Articles

Articles

The articles system connects profiles in our system to articles written about them, and vice versa. It provides a cultural record of what people are saying about artists, organizations and places in our community, and helps give credit to the articles' creators

Filter Articles

Relevance
Category
Order

Articles - Podcasts

“Oscillatio”
Review of “Oscillatio” exhibit by Sarah Cowan and Connie Michele Morey at xChanges gallery.
Gage Gallery’s community project will leave an important record of unprecedented times
Report on Gage Gallery Community Art Project designed to help people connect and donate during Covid-19
Camille Miller CD Review
Camille Miller Somewhere Near the Truth Independent Camille Miller’s voice is the centerpiece of this recording. A finely honed instrument that's passionate, soulful, and downright riveting, without being overbearing. Camille's song...
Union Club President's Ball
Dear Kim I personally wanted to thank you and the troupe for such a fine fine evening on Saturday. Grace and I have had nothing but rave reviews about everything including how much everyone really enjoyed the dancing. The snake routine in the library was
Interview with Marcus Geard and Glen Pine of THE SLACKERS

This interview also appears in issue #51 of Absolute Underground.

New York’s The Slackers have been combining ska, dub, reggae, and rock n’ roll for over 20 years. The Hellcat Re

Cadence Weapon: Afterparty Babies CD Review
Cadence Weapon Afterparty Babies Big Dada 4/5 Canada doesn't produce a whole lot of hip-hop in general, let alone the sterile mall haven of Edmonton. As such, the sophomore album from Rollie Pemberton (aka Cadence Weapon) is going to ...
MOTORAMA
I entered Pat's Pub on Friday March 12th in the year of our lord 2010 to experience Motorama for the first time. There were three bands in the evening and Motorama opened. When I say opened, I mean OPENED. This power trio of punk dug int...
Dr Joey Only is in the house
Dr Joey Only is in the house Vancouver’s genuine adventurous punk rock country boy and underdog, our Stompin’ Tom and Hank Williams rolled into one, had to be interviewed. It wasn’t death threats to us really but a message he left on...
Sidney Theatre Students Tackle The Dramatic Musical
Sometimes musicals aren’t all happy and cheery like many make them out to be.   Set in the late 1800’s, the dramatic musical Fires Burning takes the audience to a disaster that hits the small western town of Caldoon’s Crossing.
A Seven Inch Mixdown - Myelin Sheaths, Cosmetics, La Corde, The Orpheans
A Seven Inch Mixdown by Rene Milord: First up is an Albertan band called MYELIN SHEATHS with a disjointed, noisy, poppy, post-punk EP. It’s kind of sloppy, perhaps better live? Hozac Records 047 (at Pat’s Pub, May 6) Next up ...
Starlight Pops presents "What's Love Got To Do With It?"
Join Starlight Pops Choir for their spring concert featuring the music of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Jackson 5, Otis Redding, The Pointer Sisters and more. Also featuring the Starlight Pops Combo.
Cthulhupalooza Promo
Wreaking havoc on the Vancouver scene for more than a decade, The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets never fail to come up with strange and exhilarating new ways to reach out and clutch their victims. Staying true to their uniquely horrid app...
An Unveiling: The VIS!
We are excited to share that for a month or so our team have been secretly working on something pretty fantastic – and it’s now ready to share with you! Say hello to Sunset’s new Interactive Virtual Stage system, a game changer for local speakers, t
Bats in The Broom Factory: Bat Sabbath show review
A review of Bat Sabbath with Black Mastiff and Ethereal Tomb, November 26 at The Broom Factory.
LAL bring their Spectacular Tour and workshop to Kingston
The Toronto-based, Bengali-Bajan duo have been holding down Canada’s underground DIY music scene for decades.
New Finny McConnell solo LP "The Dark Streets of Love"
After 30 years, The Mahones founder and front man releases first-ever solo offering.
Trish Shwart's Factory and Fetishes
This is the Sleep Factory, Trish Shwart’s exhibition at Martin Batchelor Gallery that opened on November 7th, with a persuasive performance by the artist as a marketeer, and continues with a visual smorgasbord of parodies that explore the commodificatio
Barbara McCaffrey at The Chapel Gallery
Barbara McCaffrey is a conceptual artist who uses fibre arts to express her ideas and experiences. She skillfully manipulates the materials at hand. Visit the webpage here: http://www.artopenings.ca/barbara-mccaffrey.html
Orrie Tetoga Falesau (1988 – 2019)
Victoria hip-hop artist Orrie Falesau, known also by his stage name Orilla, has died. he was 30 years old. According to a GoFundMe page setup to support his partner and family, Falesau died in his sleep. Born in the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu,
Sauce Restaurant closes doors for final time in downtown Victoria
Sauce Restaurant and Lounge, a once-popular downtown Victoria eatery at the corner of Yates and Wharf streets that has struggled as of late, closed its doors for good Wednesday morning. Sauce management let the news out via social media ...
The Bronx/ A Textbook Tragedy/ Battle Snakes @ Richard’s on Richards
The Bronx/ A Textbook Tragedy/ Battle Snakes @ Richard’s on Richards April 1st 09 By: Denis Maile My night began with me trying to scalp my ticket out front of Richard’s. I had only just found out that day that I would be on the g...
Marble Rye CD release party Friday May 8th
Marble Rye CD release party Friday May 8th w/ The Matinee and Analog Bell Service The Railway is a decent room to watch a few amazing local bands tear it up. Even with a totally irrational layout that makes it appear packed to the gil...
Indigenous Cultural Offerings at Belfry Theatre
PREVIEW: http://www.artopenings.ca/bury-the-hatchet.html
Alone with Trees, Grant’s solo show at the Gage Gallery
Alone with Trees, Grant’s solo show at the Gage Gallery, presents a unique vision of BC’s coastal landscapes. Drawn in by the lush colours and flowing textures, the viewer must interpret the subtext of these surreal environments. Visu...
Thoughts of Phil Anselemo
On a laconic Friday afternoon, Absolute Underground gathered to quiz an icon - Phillip H. Anselmo. He is one of the few stars who have remained 'underground' while courting success with top-sellers Pantera and Down. Through smaller projects such as Superj
Celebrating the Music of Vic Horvath
Victoria singer-songwriter Vic Horvath hailed from Calgary but settled in BC’s oceanside capital (a move they discuss in the song “Shiney Shotgun”). After a couple of years of performing, touring and popping out the odd single, they finally released
Victoria`s Filming Boom Benefits Locals
