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival-Ethnic Dance Honours Concert. 2:30pm at Spectrum Community School Theatre (957 Burnside West). $10 / $8 seniors and students.
Events
THURS. May 3
Astrology and Tarot Readings – Workshops in magical time zones and small groups. Applied to participants’ charts and lives: Transit workshop Wesak Full Moon and Venusian Infusion. 3:03-5:35pm and 7:35-10:10pm. Voyager Tarot & Astrology MONDAY 6:46-9:19pm. Mothers and Children Relationships in Astrology. WEDNESDAY 3:03-5:35pm and 7:35-10:10pm all at 429 Vancouver St. $20 first timers. RSVP 250-381-4299.
SAT. may 5
Volkssport Walks – Strut the 32km Linear Walk (rated 2B). Registration 7:30am, walk 8am. Meet at Juan deFuca Recreation Centre (1767 Island Hwy). 5/10 km Walk (rated 2B). Registration 10:30am, walk 11am. Meet at Sooke Regional Museum (2070 Phillips, Sooke). Free. 250-642-4515.
Spring Fair – Plant sale, baking, white elephant books, children’s games, burgers and refreshments. 10am-2pm at St. David By-the-Sea Anglican Church (5182 Cordova Bay). Free. stdavidbythesea@shaw.ca.
Print-Making workshop –
Work with the Ground Zero Printmakers Society to learn how to use multi-coloured roll-up techniques for layered image making, and the printing press and the chine collé technique to mount your work onto heavy rag paper. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10am-5pm at 549 1/2 Fisgard. $240 non-members. 250-383-3689.
Victoria Autism Resource Fair – Presented by the Victoria Society for Children with Autism and Apples to Oranges Dietary Coaching. Exhibitors, speakers, children’s play area, parents’ pampering corner with complimentary massages and a fundraising raffle. 10am-3:30pm at UVic’s Student Union Building (Ring Road). Free. victoriaautismresourcefair.com.
Growing Community Spring Fair – Fun for all ages; food, loads of plants for sale, community vendors, thrift shop, make your own scarecrow, home baking and more. 10am-2pm at St. John’s United Church (10990 W Saanich). By donation. 250-656-5273.
Mothers Day Craft Sale – Join the Midwives Collective on International Midwifery Day, a day in celebration of mothers. Featuring local artists and handmade crafts for mothers, by mothers. Noon-4pm at The Midwives Collective (1120 Yates). Free. 250-590-7605, themidwivescollective.ca. (See FEATURE, Page 11.)
the People’s Apothecary – Join in the opening celebration of the city’s first public medicinal herb garden and art piece, brought to you by the Green Tongues Collective. Reading by permaculturalist Megan Francis, art installation, walk through of garden and tincture-making workshop. 1-4pm at Slide Room Gallery (2549 Quadra). Free. 250-216-9082, greentonguesapothecary.wordpress.com. (See THE WEEK, Page 3.)
Sun. may 6
Time Out: Health & Wellness – Putting the “Me” in Mommy. Speakers, exhibitors, community and fun to help moms relax and recharge. Loot bags (for the first 100 moms to arrive), door prizes, tea and coffee will be provided, and lunch and snacks will be available for purchase. 10am-4pm at Ambrosia Conference & Event Centre (638 Fisgard). $12. 250-480-4849. tinyurl.com/mothermayi-events.
UVIC PLANT SALE – Add a bit of Finnerty to your own garden. Fuchsias, flowering maples, perennials, well potted in sizes up to one gallon all from Finnerty, as well as baskets, annuals, vegetables, rhododendrons and much more. Reasonable prices. Campus parking free on Sundays. 10am-1pm at UVic’s McKinnon Gym (Ring Road). Free. 250-721-7014.
Second World War tribute – Hosted by the Victoria Model Shipbuilding Society. The fourth-annual tribute to remember those Canadian sailors, both naval and merchant, who died in the longest-running battle of the Second World War. 10:45am at Harrison Yacht Pond (Beacon Hill Park). Free. 250-385-9552.
Cocker Walk – Angels Under Our Wings Cocker Spaniel Rescue is asking all dog lovers to come out for a day of fundraising. BBQ, drinks, music, games, guest speakers, dog trainers, agility, bake sale, bobbing for tennis balls and more. Proceeds go to cocker spaniel rescue efforts. 1-4pm at Elk/Beaver Lake Park (Beaver Lake parking lot). By donation. 250-889-8880, angelsunderourwings.com.
