Articles

Ceramic sculptor Samantha Dickie

The ceramic sculpture of Samantha Dickie conveys both mystery and metaphor. The intriguing textural forms of her multi-component installations invite investigation. What are the structures made from? What do they contain? Why are some surfaces channelled,

Things Are Getting Hairy: Bison BC prepares for Dark Ages

“We weren’t necessarily going for an animal name,” Bison BC co-guitarist/ co-vocalist James Farwell tells me when I ask about the name Bison. “We’d tossed around these Godawful made up words - ‘what looks good in a good metal fo...

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

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.

Skeleton Park Arts Festival announces 2023 lineup

Skeleton Park Arts Festival, in its 18th year, runs June 21-25, 2023

Two shows, one night.

Two shows, one night. By: denis maile I shouldn’t write this review. I didn’t know it was going to happen. I didn’t plan on hitting two shows, I didn’t plan on writing about my night, and I didn’t even plan on getting drunk. ...

White Lung/Crystal Antlers/Fucked Up

White Lung/Crystal Antlers/Fucked Up @ Richard’s on Richards September 7th 2008 The sparse crowd was bewitched by the androgynous shrieking of White Lung’s Mish. As our ears would testify, there may have been no sound check and we we...

Start Your Weekend Off Right with Everybody Left

A review of Everybody Left's Season One (2009 - 13) compilation album.

The Story of Barney, Elvis & Shama 1976 – 1980

The origins and story of the band 'Shama'

Sculptors make a splash at Esquimalt's Macaulay Point Park

Interview with Rocky Mountain Rebel Music

Interview with RMRM done in October, 2012 by D'Arcy Briggs Ska Fest: So first off, RMRM have become known as one of the region's best ska, reggae, and party bands. What were some of the original ideas behind the group and how would yo...

Studio Visit with Marie-Andrée Allison, March 2022

http://www.artopenings.ca/marie-allison-2022.html

Focus by Brad Nugent February 1968

Focus by Brad Nugent

Gage Gallery in Bastion Square

Gage Gallery Artists Collective is MOVING to 19 Bastion Square, Victoria, BC. V8W 1H9 Gallery re-opens on June 29, 2021. Laura Feeleus and Elizabeth Carefoot present Vivid Connections, June 29 - July 18, 2021. See interviews with ...

Ira Hoffecker presents Transitions at Fortune Gallery

Dorothy Brooke spent life saving Britain's war horses

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

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

Avril Lavigne Appointed to the Order of Canada

Napanee native recognized for exceptional contributions to Canada and humanity.

Kirsten Van Ritzen Returns For Another Round of Sin City

Actress/comedian Kirsten Van Ritzen discusses her acting career, passion for improv, and creating Sin City Live Improv Serial in Victoria with partner Ian Ferguson.

Review: Mercy Mercy by The Glorious Sons

New single by The Glorious Sons a catchy summer hummer.

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,

Toronto was never like this

United Way fundraising at the Empress Hotel in 1978

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

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...

Indigenous Cultural Offerings at Belfry Theatre

PREVIEW: http://www.artopenings.ca/bury-the-hatchet.html

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...

Neil McClelland

Victoria Conservatory of Music opens doors for faculty

Hearing Music in Everyday Sounds

New "Saskadelphia" EP by The Tragically Hip

A time capsule of early nineties Hip.

where-there’s-wil…

Interview with Dope Soda

Interview with Dope Soda 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? Dope Soda: Well Dope Soda was a project I have been wanting to do for a v...

Sarah Harmer shares songs and stories from new album, "Are You Gone"

Podcast episode 23

Critical Comments

Critical comments by various curators and interviewers of artist Brandy Saturley

Bright Lights Bold City

GWAR – Oderus Urungus Does Not Smoke Crack Well With Others

GWAR – Oderus Urungus Does Not Smoke Crack Well With Others Oderus Urungus is not the sort of intergalactic barbarian warlord who minces his words. I spoke with the leader of GWAR recently, and between copious puffs on his crack pipe,...

Studio Visit With Anna Curtin

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

ELDORADO Suitcase

Redcat Records Some say country-rock died with Gram Parsons premature passing in 1973, casual fans say it’s when the Eagles sold-out and recorded Hotel California, but almost everyone can agree that just as quickly as it came – it w...

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.

Introducing More Than Mayhem

Esquimalt's Tudor House Pub, lost to fire, had heart and history

REVIEW: Be prepared to participate in the Belfry’s Every Brilliant Thing

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...