Times Colonist interviews Kirsten Van Ritzen about her acting roles in television movies filmed in Victoria in 2015.
Paris is What Women Want
Photo of Andy Telfer singing to an audience member
Joshua Watts at the Victoria Arts Council Sept 9 - Oct 30.
Joshua Watts at the Victoria Arts Council Sept 9 - Oct 30. Review: http://www.artopenings.ca/joshua-watts.html
Review: Mercy Mercy by The Glorious Sons
New single by The Glorious Sons a catchy summer hummer.
Scattered Artists 2015 Tour
Saanich Scattered Artists tour giving back to the community and making it richer Giving back to the community is a strong focus for the growing number of artists participating in the 12th Annual Scattered Artists S...
Avis Rasmussen: The View from Here
Avis Rasmussen’s fascinating life as a visual artist comes into focus in The View From Here. The Victoria Arts Council (VAC) has collected over 100 artworks that chronicle her incredible journey, spanning over 60 years. The retrospective begins with an
Bison BC: Wendigo 2010
Bison members I spoke to agree that the closure of The Cobalt would (or is it will?) be a “huge blow” for the Vancouver music scene. “Bison has played The Cobalt probably about five times,” guitarist/ vocalist James Farwell tells me...
New poet laureate hopes to give back to arts community
On Jan. 14, 2015, Thomas was announced as the fourth Youth Poet Laureate of Victoria by the Victoria City Council. In a press release made the following day, the City of Victoria announced that Thomas would assume the responsibility of “[inspiring] and
LAND- Self Titled
It's a rare occasion when an album captures me with such force on the first listen and keeps me rapt until the closing note, but this one takes the prize. In fact this is one of the best albums i have ever heard. Rob Nicholls and Galen Rigt...
Thee Manipulators
Thee Manipulators The morning after I first saw local 5 piece garage rock band Thee Manipulators I woke up with two maracas in my bed and a lot more pins on my jacket. Strangely, I had acquired a pin of an intoxicated/hungry looking fe...
Testing Metal with Grant Truesdell of Unleash the Archers
On the evening of the band’s record release party at The Red Room, Factory Worker Media met with Unleash the Archers guitarist Grant Truesdell in the building’s old vault to discuss challenges to songwriting, community-building, and navigating the roi
Tim Hicks announces Kingston concert date
Country star brings his Campfire Troubadour Tour to the Isabel on November 16.
Absolute Underground #85 - XXX-MAS Issue!
Oceanside85 has a new Darksynth album out Absolution and in here to spread the synth gospel to the masses
Interview with Big John Bates.
1. Hi John. First off, can you introduce yourself, your band and dancers? You can call me John - I play a big Gretsch guitar and do the main vocals - I also do most of the songwriting. The band really began when sCare-oline (upright...
Focus by Brad Nugent March 1967
Focus by Brad NugentBrad Nugent
The Spitfires, Battle Snakes & The Jolts @ The Media Club June 19th
The Spitfires, Battle Snakes & The Jolts @ The Media Club June 19th By: Denis Maile On this night of rock n roll The Jolts opened the show because their bassist was busy eating poutine. To make up for this The Jolts had not 1, but 3 dif...
Jazz Sextet Continues To Groove
She’s been at it for 35 years, but Toni Blodgett’s love of jazz continues to fuel her band’s unique blend of what she calls “more traditional” music. What it really means is her group has access to a vast repertoire of jazz tunes and has develo
Propagandhi with the Rebel Spell and Cambridge
October 27th 2009, the Rickshaw After braving the absurd line-up of punks with little choice but to chain smoke furiously in an attempt to keep warm, I finally made it inside the Rickshaw Theatre---after an hour and a half. I guess...
The Tragically Hip Unveil Anthology 'This Is Our Life'
A deluxe, hand-crafted book-and-record box set edition will be available through Genesis Publications, limited to 1,000 copies
Passion of R&B highlights next Willows free Concert
Passion of R&B highlights next Willows free concert Brandy Moore and the Nightcaps perform Aug. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Willows Beach Park CHRISTINE VAN REEUWYK / Aug. 2, 2018 10:30 a.m. / ENTERTAINMENT / LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT Brandy...
Skeleton Park Arts Festival announces 2024 lineup
Kobo Town, Status Non Status and Kington's Sadaf Amini among artists to perform for festival's 19th year.
Last Plague / Hezzakya / Simian Rue
Royal Unicorn Cabaret April 25th, 2008 A pointless evening, overall; I came for Black Betty – Black Betty did not come! Ana was sick. They were replaced by the comparable, admirable Hezzakya, with huge double-stacks of amps-amps-amps ...
Bad Fortune brings Kingston music lovers great fortune
New indie folk duo release debut single, Muscle Memory.
Luxury Residence
Review of geode inspired work by Charine Barber seen at the Sooke Fine Art Show.
Dale Roberts at the Chapel Gallery
This exuberant artist brings a life-like presence to luminaries he finds interesting. “I wonder who these people are,” he asks, “how they lived their lives and chose to express themselves.” http://www.artopenings.ca/dale-roberts.html
Go Ghetto/Bike/Scatterheart/H.B @ The Railway, Saturday July 5th
Yowza! Saturday night was a melting pot of birthdays, friends, and 4 of Vancouver’s finest bands all under one small jam-packed roof. Getting over the ridiculous layout of The Railway takes some time getting used to if you’re not a regu...
Arkells bring Big Feelings to Kingston this October
5 questions for the JUNO-winning act ahead of their Slush Puppie Place performance
Behind The Canvas: Michael Abraham
From http://artperspective.org Our profile series 'Behind the Canvas' this week with Canadian artist, Michael Abraham. We have been following Michael's work for more than a decade and he continues to evolve, playing with scale, texture and expanding fro
Press reviews
Bluegrass fans were treated to a lively and fun evening Friday night, Nov. 4, at Char's Landing. Bluegrass Fever tore through an eclectic repertoire, consisting of traditional American tunes like Sweet Sally Brown and Fly Around My Prett...
Anion Tape Review
Find someone who thinks tapes aren’t cool and I’ll shove my Sony Walkman up his bum. Tapes are still rad and this Anion tape is no different. It’s red in colour and resembling the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soundtrack cassette tape ...
Nearly Famous Music Festival at the Red Room and the Royal Unicorn Cabaret,
Saturday November 15th 2008 What was supposed to be a review of one show has been altered by restless feet and a desire to see a couple of shows if possible in one night. Canucklehead punk veterans SNFU pinned the audience to the mat at...
Ska Fest 2013 Playlists

