March 1–9
Get beery
Victoria’s local breweries show the city their stuff with a host of beery events during Victoria Beer Week. How about speed-dating with the brewers to ask them about beer? A movie about beer guru Michael Jackson (no, not that Michael) and a pub crawl are also on tap. The full schedule is at victoriabeerweek.com.
Friday, March 6
100 years of the Strath
A perennial downtown nightlife favorite, the Strathcona Hotel turns 100 this year. Friday night will be their gala event, with proceeds going to the Power to Be charity. Lighthouse Brewing has partnered with the hotel to make a special centennial beer that will be exclusively on tap at the hotel; sales of the beer also support the charity.
March 6–22
Are you trying to seduce me?
The Graduate is a classic coming-of-age story that is both touching and humorous. This production is based on the novel and screenplay, and brings the ’60s to the stage. Artists were invited by the Langham Court Theatre to submit Graduate-inspired pieces for an exhibition and sale also taking place at the theatre. Meet the artists on March 9, from 1 to 3pm. Tickets and show times available at langhamtheatre.ca.
Sunday, March 9
Doggin’ it
Saskatoon band The Sheepdogs carry the blues-rock torch high, having won a Juno for their album Learn and Burn. A big guitar sound and vocal harmonies make their live grooves irresistible. Check them out at Club 90ne9.
Thursday, March 13
Owlin’ it
With a fresh new album, The Private World of Paradise, Wake Owl brings their indie folk-rock style to Lucky Bar. Toronto synth-pop singer Lyon will be opening, playing tracks from her dreamy EP Indian Summer.
Friday, March 14
Old man from the east
Old Man Luedecke is a folky singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia who has scooped up multiple Juno awards for his music. He has a storyteller’s sensibility, with his own take on traditional tunes. The show is at St. Anne’s Auditorium at 8pm; advance tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15
Baroque opera spectacular
The Boston Early Music Festival is coming to Victoria with a pair of Baroque operas: La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfers and La Couronne de Fleurs. Instrumental music, singing, and dancing will be part of the unique 17th century show at the McPherson Playhouse. Show details at earlymusicsocietyoftheislands.ca.
Saturday April 5
Oh, Bhoy
It’s over a month away, but the first show for stand-up star Danny Bhoy has already sold out. Luckily, a second show for this intensely funny comedian has been added, as he brings his new show Dear Epson to the Royal Theatre. Ticket info available at rmts.bc.ca.