Frances Hope-Warzone | Walking the line

Deb Rhymer is dedicated to the blues

Deb Rhymer has worn numerous hats over the years, from Bette Midler impersonator to daycare operator. But the one that fits her best is blues booster. Rhymer, a Victoria native, spends almost all her waking hours dedicated to blues, eith...

The Amazing Journey of a MISSA Artist

MaryLou Wakefield, a local Victoria artist, came away with a life-altering experience last summer. It changed her perspective on what she could achieve as an artist— with courage, curiosity and the willingness to take a risk. Here is her story.

Written On Stone

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

Victoria musician compiles uplifting physical distancing video of people dancing to his song

Elura featured in Ride the Tempo

Langham Court returns with first in-house theatre production since 2021

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

Kingston filmmaker raising funds for feature indie flick spotlighting local music

Still Alive in Kingston starring Bill Welychka, local pop, rock and hip-hop acts to premiere at KCFF this winter

A dying man’s beautiful gesture: concert for Syrian refugees

APEX BREAKS "Ultimately, what really matters is not the size of the crowd but how engaged they are."

Live-show extraordinaire act APEX BREAKS are quickly rising up through the ranks with their unique twist of Psychedelic Jungle Funk. The devoted 10-piece are carving out a lasting career for themselves, and kindly took part in an interview to delve a litt

Crowds gather for Phillips Backyard Concert Series; Lord Huron, DJ Pee.Wee, Bahamas among performers

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...

Weird and Whimsical: Drawings and Paintings

Yvonne Blomer: the City's Poet

Yvonne was interviewed for the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of YAM magazine, where she discussed her role as Victoria’s Poet Laureate.

Focus by Brad Nugent

Six Degrees of Separation: A New Generation of Canadian Artists @ Claire Oliver Gallery

Six Degrees of Separation: A New Generation of Canadian Artists Curated by Noah Becker Claire Oliver Gallery 513 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001 October 14 through November 13, 2010 Over the course of the last decade, the glob...

Courage and Compassion: B.C. Healthcare Heroes

B.C. Healthcare Heroes: Their Stories and Portraits One Week Only at the Gage Gallery (Feb. 15-20) Twenty portraits and twenty stories. The exhibition “B.C.’s Healthcare Heroes” showcases healthcare workers’ stories and portraits in British

Local musicians join ‘Music Across the Border’ to benefit United Way

TV station brings together music artists from New York and eastern Ontario

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

Focus by Brad Nugent March 1967

Focus by Brad NugentBrad Nugent

The Tragically Hip Named 2024 Record Store Day Canada Ambassadors

Live recording of Kingston band’s 1993 show at CBGB's available for the first time on vinyl and cassette format on record store day, April 20

Arkells bring Big Feelings tour to Slush Puppie Place

Hamilton natives return to the Kingston on Thursday, October 24

High times in Victoria: Remembering the Summer of Love

Remembering the Summer of Love

Minto Climbs Olympus

Minto Climbs Olympus by Matt Hagarty It's any young band's dream to record an album with such a marquee name as Steve Albini's. Recording with the famed sound engineer/pundit responsible for output from Nirvana, Superchunk, The Stooges,...

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.

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 ...

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

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...

THE BLACK HALOS We Are Not Alone

THE BLACK HALOS We Are Not Alone Acetate God bless Billy Hopeless & the Halos. They’ve earned their entry into that category that bands like Motörhead, AC/DC, & The Ramones (the Holy Trinity of Rock) fit into – you always know wh...

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.

SEPULTURA – 30TH Anniversary Tour (w/ Destruction, Arsis & more) Live Review and Photo Gallery

To understand the resurgent popularity of thrash metal among a new generation of fans one need look no further than Brazilian thrash stalwarts Sepultura.

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...

Connections

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

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.

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.

Robert Amos: Calligraphy, paint inspire new art forms

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

Focus February 1967

Focus by Brad Nugent

Crashing Into Mike and Mihkel

Rough It Up by One Drop

Sadly, this is One Drop’s final album. There’s worse news, too. One Drop has kicked the can for the last time. Yeah, the band has disbanded after a six year experience. Hopefully they’ll get back together sooner or later, as this five...

B.A. Lampman at the Victoria Arts Council Gallery

Life's Work: A Visual Memoir by B.A. Lampman at the Victoria Arts Council Gallery June 3 - July 17, 2022. Opening June 3, 7:00-9:00 Preview: http://www.artopenings.ca/ba-lampman.html

Album of the Month: December, 2013

We've been gone for some time, but we're back and ready with a review of a great ska record!

