To September 8
The Field Trip Project’s tsunami musings
The Maritime Museum of BC presents a travelling exhibit exploring the impact of the devastating tsunami in Japan, as well as its effects across the Pacific Ocean in BC. Artists in Canada and Japan were inspired by the recovery of unused relief supplies in Japanese children’s backpacks after the 2011 tsunami. The project has been a collaboration between the two countries, with additional backpack art pieces commissioned from local artists and local elementary-school classes. Find museum information and hours at mmbc.bc.ca.
Thursdays, July 3-August 14
Free music in the square
Centennial Square is hosting a series of free shows this summer celebrating Victoria’s growing music scene. And what do you like more than free? Concerts in the sun? A growing music scene? Perfect. The Eventide Music Series features multi-band lineups each Thursday night until the middle of August. Come enjoy great music and support our many fantastic artists. The full show lineup is at eventidevictoria.com.
July 18–20
So many folkin’ puns on the word folk out there, for fuck’s sake
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Islands Folk Festival is bringing a variety of music to the stage, including some who played at the first show in 1985. The festival boasts blues, folk, world, and upbeat dance music (including the intriguingly-named Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band), in addition to well-known Canadian acts like Spirit of the West and Alpha Yaya Diallo. The festival is held at Providence Farm, just outside of Duncan, with camping also available. Full details are available at islandsfolkfestival.ca.
Saturday, July 19
There’ll be painting in the street
Moss Street once again becomes an outdoor art show at the 27th annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In. Over 180 artists will be bringing their brushes to do some plein air painting, not to mention sculpting, drawing, and carving. After meeting the artists outdoors, check out the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with admission by donation until 6 pm, and the live music by Kumbia from 5 to 9 pm. More information at aggv.ca.
Sunday, July 20
Still up in smoke
Still smoking after all these years, the ’70s comedy duo Cheech and Chong reunited in 2008 to bring back their iconic stoner characters. Also featured on their tour this year is the classic funk band War, whose song “Low Rider” brought stardom to cowbells everywhere. Indulge your retro fantasies at the Royal Theatre (don’t let Dave’s perennial absence stop you); info at rmts.bc.ca.
July 21-August 23
Where they come from
Two prominent northwest coastal First Nation artists will explore the themes of ancestry, tradition, friendship, and family through contemporary art using paper, wood, glass, and metal. Coast Salish artist Chris Paul and Tlingit artist Mark Preston will be featured in the show Where I Come From, which has an opening reception on July 26 from 2–5 pm at Alcheringa Gallery (665 Fort St.) The exhibit runs daily at the gallery from July 21 until August 23. Go to alcheringa-gallery.ca for more info.
Tuesday, July 22
Blues! Soul! Folk!
Singer-songwriter Amos Lee is known for fusing blues, soul, and folk influences into his own distinct voice. He has played with many names in the folk/blues crowd, notably starting his career opening for Norah Jones in 2004, and then touring with Bob Dylan. He will be playing at Alix Goolden Hall; tickets are available at rmts.bc.ca.
July 23-August 2
Going going?
A special summer show at the Langham Court Theatre will celebrate the long-running playhouse’s 85th season. Boeing Boeing is a ’60s French farce that’s been adapted to the English-speaking stage. Staged in the tradition of the silent films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, the play won a 2008 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Play.” Tickets are $19-$21 (some student rush tickets are available for $10, so get there early), and a special preview on July 23 is two tickets for $20. Go to langhamtheatre.ca for full info.
July 25–27
Phillips Backyard Weekender brings the party
Funk, reggae, and hip-hop make this the perfect summer lineup for a music event in a brewery’s backyard. Charles Bradley and The Original Wailers will be bringing the old-school grooves, with hot Canadian acts like Shad, Jay Malinowski and the Deadcoast, and The Funk Hunters keeping things fresh. Tickets available at Lyle’s Place, Phillips Brewery, and ticketweb.ca.
August 5–24
Hip-hop Shakespeare
The Bomb-itty of Errors is an “ad-rap-tation” of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. Really, Shakespeare is a perfect candidate for a hip-hop remake: clever wordplay, witty allusions, dagger-sharp insults; it practically rewrites itself. Go to belfry.bc.ca for info.
Saturday, August 9
Vikings arrive
In conjunction with the spectacular collection of artifacts on display with their Vikings exhibit, the Royal BC Museum is holding a special Viking market, complete with historical actors and site re-creation. Visit in the afternoon for family fun, or enjoy some evening revelry with music, drinks, and food (tickets required). The main exhibit runs until November 11. Event times and locations are listed on royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.