March 27-April 23
Siblings Alight
The latest art show at Dales Gallery features two artists in different mediums that share a passion for the outdoors. Stewart McGillis’ iron sculptures are surprisingly energetic and lithe, displaying his interest in inner life and spirituality. Martha Batchelor has only recently begun to work in abstracts, but her lively acrylics are backed by years of artistic passion. Go to dalesgallery.ca for more info.
April 3–12
Elementary, my dear blood fiend
Craigdarroch Castle and Giggling Iguana Productions are presenting Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sussex Vampire, a stage adaptation of a classic Sherlock Holmes story. Fans of Sherlock won’t want to miss this production, which puts the audience right in the middle of the action as they move through the castle’s interior. Find information and tickets online at thecastle.ca (reservations are required).
Saturday, April 5
How does your garden grow?
Fairfield flower spot Abkhazi Garden is holding a community open house. The heritage site, created by a real-life prince and princess, will be offering tea and tours to the public from 11 am to 4 pm. Go to abkhaziteahouse.com for more info.
Saturday, April 5
Winning the blues
Tim Williams, fresh from winning the solo/duo category at the 2014 International Blues Challenge, will be showcasing his chops at the Upper Deck on Gorge Road East. The multi-instrumentalist is well versed in traditional repertoire and also writes his own material.
Sunday, April 6
Cam-Col-comic-con
Camosun’s unique Comics and Graphic Novels program is hosting their second annual comics event, the Camosun College Comics Conference (4C). Take a look at what the artists have been up to this year, or attend a hands-on “comics jam” workshop. There will also be guest speakers and an artwork raffle. The event takes place on the Young building’s third floor at Lansdowne campus with free admission. Visit camosun.ca/comics for more info on the program.
Saturday, April 12
Fast Romantics
A band that was formed during what one of the founding members calls a “whiskey storm” has got to put on a good show. Fast Romantics have recently grown in popularity, playing tours and festivals, even winning a competition by Spin that took them to New York. Catch their show this month at Lucky Bar.
Sunday, April 13
MS Walk
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is putting on the MS Walk at Willows Beach Park to support MS research. Entrants can choose to walk 3km or 6km, or run 9km. Create a team and ramp up the fundraising energy! Go to mssociety.ca for more details.
Tuesday, April 15
Kim Churchill
Australian busker and surfer Kim Churchill has just released a new album recorded here on Vancouver Island, Silence Win. His extensive touring experience has honed his performance skills enough to open for big-name acts such as Billy Bragg and Michael Franti. Check out his skills at Lucky Bar.
Wednesday, April 16
Return of the Zolas
Vancouver favorites The Zolas are back in Victoria, armed with spacey riffs and tight pop hooks. Check them out at Club 90ne9.
April 17–25
Student art show
Camosun’s art students share their work in the 2014 graduating class exhibition. Over 25 artists will be featured at a downtown venue, showcasing a variety of styles, media, and viewpoints. Emerging will open on April 17 at 851 Yates Street.
Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27
Advent of the ad-man
Award-winning CBC broadcaster Terry O’Reilly will be speaking at the Vic Theatre about advertising in the movies. O’Reilly is known for hosting the radio shows Age of Persuasion and Under the Influence, which makes him sound either like a hypnotist or an advertising and marketing expert. And, boom, it’s the latter! More info can be found at thevic.ca.
Friday, May 2
Greg MacPherson
With a hot new album on his own label, Winnepeg’s Greg MacPherson will be bringing the heat to Lucky Bar. Fireball is one of his most intense albums yet, a perfect match for the grittiness of his stage performances.
Saturday, May 10
Still strong… without the lemons
Best known as the lead singer for ’90s alt-rock group the Lemonheads, Evan Dando hasn’t stopped rocking. Following last year’s tours with Soul Asylum and Fountains of Wayne, he is taking it solo this spring. See him at Lucky Bar with featured guest Sara Johnston of Bran Van 3000.