Monday Magazine, April 27, 2023

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Friends of Timothy gala celebrates 43 years of operatic excellence

By Tim Collins

On May 15, Victoria’s musical community will join with Timothy Vernon, the founding artistic director of Pacific Opera to celebrate his 43 years with the company.

With an indefatigable passion for music, Vernon managed to transform what, in 1979, was a small theatre company into a world class, professional opera company. During that transformation he has led most of Pacific Opera’s 120 productions.

But now, Vernon will be stepping down as artistic director.

“We will miss him very much. The truth is that when Timothy started the company, there was a lot of skepticism about whether Victoria was a large enough centre to support a professional opera,” said Glynis Leyshon, a director with the company whose own involvement dates to its first production.

“Many people didn’t think it would work but I don’t believe that Timothy ever had any doubts of its success.”

Based on Vernon’s many accomplishments, it seems that his confidence in both the company and himself were well-founded.

Born in Victoria, he first studied conducting with Otto-Werner Mueller at the Victoria School (now Conservatory) of Music. From there he travelled to Vienna where he graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts before returning to Canada in 1975.

“What’s so touching is that Timothy grew up here and, although he’s travelled around the world, Victoria has remained the center of his life,” Leyshon said. “He’s given us so much of himself and we’re all the richer for it.”

An examination of Vernon’s accomplishments confirms that he

could easily have chosen to share his musical passion anywhere in the world.

For example, he has conducted for Opera de Montréal (Die Fledermaus), Opera de Quebec (Macbeth, The Barber of Seville), and Calgary Opera (Carmen, Eugene Onegin). In fact, he’s appeared with every professional opera company and orchestra in Canada (including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Windsor, London, Montreal, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and Halifax) and is conductor laureate of Orchestra London.

In 2007, Mr. Vernon conducted the Canadian premiere of Richard Strauss’ Daphne, using his own reduction of Strauss’ orchestration. This historic production was recorded for broadcast by CBC, as was Pacific Opera’s 2008 Canadian premiere of Marc Blitzstein’s Regina, the 2009 company premiere of Handel’s Semele, and the 2010 Canadian stage premiere of Strauss’s Capriccio, which also used Mr. Vernon’s orchestral reduction of the score.

Other broadcasts have included the 1988 production of Fidelio for TV by PBS and CBC, as well as a Knowledge Network documentary of Pacific Opera’s 1992 production of The Abduction from the Seraglio. CBC Radio has broadcast Pacific Opera’s productions of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1993) and Lee Hoiby’s The Tempest.

The McGill Orchestra’s recording of Korngold’s Symphony in F-sharp Major, recorded live in Carnegie Hall in 1990, was nominated for a Juno Award. The 1997 film McGill, Mahler, Montreal was broadcast nationally on Bravo and on CBC.

In 2008, Timothy Vernon was presented with the Order of Canada, in recognition of his work in expanding professional opera in Canada and his commitment to young musicians.

Timothy Vernon is also a recipient of Opera Canada’s 2005 Ruby Award as Opera Builder and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

In 2013, Royal Roads University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his strong leadership in and contributions to Canada’s cultural scene. The University of Victoria conferred on him an Honorary Doctor of Music in 2017.

But while Vernon’s staggering array of awards and accomplishments are hugely impressive, they are secondary to the character of the man behind the music.

“Timothy is a man of unending curiosity and an eclectic sense of wonder in the world. He embraces life and to be around him is to be caught up in that sense of wonder,” said Leyshon.

“He’s an amazing inspiration whose message is never to take things for granted – to challenge yourself – to seek out other and respect the viewpoints of others.”

Leyshon said that part of Vernon’s success has been his enormous appetite for life and an exhilarating thirst for fun.

“I think there’s a little bit of Amadeus in Timothy,” Leyshon said.

The Friends of Timothy gala evening will take place at McPherson Playhouse on May 15 and will showcase the work of the many talented artists, singers, and instrumentalists associated with Pacific Opera. Special guests include soprano Suzanne Rigden, soprano Lauren Margison, mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy, tenor Colin Ainsworth, and baritone Bruce Kelly.

Timothy Vernon will be joined the conductor’s podium by Giuseppe Pietraroia and Kimberley-Ann Bartczak with the Victoria Symphony. Tickets and more information are available at pacificopera.ca.

