The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is blossoming with an array of eclectic events and mind-blowing music for the month of May. From the classic rock sounds of The Stampeders, and The Doors to those of country-rock folker Kyle McKearney there's something for every taste. There will also be cinema, dance, and a night of burlesque.
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On May, 1 CPAC turns up the heat to celebrate the start of BC Youth week which runs until May 7 with the Let Them Cook: A Gez Z Variety Show.
This free family friendly event which starts at 4 p.m. is calling all singers, dancers, rappers, poets, rock bands, classical virtuosos, karaoke stars, and those who want to lip sync for their life to be brave and leave it all out on the island's largest stage. The show is open for youth 13-18 who wish to participate, the pre-registration code is 95018, and walk-ins from 4 to 6 p.m. are welcome.
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On May 2, 'Hit the Road' and head straight to CPAC to see the iconic and predominant Canadian rock band of the seventies play together 'One More Time' for their tour of the same name. The Stampeders take the island's biggest stage at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $96. Look for feature article in the Citizen.
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On May 3, at 7:30 p.m. try a slice of something different with the Cheesecake Burlesque Revue. This sweet night of entertainment, which is geared for those 19 and older, has delighted audience members from Las Vegas to Berlin with several other stops worldwide. The Cheesecakes have become known as passionate empowerment ambassadors who continually spread their message about body acceptance. Armed with a sassy-silliness, and a g-force of glitter, these girls pack a sparkly punch. Tickets are $35, or $30 for seniors and students.
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Kyle McKearney comes to leave it all out on the CPAC stage on May 4 with special guest Antonio Larosa at 7:30 p.m. McKearney, who won both the Canadian Folk Music and Canadian Country Music award in 2023, is returning to the valley with music from his highly anticipated 2025 album To The River. Tickets are $40, $35 for seniors, and $25 for students.
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On May 8 at 6:30 p.m., students of Queen Margaret's School spring to the CPAC stage as the school's String Orchestra, Concert Choir, Intermediate and Senior Bands as well as some talented soloists bring audience members music from the movies. This year's theme for their annual spring concert is "A Night of Action and Adventure" which will features scores from some of the most iconic movies and franchises such as Back to the Future, Lord of the Rings, Barbie, The Hunger Games, Top Gun, and James Bond just to name a few. Under the direction of Alison Hounsome, this night of music is not one ot be missed. Tickets are $20.
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Break on through to the other side on May 9 for Mojo Risin': The Doors Experience. Featuring Vince Warry as Jim Morrison and joined by members Graham White, Jim Kraneveldt, David Anderosov and Lindsay Sutherland this fab five is sure to light your fire as they take you on a psychedelic odyssey of hits including 'Riders on the Storm', 'Light My Fire' and 'Peace Frog' starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, and $45 for seniors, students, and children.
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On May 15 at 7 p.m. open your mind to an evening of story and tale telling as internationally renowned author and mythologist Dr. Martin Shaw presents 'The Tent of Seven Doors'. The event, geared for those 12 and older, will be an evening of sacred stories filled with depth and humour told by one of the greatest storytellers roaming the world today. The evening will provide an unforgettable descent into the wisdom tradition of myth and poetry, as Shaw opens door after door into the secret inheritance one never knew they had, while providing mythic approaches for the rite-of-passage that becoming a real human being entails. Definitely one night out to bookmark. Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for children.
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You won't need to rub a lamp to discover 'A Whole New World' which brings some of the greatest songs from movie musicals to the CPAC stage on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. From the same producers and creators behind Music of the Night: The Concert Tour, this new concert production will be a musical magic carpet ride through Hollywood's legendary songs from movie musicals including Disney, The Sound of Music, Grease, Mamma Mia!, Moulin Rouge and many more. The show features a live band and celebrated professional cast of singers. Tickets are $72.45 for adults, $68.25 for seniors, students, and children and $63 for all Indigenous community and arts workers.
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Foot it down to CPAC on May 23 and 24 for stories in dance as Steps Ahead Dace presents 'The Journey', as it celebrates its annual recital with movement across multiple ages, and genres. There will a 6 p.m. evening performance on May 23, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee performance on May 24. Tickets are $35.
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On May 26 at 7 p.m., close out the month with some cinema as Reel Alternatives gets you in the movie going spirit with Ghostlight. The film tells the story of a construction worker who decides to joins a local theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet. The plot thickens when the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life. Tickets are $17, and all proceeds go to benefit Cowichan Hospice.
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To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James St. in Duncan.