May Day Open House – Join Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse in welcoming in a new season. Receive a complimentary glass of Pippins on arrival (sparkling apple juice for drivers, wee ones, and teetotalers) and yummy bites from catering partners. 11am-4pm at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse (2487 Mt St Michael). Free. 250-544-4824, seacider.ca.
Board games Night – Scrabble and more. SUNDAYS 5:30pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
Tues. May 8
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 – Lola Parks plays the kickoff market event. Live music, food, farmers, artisans and service providers offer quality handmade, homemade and homegrown products. SATURDAYS 9am-3pm at 332 Menzies. Free. info@jamesbaymarket.com.
Victoria flea market – Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2/free after 1pm. 250-381-5033.
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. SUNDAYS 11am-4:30pm at Bastion Square and Langley. Free.
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
Fri. MAY 4
Poetry Reading – Victoria’s Poet Laureate Janet Marie Rogers reads her work. Presented by Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria as part of the Look show. Noon-1pm at the Bay Centre (1150 Douglas, lower level). Free. 250-475-7123.
Planet Earth Poetry – Come to the reading by Dvora Levin and David Taylor, after poetry open mic. 7:30pm at Moka House (1633 Hillside). $3. planetearthpoetryvictoriabc.blogspot.ca.
Sat. MAY 5
Gardening talk – Join food and lifestyle writer Christina Symons and professional horticulturalist and landscaper John Gillespie for a talk about plant propagation, view a display of unique projects from their new book, Sow Simple, and bring your gardening questions. 2-4pm at Cannor Nursery (4660 Elk Lake). Free. 250-658-5415.
Tues. MAY 8
Café Scientifique – Learn about “The Last Planet in the Solar System: Visiting Pluto” with Dr. J.J. Kavelaars, presented by UVic’s Faculty of Science. 7-8:30pm at Solstice Café (529 Pandora). Free. 250-363-8694.
Victoria Anarchist Reading Circle – Discuss the latest in anarchist reading. TUESDAYS 7pm at Camas Books (2590 Quadra). Free. 250-381-0585.
National Geographic Society’s Explorer-in-Residence – See Explorers for the Millennium Wade Davis, who has been described as “a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet and passionate defender of all of life’s diversity.” 7:30pm at Alix Goolden Hall (900 Johnson). $30. 250-847-9729.
trivia night – With Mosquoy. Free. TUESDAYS 8pm at Felicita’s (UVic). 250-721-8626.
WED. MAY 9
Nonviolent Communication: A Language for Shifting A Planet into Peace – Participate in an awareness campaign in April at Oneness Wednesdays. WEDNESDAYS 7pm at the Church of Truth (111 Superior). By donation. 250- 592-0938, renee.consciouslearning@gmail.com.
Open mic – Poetry night. WEDNESDAYS 7-9pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free.
Submissions
The Victoria Writers’ Society 11th Annual Writing Competition – 1st prize, $100. $15/$20 entry fee. Categories are Fiction, Creative Non-fiction and Poetry. Deadline May 1. victoriawriters.ca.
Galleries
FRI. May 4
2012 MFA Graduating Thesis Exhibition – See the completed projects of graduates Steven Brekelmans, Heather Carey, Jessica Karuhanga, Dong-Kyoon Nam, Sasha Opeiko, Anne J. Steves and Matt Trahan. Opening reception 7pm. To May 12 at UVic’s Visual Arts Building, 3800 Finnerty.
CACGV Gallery – Change Starts Here: A Youth Exhibition by The United Way. Opening Reception 6:30-9pm. To May 13 at 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
View Art Gallery – REFLECT: artist Ronan Boyle’s collection of paintings entitled “Sky Burials.” Opening reception 6-8pm. To June 2 at 104-860 View.
Xchanges Gallery – The Boreal and the Bush: large-scale drawings by Allan Toews. Opening reception 7pm. To May 27 at 2333 Government.
Sat. May 5
dales gallery – Art 5 artists Timothy Wilson-Hoey, Michelle Miller, Glenn Romasanta, Lisa Rose, Irma Soltonovich, present a thematic exhibition based on the portrayal & interpretation of the modern landscape. Opening reception 7-9pm. To May 12 at 537 Fisgard.
Sun. May 6
She Said Gallery – From A to Izzard in Linnyland: 26 new paintings by Linny D. Vine. Opening reception 1:30-4:30pm. To may 31 at 2000 Fernwood.