With another year of amazing shows and musicians, so too is it another year of summer playlists to play in the car, at work, and wherever you go. We've put together a list of our playlists for our 2013 festival.

Interview with The Delirians
Interview with The Delirians done in June, 2012 by D'Arcy Briggs Ska Fest: When and where did you guys meet? When did you decide to form the band? Delirians:  Most of us, like many other bands, grew up in the punk rock scene, ...
Documentary tells story of Dishrags, Central Saanich all-female punk band
Red and Madame Dishrags are bios of Vancouver’s Red Robinson, the most famous radio disc jockey in B.C. history, and the Dishrags, a key but little-known female punk group from Victoria.
Zero (or trivial) filesize remote
File 4108536.jpg has zero/tiny filesize

Zero (or trivial) filesize remote
File 4108536.jpg has zero/tiny filesize

Zero (or trivial) filesize remote
File 4108536.jpg has zero/tiny filesize

Zero (or trivial) filesize remote
File 4108536.jpg has zero/tiny filesize

LiveVan Review - Kill The Elite Tour (Kataklysm, Aborted, Archspire and Death Toll Rising at the Rickshaw Theatre)
The ‘Kill the Elite’ tour has been mercilessly trampling its way across North America, and with tonight’s show including Vancouver’s newest international extreme metal export Archspire and being headlined by Canadian legends Katakly...
LADIES OF SONG…Kelly Hafner: If It’s Love, Beverly Church Hogan: Can’t Get Out of This Mood, Vanessa Rubin: The Dream Is You-Sings Tadd Dameron, Angela Verbugge: The Night We Couldn’t Say Good Night
Here are some ladies that not only sing, but compose and arrange as well. Angela Verbrugge gives singers like Lorraine Feather a run for their money with her witty lyrics on her originals that area mixed with some clever covers.
BLACK MOUNTAIN: In the Future In the Now
“Fucking Amazing,” says drummer Joshua Wells about Black Mountain’s current North American tour. “This is the best tour I’ve ever been on. It’s been unbelievable at times! We’ve played a few places we’ve never been before…...
Live Review: Sleep and Black Wizard
Sleep and Black Wizard, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver February 7th 2015 While there has been much to enjoy with the spate of band reunions in recent years, (how many fans have had the renewed opportunity to witness performances by Carcas...
Angela Verbrugge: The Night We Couldn’t Say Goodnight (Gut String) A review of the debut album from the Canadian vocalist
Angela Verbrugge: The Night We Couldn’t Say Goodnight (Gut String) A review of the debut album from the Canadian vocalist
New "Saskadelphia" EP by The Tragically Hip
A time capsule of early nineties Hip.
Welcome to rock 'n roll city
Local historian Glenn Parfitt was determined to create a website chronicling the early days of rock ’n’ roll in Victoria — despite the challenges involved in tracking down material.
Cracker
Cracker Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey 429 Records Since the early 1990s, and most famously with 1993’s platinum selling Kerosene Hat, Cracker has been providing an interesting take on contemporary alternative country (think ...
Karen Kaiser at Gage Gallery
http://www.artopenings.ca/karen-kaiser.html Artist in Attendance: April 20, 22, 30 and May 4 from 11:00 - 2:00 April 25 and May 9 from 12:00 - 4:00 Wonderful whimsy abounds in Karen Kaiser’s NEW WORKS. Using loose flowing brushwo...
The 21-month battle to save Lucky Bar, one of Victoria's best-loved live music venues
Lucky Bar owner Dylan Pitcher was on the phone from inside his Yates Street nightclub Tuesday, chatting while he rapidly ticked the final items off his “maybe one day” list of renovations. Replace baseboards? Check. Install new oak tabletops? Check
Red Hot Lovers – s/t
The Red Hot Lovers had their cd release party and last show ever on the same night. Talk about rock stars. I would be worried about doing that based on the fact that you might end up with a box of cds in your closet. Hopefully this doesn’...
At 90, Jerry Bryant's not feeling blue
Jerry Bryant celebration concert with the Island Big Band
Covering the Covers
The Manglers and The Engimas at the Bourbon, January 8th The Sick Sick Sicks, Gnash Rambler, Little Guitar Army at The Railway, January 10th By Allan MacInnis Nothing like a good cover tune to make a great live show even better. Case i...
Denise Tierney at the Chapel Gallery May 6-15.
Preview: http://www.artopenings.ca/denise-tierney.html Denise Tierney at the Chapel Gallery May 6-15.
A guide to film photography resources in YYJ
Interested in getting into film photography? Here's a helpful guide to awesome resources in Victoria, BC
Critical Comments
Critical comments by various curators and interviewers of artist Brandy Saturley
Mary Anne Molcan at the Chapel Gallery
Preview: http://www.artopenings.ca/mary-molcan.html
Carollyne Yardley at Deluge Gallery
Plastic is everywhere, explains Yardley in her introduction to Becoming Plastic. “It’s in the depths of the oceans and at the highest of mountaintops,” she says.
Local Highlights of Poetry Month Events