Hank Angel and his Island Devils CD Review by Dave O Rama

The Glorious Sons and Chris Koster split

Kingston band and founding member "are parting ways."

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...

Q&A: Tłı̨chǫ artist says latest work reflects his cultural learning process

Interactive Art Takes Centre Stage at Quadra Village Festival

Exclusive! The Mahones announce original lineup St. Patrick's Day 2022 hometown show

Frontman Finny McConnell leaks several surprises during rare interview.

Margo Cooper and Elizabeth Carefoot at Gage Gallery

A lively Spring tonic awaits visitors to the Gage Gallery in early April 2021. Margo Cooper and Elizabeth Carefoot present a vibrant series of abstractions titled Eccentric Deliberations. The artwork of this talented duo is eccentric in the best possible

White Lung/Abe Vigoda/Vivian Girls

White Lung/Abe Vigoda/Vivian Girls Biltmore Cabaret April 29th 2009 One unassuming day last summer, I went to the Astoria to see a girl band that was on a label I really love – In The Red. They were called the Vivian Girls, and they ...

How I unearthed a long-lost Toronto prog rock album

Martin Springett's The Gardening Club is cosmic Canadiana at its best, and his story is a CanCon prog rock version of the Searching For Sugar Man saga

William Head Institution on Vancouver Island has Canada's only prison theatre program

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.

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 ...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

Stand Down C.D. Release Party

The Glim Project / Incura / Stand Down / Hezzakya Stand Down C.D. Release Party The Penthouse, Fri. May 9th Edward Dinsley I hate being the reviewer who turns up late to a show and all but misses the opening act. Unfortunately, I was...

Creative Diplomacy

MISSA Magic!

No Liars @ Intrepid Theatre

Review of No Liars first show on June 7th 2015 from Tyson Edler of YYJ Rocktographers

New film documents 30 years of punk music in Victoria

Raino Sells Her Studio

Finding Home: Paintings by Marnie Faunt and Karen Kaiser

Preview: http://www.artopenings.ca/kaiser--faunt.html

Tim Hicks announces Kingston concert date

Country star brings his Campfire Troubadour Tour to the Isabel on November 16.

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...

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...

It Ain’t Easy Being Subhuman

The venue shift for the Subhumans May 15th gig - from the Anza to the Ukrainian Hall (805 E. Pender) - returns the band to the scene of the famed 1979 Rock Against Prisons benefit, which also included Tunnel Canary, AKA, the female-fronted ...

CHINA CREEPS

For any of you fiends who've been dwelling inside rocket-proof domes until recently, the China Creeps -who are Neil on bass, Baxter on guitar, Matt on vocals and Dave on drums - are one of the leading (of what is becoming a tradition of) gr...

Interview with Ryland Steen of REEL BIG FISH

Welcome to Victoria. Have you ever been here before? If not, what are your first impressions?

Ryland “Rabbit” Steen: This is my first time ever being here, and I think it’s the band’s firs

Ira Hoffecker presents Transitions at Fortune Gallery

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

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-...

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".

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’...

First installment of Dancing on the Edge festival truly a moving event

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.

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

Victoria art gallery provides Open Space in an online way

The Soul Motivators Do the Damn Thing

Pharmacist Of Film

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

Cult heroes: NoMeansNo-noise-funk-rock-hardcore pioneers you must hear

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...

THE CHOIR IN CONCERT WITH KATHRYN CALDER

They Might Be Giants: Wynn Gogol writes book on songwriting

Wynn Gogol has been involved in enough recording sessions over the years to know what works in a studio setting and what gets in the way of musical momentum.

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

Luxury Residence

Review of geode inspired work by Charine Barber seen at the Sooke Fine Art Show.

PARLOUR STEPS: Nothing Ambiguous about Determination

It always does me proud to discover a local band making quality music that's true to the landscape of this varied terrain. Rocky, cool, stormy, eclectic, thoughtful and laid back, these words only begin to describe the Parlour Steps sound. ...

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

The Arrogant Worms tap fans for new album funds

Trio aims to raise $20,000 for first album in 8 years.

Michael Demers

Review from Allaboutjazz

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...

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 ...

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

EL Have Been a Band for 10 Years

Eric joins Jon Williams on the Afternoon Zone to talk about the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the band.

Focus by Brad Nugent January 7, 1967

Focus by Brad Nugent

2016/17 Season

The Lonely Heartstring Band: From Beatles to Bluegrass

3 Days in Winter – Jon Miller Quartet CD Review

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.

Memorial Arena left a capital legacy

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...

