Sarah Jickling’s struggle with bipolar inspires debut solo albumWhen Vancouver indie musician Sarah Jickling started singing with the band The Oh Wells, handing out cupcakes at shows and soaking up the spotlight, it sustained her for a while. But it was honesty, transparency, and being open about her firsthand experience with bipolar disorder that sustained her in the long run. “I let go […] Continue Reading |
Vancouver metal band Anciients says it’s all about finding a grooveAnciients vocalist/guitarist Kenny Cook answers his phone in typical relaxed rocker fashion when I call him up to chat. “How you doin’?” he asks; before long, he says he’s looking forward to kicking back with a beer and some good food before the show the band is playing that night. Cook is chill, but Anciients […] Continue Reading |
The Sylvia Platters serve up fresh musicAbbotsford dream-pop band The Sylvia Platters just released their new EP, Melt, and it’s an important step for them: it’s the first record they’ve put out since getting the band back together a year ago after some time on hiatus. “Last summer we played a bunch of shows around BC and kind of honed that […] Continue Reading |
Totally depressing contemporary-art scene exposedReally, the word “art” barely even has any place in that headline, or in the scene that The Orange Balloon Dog: Bubbles, Turmoil and Avarice in the Contemporary Art Market documents. In the book, author Don Thompson—who has several books to his name, all focusing on the same theme—shows how the modern contemporary art world […] Continue Reading |
What’s Going On: June 14 to July 11, 2017Saturday, June 17 until Monday, September 4 Cumberland before WWII Mirror with Memory, an exhibit that showcases what life was like before the Second World War in the central Vancouver Island community of Cumberland, is on at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria until September 4. The photos and documents in the exhibit showcase some very […] Continue Reading |
New Music Revue: Melvin van Peebles soundtrack looks aheadMelvin van Peebles Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song (An Opera) (Stax Records) 3.5/5 This reissue of this 1971 soundtrack is notable for the performances of Earth, Wind & Fire—at that point, still relatively unknown—but lays down a mean ’70s funk/soul groove regardless of who’s playing it. But it’s noteworthy for more than that. With a wild, […] Continue Reading |
FernFest aims to be fun, creative, and philanthropic in its 22nd yearThe neighbourhood of Fernwood is well known for its abundant art, from its decorated telephone poles to its small art galleries. The 22nd annual FernFest will be showcasing this lust for art and bringing people together for two days of food, music, and loads of other activities. FernFest is put on by the Fernwood Neighbourhood […] Continue Reading |
New Music Revue: John Gary Williams shows smooth style on reissueJohn Gary Williams John Gary Williams (Stax Records) 3/5 In 1973, John Gary Williams released his debut solo album after returning from the Vietnam War and spending some time away from his band, The Mad Lads. That album—now reissued on vinyl for the first time since its initial release—shows both his smooth, soulful style and […] Continue Reading |
Book looks at vanishing northern communityFeel like taking a road trip this summer? Beyond Mile Zero by writer Lily Gontard and photographer Mark Kelly is the book to inspire you. Gontard teamed up with Kelly to capture the lodge community along the Alaska Highway and share the stories of the people who have a history within the community. Before each […] Continue Reading |
Arkells return to town to celebrate Canada DayHamilton alt-rockers Arkells have been busy as of late, releasing a surprise single and making their way back to Victoria to headline Spirit of 150, an 11-day harbourside Canada Day celebration that will culminate with a massive show on July 1. “We assumed we could do something on Canada Day,” says vocalist/guitarist Max Kerman. “Since […] Continue Reading |