Lovers of art and poetry will converge at two creative events in April in celebration of Poetry Month. These ekphrastic events – ekphrastic meaning a conversation between two pieces of art – will take place at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and t
Album Review: 10ft Ganja Plant - Shake up the Place
10 Ft. Ganja Plant Have already earned the reputation for making some of today's best reggae beats as well as having stellar production, and this album carries on that tradition.
Orit Shimoni Bitter is the New Sweet
With her fifth album release on April 1 and Western Canadian tour dates throughout April, Orit Shimoni’s Bitter is the New Sweet opens up an exciting new chapter in the life of one Canada’s most brilliant and lyrically impactful vocalis...
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra charm hometown crowd
Victoria’s Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra recently played Upstairs Cabaret here in their hometown of Victoria with locals Compassion Gorilla and Carousels opening up. There was a strong sense of community and no shortage of dancing at the ...
​Gord Downie and Bob Rock's Electrifying Collaboration Goes "Beyond Friendship"
"I remember one of the last times he saw me, he said, 'Please make sure everybody hears this music.'" Promise kept.
Victoria educator Jerry Bryant was ‘giant musical force,’ taught at Esquimalt High
Jerry Bryant, a blues musician who had a knack for opening doors into the world of music for generations of local students, has died at age 98. The singer and jazz pianist, who was born in Kansas City on April Fool’s Day in 1923, died Aug. 19.
Best Of 2016
Best of 2016: The Garage received a lot of blues CDs this year and all of them were above standard, but ultimately had to be judged for other reasons of personality, believability, skill and versatility, etc. Take a bow Michael Kaeshammer a...
Staying Connected: The Glorious Sons
The Sons up for Group of the Year at the 2021 JUNO Awards
Love for the Grad Club: A Fundraiser for Kingston's Heart of the Music Scene
On Sunday, June 9th, the Blu Martini will host a special fundraiser to support the Grad Club, a beloved music venue in Kingston that has been facing financial difficulties. The event, organized by local musician and guitar legend Tom Savage...
Stolen Organ Family Band - ALBUM REVIEW
The Stolen Organ Family Band Horse Treats (Indie) It pays to have an open mind in this business of writing about music and putting it to press, especi...
Sarah Harmer: Looking Back & Stepping Up
Kingston artist up for 2021 JUNO Award for Alternative Adult Album of the Year
Old Man Markley: “We’re punk rockers playing bluegrass!"
On July 2nd I had the pleasure to interview Old Man Markley on tour with NOFX, & Teenage Bottle Rocket. With their hard work ethics they deserve every opportunity that comes their way. With their high-energy stage presence they give you a t...
Beck
Perhaps more so than any other artist of his generation, Beck is a master of mutation, reinventing himself with each tour and album. Recent Beck tours have featured lavish, gimmicky stage shows, including life-size marionettes and kitchen t...
Interview with Heads Hang Heavy
Interview with HHH was done in June, 2012 by D'Arcy Briggs Ska Fest: When and where do you guys meet? When did you decide to form the band? HHH: We all met through playing in other projects together. For example, our drummer, Pher, and Ch...
2020 retrospective with Riley & Pete
Our three-part look back on a year's worth of new music by Kingston-based artists concludes as Pete and Riley share their love for 2020 releases from Deux Trois and The Wilderness. Hosts: Riley Jabour Pete Sanfilippo ...
Black Wizard Album Review
Black Wizard s/t Vancouver's music scene seems to be traditionally known for two things: drugs and hard rock. Despite the critical pitfalls of these influences, the city has a habit of inexplicably turning out the most palatable and au...
Osmose musicale - Review of One Drop's To Hell in a Band Casket
'A must-have for anyone looking for a good time. You're gonna shake your rump on the stompiest sounds around! Lots of styles, well done, raw sound... Will find a place within the collection (and hearth) of people supporting self-produced bands. The ar
Cannibal Corpse/The Faceless/Neuraxis/Obscura
April 10th, 2009 Cannibal Corpse/The Faceless/Neuraxis/Obscura Croatian Cultural Center By Marcell Fraser Easter Weekend: there could be no more appropriate time to witness a death metal show such as this, and the more than solid bill...
Rain or shine, Kingston’s Skeleton Park Arts Festival was a roaring success
JUNO Award-winning band, Kobo Town makes a return to Kingston
Pointed Sticks Day!
December 19th was officially Pointed Sticks Day in East Vancouver. The release party for the band’s return album on Northern Electric, Three Lefts Make A Right was a buzz event, rockin’ the house with 2 Shows at the fabulous Rio Thea...
TIFF 2024: The Tragically Hip's 'No Dress Rehearsal' Tears Down the Myth While Honouring the Legacy
Directed by Mike Downie, the film stars The Tragically Hip, Jay Baruchel, Bruce McCulloch, Will Arnett, Geddy Lee, Dan Aykroyd, Ron MacLean, Sarah Harmer, Tom Wilson, Justin Trudeau
Ska Fest Memories #1