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.

Bison BC- Quiet Earth

Metal Blade Records Bison is the most hyped band in Vancouver right now. Sometimes hype can be a tough thing to deal with, but these fuckers keep coming through every time. Every show is better than the next, so every album is obviously ...

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...

Album Review: The Beatdown - Walkin' Proud

The Beatdown Walkin' Proud CD - LP Stomp Records - STMP099 The Beatdown have become masters of their craft! Their 2010 debut album saw the group carry on the work put down with One Night Band and carried into into garage rock terri...

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

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 ...

Video keeps levidrome front of mind

Video by Lola Parks keeps levidrome front of mind. Victoria boy's word continues to gain momentum online. Lucky Budd, father of Levi Budd, campaigns to get "levidrome" in the dictionary.

Sons ring in 2024 with New Year's Eve House Party

A review of The Glorious Sons hometown performance, December 31, 2023 at Leon's Centre in Kingston

Dinosaurs Exhumed Downtown

Syrian poet and visual artist at Errant Art Space August 12-28, 2022

Homeland is an historic journey that reveals the artists’ pre-war lifestyle in Syria, the beginning of unrest, and finally, the trauma of dislocation. These artworks reflect on personal and cultural identity through the lens of memory and migrations.

Maureen at Christmas

It was a windy and wet Thursday night at Habit Coffee & Culture on Yates Street at the Atrium in downtown Victoria when we spoke with the lovely Maureen Washington – Jazz singer, mom of five, vocal coach, and mentor.

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.

Bison BC Tour into Europe

From Feb 26th to Mar 21st Bison BC toured Europe. They hit eleven different countries in twenty-four days and played a show every night. I’ve heard somewhere that Europeans love metal so I’m sure it was a crazy good time, and did great ...

Randall McGinnis at Xchanges Gallery.

Xchanges Gallery Is delighted to host PHOTOTEXTRINUM by Randall McGinnis in its physical space September 4-20, 2020 Randall McGinnis at Xchanges Gallery. COVID measures are in place. The artist can welcome four visitors to the gallery...

Bad Fortune brings Kingston music lovers great fortune

New indie folk duo release debut single, Muscle Memory.

Kiss The Fish, Bedouin Soundclash

Podcast episode 14

Linden Singers New Director Press Release

LINDEN SINGERS OF VICTORIA SET TO FLOURISH WITH NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR, EDETTE GAGNE A visionary leader for this choral gem! [Victoria, BC, August 15, 2021] Edette Gagné has been named Music Director of Linden Singers of Victoria, taking...

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

Summer & The Sinners � Can�t Keep a Good Girl Down

Let me preface this review by saying I’ve known Summer since she was barely out of her teens and coming out to sit in or jam at various venues I was playing at around Victoria BC. I’ve watched her career with great interest and she has ...

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

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 ...

Rande Cook at Leaf Modern Gallery

On April 1, 2022, Pope Francis apologized to First Nations, Inuit and Métis gathered at the Vatican in Rome.

Still Blue Reveiw

Bill Johnson has made a fantastic release that we highly recommend.

The Wilderness opens Evergreen Recording Co.

Kingston band turns old farmhouse into modern recording studio just north of the city.

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 ...

These six Victoria bus shelters just got a whole lot prettier

A passing of the torch for Victoria's rock music history archives

Royal City Music Project co-founder Glenn Parfitt wants valuable cultural material preserved

After 56 Years, Last call at the Tally Ho

From crisis to creativity: Art exhibit inspired by COVID-19

ANGELA VERBRUGGE’S HAPPY INGENUITIES: “LOVE FOR CONNOISSEURS”

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...

Neil Young's Harvest Moon given new life in B.C. jazz star's latest album

Victoria's Maureen Washington lays it all on the line in her new album, which remembers her husband

Ship Point Market

16 years in, The Strumbellas keep on believing

A quick Q&A with the JUNO-winning band ahead of their sold out show in Kingston on February 23.

Focus by Brad Nugent

Focus

MUSIC WASTE 2008:

Pub 340 - June 5th, 2008 MUSIC WASTE 2008: The B-Lines / Dead Ghosts / Get Well Bomb / The TVees Pub 340 - June 5th, 2008 Dave Bertrand For the first time in many moons, I really made the effort to make it out on time for the openi...

Blues monster: The mammoth sound of Shane Murphy

Catching up with Montreal blues and roots rocker ahead of acoustic performance November 7 at The Cove Inn

Take 4 in Alberni

Daily Colonist - Take Fours in Liverpool

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

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

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