Until October 19
Belfry opens season
The Belfry Theatre is opening its 39th season with celebrated First Nations writer Tomson Highway’s play The Rez Sisters. The play, which runs nightly until October 19, features an ensemble cast portraying female First Nations characters and is directed by Peter Hinton. Go to belfry.bc.ca for show times and more information.
Wednesday, September 17
Local author Alicia Priest launches new memoir
Help Victoria-based author and journalist Alicia Priest celebrate the launch of her new memoir, A Rock Fell on the Moon: Dad and the Great Yukon Silver Ore Heist. Sounds rad, but we have no idea what that title could mean, other than exactly what it says. Yes, in fact, the book details the infamous silver heist by Priest’s father in the Yukon Territory during the ’60s. The book launch takes place at 7:30 pm in the Robert Service Room at the Bard & Banker Public House (1022 Government Street). Go to munrobooks.com for more info on the book and its launch.
Thursday, September 18
A tree-hugger’s delight
Obsessed with trees? Or perhaps you have a strange leaf, branch, and trunk fetish? Either way, you’ll want to check out UVic’s Native Plant Study Group’s presentation from steward of the forests, Everett Peterson. The caretaker of the forests surrounding Goward House on Arbutus Road for the past 10 years, Peterson will explain how urban forests hold the answers to their own health. Sounds fascinating and perhaps slightly titillating? Come on, I know you tree fetishists are out there! The event (keep it clean) costs $2 for non-members and takes place at 7 pm at UVic’s MacLaurin Building in room D116. Go to npsg.ca for more info.
Thursday, September 18
Confidential salmon
Come check out Salmon Confidential, a new documentary film on what is being called a “government cover up” that’s killing BC wild salmon. The film, presented by Victoria friends of Cuba as part of the Social Justice Film Night series, details biologist Alexandra Morton’s discovery that BC’s salmon are testing positive for viruses associated with salmon farming, information which she claims is being suppressed by the government. The film takes places at the BCGEU Hall (2995 Douglas St.) at 7 pm and is by donation.
Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20
One more wave
The Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) is hosting the annual One Wave Festival, celebrating and honouring connections to the Pacific while building identity and community. The festival kicks off on Friday with the free Changemakers’ Summit at the UVic Cadboro Commons from 1–3:30 pm, including a panel presentation exploring the role of the arts in acts of social transformation. Additional free workshops and performances will take place on the Saturday from 1–6 pm in Centennial Square downtown. Email info@pacificpeoplespartnership.org for more information.
Saturday, September 20
Align your spine
A series of yoga workshops happening on the Lansdowne campus aims to help participants align their spine and stand strong. Covering posture, inversions, realignment, and adjustments, the workshops should get you feeling less creaky and stiff in no time. Suitable for all levels of yoga students, the small class (maximum 10 people) costs $35 and takes place in the Lansdowne movement studio in the bottom floor of the Young Building. Call 250–370–3602 to register.
Saturday, September 20
Japanese artist speaks on campus
Hiraki Sawa, a Japanese artist now living in London, England, will speak on campus as part of the Camosun Visual Arts Visiting Artist Lecture Series. Sawa will share his insights into his arts and inspiration during the free event, taking place at 7 pm in Fisher 100, Lansdowne.
Sunday, September 21
Puppets! Puppets!
A Puppets for Peace Ceremony and Parade takes place today, which sounds equally interesting and terrifying. The opening ceremonies take place at 12:30 pm at the Craigdarroch Castle, followed by a parade down to the Government House via Joan Crescent and Rockland Ave. Go to creativelyunitedfortheplanet.org for more info.
Sunday, September 21
Masta Ace in tha house
Classic Brooklyn rapper Masta Ace hits Victoria’s Lucky Bar on September 21 in what should be a fantastic hip-hop show. Also appearing on the bill are New York hip-hop crew eMC, featuring Wordsworth, Stricklin, and Punchline. Pull those baggy pants slightly down over your hips and get down to Lucky, pronto. Tickets are only $18. Go to atomiqueproductions.com for more info.
Wednesday, September 24
UVic Environmental roundtable
Looking for some green-y to do after Wednesday classes? Keynote speaker Frances Litman will do a presentation on community engagement through creative collaboration, and while that seems like a pretty open-ended topic, it also sounds like a good starting point for some lively environmental discussion. Takes place at 5 pm in the Vertigo Room (a.k.a. the former Vertigo Nightclub) in the UVic Student Union Building.
Thursday, September 25
Interurban barnyard harvest
Head over to the Interurban courtyard after classes today and pick up a cold bevvie and some edible eats. The Camosun College Student Society is presenting Barnyard Blowout, a barnyard harvest-themed beverage gardens, to get the semester off to a frothy, tasty start. 11 am to 5 pm (booze from 1 to 5); check out camosunstudent.org for more info.
Saturday, September 27
Big Wreck piles up
Toronto’s Big Wreck is one of those band names I’ve seen around for years, but really couldn’t tell you anything about what they sound like. I always pictured them being like a straight-laced version of Primus, but I have no idea why. It’s more likely that they play hard-rockin,’ danceable rock, but, again, that’s just being pulled right out from my behind. Go find out yourself (or perhaps you’re already a fan and are now grumbling at me) at the newly christened Distrikt (formerly Club 90ne9) in the Strathcona Hotel on Douglas. Go to atomiqueproductions.com for more info.
Monday, September 29
Yukon Blonder’s solo project in your space
Jeffery Innes, the frontman of Vancouver indie rock band Yukon Blonde, will be playing in town with Toronto’s folk-indie-ensemble The Wooden Sky at Distrikt (formerly Club90ne9) under his new solo project name, High Ends. Point yer clicker to atomiqueproductions.com for more info.