We've had plenty of awesome bands come through our festival, and here are just a few memories from some of the artists we've had come by.

“The ultimate mixing of business with pleasure.” Whitehorse going strong after more than a decade on the road.
The genre-jumping duo prepares to tour their “most country album” with a stop in Kingston June 2, 2023
(Album Review) Angela Verbrugge: The Night We Couldn’t Say Good Night
"This is a stunning debut album for Angela Verbrugge. Simply stunning!", Toronto Music Report writer Raul da Gama raves.
TV on the Radio
I’ve heard from numerous sources that the dance floor at the Commodore is supported by a layer of tennis balls, but I’ve never had cause to believe it until TV on the Radio unknowingly put this hearsay to the test. During a visceral tak...
Space race: Performing arts groups face dwindling venue options amid rising costs
It may have weathered the pandemic, but Victoria’s performing arts community is increasingly homeless in a city where property values continue to rise
Nervous Fellas with Deadcats and Swank
Nervous Fellas with Deadcats and Swank June 20th, The Rickshaw Theatre By Allan MacInnis I remember witnessing a leather-jacketed rocker viciously take to pummelling a much smaller, dreadlocked kid at a Reverend Horton Heat show a few...
Artists making more from merch sales is music to rapper Cadence Weapon's ears
Merchandise sales are essential for touring artists, and a new program will give them a bigger slice of the pie.
Cheap Trick, 'Dream Police' ('Guitar Center Sessions'): Exclusive Video Premiere
Cheap Trick proves endless talent performing on "Guitar Center Sessions" season finale. The unrivaled band shows no signs of slowing down as they amaze the crowd with their classic, high-charting song, "Dream Police". The group recently toured th
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band announce The Longest 50th Anniversary Tour
Grand OnStage presents the acclaimed, JUNO Award-winning band at Kingston Grand Theatre November 10
Relive Spring Reverb 2023 in Photos, Including Dizzy, Zoon, Status/Non-Status and More
For the second year in a row in downtown Kingston, Spring Reverb brought a whirlwind of kinetic energy from June 1 to 4, ringing in the new month with music, mayhem and magic with its 2023 edition. We sent photographer Virginia Meeks to capture it all, an
Album Review: The Drastics - Waiting

The Drastics are an amazing band to see live! While as a live band they usually count on improvisation to really nail the live experience, this album stands up to their live performance, if not makes it stronger. 

THE HOTEL LOBBYISTS
Eazy-E, Bone Thugs, Big Tymers, you name it: the bitches-n-money ghetto-rap is slamming the minute I crack the door. Jordie Dammet, bassist for bar-rock goodboys The Hotel Lobbyists (and sideman for country boozer, Shiloh Lindsey), is boot-...
Glorywhore Finds the Beauty in Sleaze.
Glorywhore is a great name, and when playing with HookerPop, it's awesome. In the first week of the New Year, I went to the Princeton to check out Glorywhore. What I got was a petite Suicide Girl, Maiwan, with her incredible scratchy growl ...
Joey Chaos and The Ghosts Release Single
Joey Chaos and The Ghosts have released their new single, “Fear.” The first in a series of recordings to be released in the coming months, the song is gritty and compelling. A mixture of 90s rock n’ roll and 80s new wave, their brand ...
Avril Lavigne Appointed to the Order of Canada
Napanee native recognized for exceptional contributions to Canada and humanity.
ORB - Heather Midori Yamada
Solo Show at Gage Gallery Aug 28 - Sept 8 2018 Opening Wed Aug 29 5-7pm.
The Rebel Spell and the Subhumans- Political Punks Unite for a Cause
When I last interviewed Vancouver punks the Rebel Spell, I was surprised to discover that, long before the band had formed, their singer and principal lyricist Todd Serious knew the Subhumans’ Gerry Hannah. Stepha and Todd were living in ...
A wild and untamed talk with The Wilderness
Kingston Live podcast episode 65
Victoria Book Prize Finalists Annouced
Celebrating 13 years, the Victoria Book Prize Society is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2016 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and the Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize.
LAUNCH PAD THEATRE CO'S 2017 - 2018 SEASON
Launch Pad is pleased to introduce our 2017 - 2018 "A Kingdom for a Stage" Season
THE BUTTLESS CHAPS: A Decade of Rooteus Maximus
In the ever-changing world of indie-rock, be it Vancouver or elsewhere, it’s a respectable feat to maintain a working band for ten years…and the Buttless Chaps have been doing just that, with no signs of wearing out or slowing down. Cor...
The Arrogant Worms tap fans for new album funds
Trio aims to raise $20,000 for first album in 8 years.
Agent Orange
Agent Orange, China Creeps, Life Against Death, Plus Perfect The Cobalt, Sun Feb 22nd It’s not very hard to be the hot ticket on a Sunday night, and when Agent Orange was in town what would you rather be doing? Watching some ‘Simp...
PHOTO GALLERY: WACKEN METAL BATTLE, VANCOUVER – FINAL ROUND
Top-notch performances from all five bands at the Rickshaw Theatre for the final BC round of Wacken Metal Battle 2015 on Friday. The winners of Vancouver’s first four qualifying rounds (Bushwhacker, Unbeheld, Medevil, and Resurgence) performed along wit
Thriving in Colour: Emancipation Weekend 2023 Celebrations
The annual Kingston Emancipation Weekend Celebrations take place July 27 to August 1, 2023 under the theme "Thriving in Colour".
What Swank Did on Their Summer Vacation.
Swank sashayed out of Van this summer. How many gigs in how many nights? 6 gigs in 6 sweaty nights! It was like a military operation, but with booze. Name clubs and the bands that you played with. The Grateful Fed, Kelowna, The S...
Unknown Soldiers (Doors Tribute)
When the band hit the stage I had to catch my breath. The resemblance between Pete Bowman and Jim Morrison is rather scary. It isn’t only visual, but vocal! You could really believe you were at a Doors gig. Bowman is a rare performer, he ...
Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles
Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles Wartime Love Song Steeped in sweet melancholy and lyrical charm, Wartime Love Song, the second album by Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles, enchants its listeners with an extended-concept love so...
Sun Wizard, Adelaide, MINTO and The Stumblers Inn
The Railway Club, May 15th, 2009 The signature choo choo train circled the ceiling of the Railway Club as Sun Wizard took the stage on May 15th. The first of four Vancouver bands, Sun Wizard warmed up the crowd in their third performanc...
The Upsidedown / The Dandy Warhols
Dick's On Dicks, Wed.June.18th With the 2008 Vancouver International Jazz Fest getting under way, the illustrious Commodore Ballroom is pretty well taken for a month or so solid at this time every year. As such, I was not so much surpris...
Victoria Jazz Orchestra Honours Heart of Music Scene
Known as the heart of Vancouver's vibrant jazz scene, saxophonist and pianist Ross Taggart let a national legacy of impressive musical contributions, along with an unmatched sense of humour. On Sunday, April 15 the Victoria Jazz Orchestra and special gue
Local Arts Residency returns for a fourth year to Kingston Grand Theatre
Shanique Peart and Shenel Williams, Krista Muir, and Chantal Thompson selected for 2024 artists-in-residence.
The Hip to Receive Humanitarian Award at 2021 JUNOS
Kingston's The Tragically Hip will be presented with the 2021 Humanitarian Award during the 50th annual JUNO Awards broadcast on Sunday, June 6, 2021.
Opening Doors for Artists
"As a writer, photographer and graphic design artist, I know how difficult it is to have a venue to showcase and sell my work. Also, there are not too many high salaries in the Arts field, and trying to make a decent income can be an uphill battle. Many p
Album Review: Sticky Fingers - Caress Your Soul

This sounds like the clash between the end of the two-tone era with the sharp sounds of The Jam, The Clash, and the reggae influence from groups like Katchafire and 10FT Ganja Plant. The production is pretty smooth and really makes the album an above a

Shred Kelly rocking Summer Sounds and Flats Fest
Alternative Folk-Rock band Shred Kelly from Fernie are excited to announce their 2024 summer tour. Following a successful 17-date album release tour in support of their 2023 LP Blurry Vision, the band is pumped to get back on the road this summer.
AGING YOUTH GANG
There were moments of giddy transcendence a few weeks back when this very magazine held its official Launch Party featuring a host of Vancouver talent, among them a long-standing (but largely overlooked punk band) named Aging Youth Gang, wh...
Jon and Roy at Sugar Nightclub
Zoubi Arros heads up Zoubi And The Sea, which balances folk, funk, jazz, and pop, along with a healthy dose of sexy during their incredible cover of Queens of the Stone Age’s Make It Wit Chu.
The Glorious Sons and Chris Koster split
Kingston band and founding member "are parting ways."
Art House
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria welcomes Nuu-chah-nulth artists to Family Sunday; a buoyant community day with hands-on activities for learning about art, place and home.
Jo-Anne Silverman at Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
Jo-Anne Silverman at Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square NEW LOCATION - 19 Bastion Square July 20 - August 8, 2021 http://www.artopenings.ca/joanne-silverman-21.html
Dichotomy/The New Values/B-Lines/Defektors
August 14, 2008 Honey Lounge I was shocked at how many people filled Honey Lounge to see the B-lines and the Defektors off on their tour of the West Coast, especially since the club is usually reserved for dancing college kids. The nig...
whitehot | March 2009, The Ministry of Casual Living
In 2002, Dave Gifford and Stephen Nguyen found themselves in the not uncommon position of being art-school students with no place to live. While many would simply resign themselves to a period of complaisant couch-surfing, Gifford and Nguyen took their ho
Album of the Month: July, 2013

Each month we pick one record to hold the title of "Album of the Month." This month we take a look at Early Reggae by The Revivers.

Exclusive! The Mahones announce original lineup St. Patrick's Day 2022 hometown show
Frontman Finny McConnell leaks several surprises during rare interview.
Exclusive pre-sale access: Steve Miller Band at Slush Puppie Place
Legendary Steve Miller Band set to rock Kingston on June 25. Pre-sale ends Thursday, February 29 at 10 pm.
Collector starts own label to help preserve rare recordings
Jason Flower’s fantastical journey in music has taken him to some faraway places. Poland, India, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland. All the while, Flower kept tabs on music being produced at home and abroad, which resulted in the creation of Suprem
Interview with BLACKWOOD KINGS

Blackwood Kings are one of the newer bands to emerge from Vancouver Island's ska and reggae scene, but these boys are bringing a whole new groove to the island. Their sound is hard to pin, but something totally all their own. We got a chance to talk wi

Mike Kammerer returns to Fortune Gallery until Feb 11, 2022.
Preview: https://www.focusonvictoria.ca/palette/173/
Roy Vizer from Jon & Roy – Interview
Victoria locals Jon and Roy have released a new album entitled Let It Go, which is a subtle departure from their previous and wildly successful album Homes. I spoke with Roy Vizer (drums/percussion) about the new album, the road, and what life at home in
Japandroids – Lullaby Death Jams – Independent
The Japandroids are a two piece guitar wailing, drum pounding, singing machine, (do droids get angry when you call them machines?) and ‘Lullaby Death Jams’ is their recipe for a good time. It’s made up of five interestingly good track...
Haida Raven Art
Enjoy a variety of art by fabulous local artists in all mediums curated for Creatively United. On display April 15 + 16 at Royal Bay Secondary and Saturday, April 23 from 1 – 5 pm at the Royal BC Museum.
ENGLISH MOTETS
ENGLISH MOTETS The Gesualdo Six / Owain Park · Hyperion CDA68256 The Gesualdo Six hardly need a review of this their debut CD: within days of its release around Easter it was top of the iTunes classical chart. The CD is a collection of E...
Interview with Chris Demakes of LESS THAN JAKE

For people who don’t know much about your band, you were on a major label for a while, Capitol Records, right?&a&l

Chrystal Phan at the Chapel Gallery
Chrystal Phan is a story teller. The tales she tells in her debut solo exhibition are monumental and multi-hued. They feature stories she’s heard from family and friends, embellished by her own imagination. All her paintings document some aspect of the
Interview with Dusty from the Hits
We have lots to talk about because The Hits have been one busy band. First off, can you introduce yourself and the band and their instruments. Why no bass? Alright, well, I am Dusty and I hit stuff really hard and sing a bit, Lou Slips...
Arkells take Clark Hall Pub by surprise in pop-up performance
Long-awaited comeback concert electrifies Queen’s campus
DJ
Music von Frankenstone
As I Lay Dying / Misery Signals / August Burns Red / Evergreen Terrace
As I Lay Dying / Misery Signals / August Burns Red / Evergreen Terrace Croatian Cultural Centre, Tuesday April 29th Until this impeccably brutal show, I believed the Croatian Cultural Centre was to be avoided at all costs, but the na...
The Wilderness opens Evergreen Recording Co.
Kingston band turns old farmhouse into modern recording studio just north of the city.
Joanna Pettit at the Gage Gallery
“What Emerges” by Joanna Pettit. Solo show at Gage Gallery Arts Collective September 29 - October 18, 2020 http://www.artopenings.ca/joanna-pettit.html
Jane Michiel at the Gage Gallery.
Jane Michiel has a five year history with Gage Gallery and is currently a board member. The creativity of her 20 colleagues inspires her, and she enjoys the freedom of being part of a non-profit organization. Focusing on faces for Charisma,...
BLACK MOUNTAIN CD Review
BLACK MOUNTAIN In The Future Jagjaguwar When I hear Stephen McBean’s slowly-picked A-minor guitar intro for “Stormy High,” I’m almost tricked into thinking it’s a cover of “Hell’s Bells,” but then the swing-time Black...
Blues king Jack de Keyzer prepares for back-to-back shows in Westport
Award-winning Canadian blues king performs the Blues at The Cove series, January 17 and 18.
After 52 years, Doc MacLean rambles on
Acclaimed Delta blues disciple and storyteller extraordinaire plays The Cove Inn, November 14.
Readings on the Green
"Writers' Theatre"
On the road with Cambridge
Cambridge has been prominent in the Vancouver punk scene since late 2005. Tour is nothing new to them; this is their second cross-Canada run. The first one went quite well up until a breakdown in Brandon, Manitoba caused them to miss some s...
Valley unveils recent releases during North American tour
Valley brought their ‘Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden’ tour to The Ale House on November 7
Get Lucky with Tom Holliston!
I’ve always thought that someone should rhyme “Erik Estrada” with “vagina dentata” in a song, and it occurred to me, when I came late and awestruck to the solo output of songwriter and Nomeansno/Hanson Brothers guitarist Tom Holli...
VFF Review: Apology
The Apology follows the story of three women who were taken into sexual slavery during the Japanese Invasion throughout Asia in WWII by the Imperial Army
Minto CD Review
Lay it On Me Self-distributed Waa-BOOM! With an album title ripped from frontman Ryan Hoben’s muscleman tattoos, indiefolkrocksters Minto punch it open with sludgy dirge, “New Bones” – formerly a chooglin’ alt-country number i...
Alcheringa Changes Ownership
Alcheringa Gallery announces new ownership. Alcheringa Gallery is delighted to announce the change of ownership from Founder and Director Elaine Monds, to Mark & Mary Loria. Mark is a well known local arts and culture advocate and leader...
Martina Edmondson at Gage Gallery
Martina Edmondson presents “Loss” at the Gage Gallery

Featured Events

Featured Historical Events

Featured Article

Cheap Flavor
Alternative Blues-Punk from Victoria BC
Adrian Chmil "Adream"
Head-turning ringer who loves dramatic music from Victoria BC
Niels Petersen Band
from Victoria BC
Niels Petersen
from Victoria BC
West Coast REACH Association
Utilizing music & the other performing arts for social good
722 Cormorant St. Victoria BC
Open / Operational
Thursday Night Jam at The Loft
Cancelled - no jam. Drummer's head wouldn't fit through the ...
229 Gorge Road East Victoria BC
Closed / Inactive
First Metropolitan United Fellowship Hall
Large hall in the First Metropolitan Church Building.
Open / Operational
Club Alhambra
Photo credit Niels Petersen Located in the Bedford Regency ...
Closed / Inactive

Search the Directory / Archive

List an Event in the Calendar

List a Physical Single Date or Recurring Event

For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.

List an Online Livestream Event

For online / livestream events. This will allow you to include a livestream url and have it featured in our livestream listings.

List an Ongoing Event

For events that run over a range of consecutive dates. i.e. Art show, museum show etc.

Submit a Profile to the Directory

List an Individual Artist / Artisan / Musician

(Painter, Carver, Dancer, Writer etc)

List an Arts Ensemble

(Band / Choir /Dance Troupe, Theatre Troupe, Artist Collective etc.)

List an Organization / Resource in the Directory

(organization, business, venue etc)

Submit Art

Submit a piece of Art

Add a photo / information on art by a local artist

Submit Public Art (Current)

Submit a piece of local public art to the gallery & map.

Submit Public Art (Historical)

Add a photos + info on pieces of public art that no longer exist to be included in the permanent public archive.

News + Media

Post an Opportunity

(Jobs, Funding, Calls to Artists)

Add / Link a Video

Add a video, which will be linked to profiles, and appear in the video feed

Add / Link an Article

Add, or link to an article about content in the directory.

Log In to Your Account