A space A space to feel to at home at

AfriCa Fest’s Pulcherie Mboussi uses dance, music and food to bring together small but diverse African community

By Sam Duerksen

Pulcherie Mboussi has organized AfriCa Fest in Victoria for nine years now and she knows representing a continent of 54 countries is no easy task.

Mboussi moved from Cameroon to Canada 33 years ago, the last 12 of which were in Victoria, and is as passionate about AfriCa Fest as ever because it’s where she finds inner sanctity and hopes others do, too.

“I want to create this space that’s where I’m myself. A space for me to feel at home, right?”

Mboussi is also the founder and CEO of the African Art & Cultural Community Contributor CCC Inc. and the founder/executive director of ISAAMBA Centre. It’s almost impossible to be involved in any kind of African event or venue in Victoria without knowing Mboussi’s name.

She said she creates events to bring the African community together.

“I feel like other newcomers from Africa they feel the same way, so my goal since I’ve been here is to create a space, make room for people to feel like they are home where they are now. I know where I’m from, food, music, dance brings people together so I created this event.”

Mboussi said that there are fewer than 10 African countries represented in Victoria: she mentions knowing organized groups of Nigerians, Kenyans, Rwandans, Sudanese, Somalians and Cameroonians – like herself. The festival brings these communities together and brings others in.

“AfriCa Fest is about community, living, sharing our heritage from African communities, so we are creating a space where people can come and learn more about us. We know people, when they talk about black people or

Africans, they usually think of four or five countries and we are like 54 countries, over 3,000 ethnic groups. It’s a chance to discover.”

Mboussi herself is from Cameroon, which she said has almost 300 tribes.

“I know about five, less than 10 Cameroonians in Victoria and we are all from different tribes so it’s this kind of thing that we want to raise awareness on. People think that because you met one Cameroonian, automatically we all behave the same – not so.”

Part of the cultural celebration this year will include a drum workshop, Latin dancers, Zumba dance, food and educational components. And this year, the organization is trying to draw in crowds from out of province to add more diversity.

“My mandate this year was to raise awareness in the festival outside of the province and creating a structure, even if they are in another province, they can plan to come down,” she said.

She’s hoping for more moments like what happened last year when some Sudanese attendees and a woman from Egypt jumped up on stage and played music. The festival has that type of free-flowing, open-to-all energy.

“It’s just bringing people out,” she said.

This year, Tamikrest, a band founded in Mali that mixes rock and pop with traditional African music, will be the only artist coming from out of the province, as Mboussi said “we wanted to give opportunity to local groups and local artists.”

“Our mandate is to showcase African culture, rhythm in a modern way and Tamikrest is another way to discover [that].”

AfriCa Fest takes place May 26-28 at Centennial Square in Victoria and admission is free. Visit issambacentre. ca/africafest for more details.

Pulcherie Mboussi organized AfriCa Fest to help newcomers feel at home. (Photo courtesy of Kazakiz)

EVENTS MAY 2023

ARTS EVENTS

HILLS TO SHORE

ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR

May 13 & 14

A free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios across the Gordon Head, Mt. Tolmie and Cadboro Bay, 11am to 4pm. Featuring original paintings, fabric art, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and garden art. Chat with the artists and watch them work. Info/map: hillstoshoreartists.ca

DANCE

BALLET VICTORIA: PETER PAN

May 4 & 5

A contemporary twist on J. M. Barrie’s tale of the fearless boy who refuses to grow up. Join the Darling family on their journey to Neverland, with mesmerizing mermaids, fanciful fairies, pillaging pirates and much more! An adventure for the whole family. At the Royal Theatre. Info: balletvictoria.ca

EVENTS

OLD CEMETERIES SOCIETY

TOURS

Sundays, 2 to 3pm Walk through history in Victoria’s old cemeteries. Learn about the famous, the infamous, the cruel, gentle, rich and poor from Victoria’s past with stories told by Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria guides. $5/ non-member; $2/members. Info: oldcem.bc.ca/tour/

ROYAL BC MUSEUM: DINOSAURS OF BC

To Jan. 7

Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster,”the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins.

Info: royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

INCOMING FESTIVAL 2023

To May 14

The newest festival from Intrepid Theatre features an eclectic and electric programming of new work, including theatre, dance, cabaret, audio installations and free workshops at venues across downtown.

Info: intrepidtheatre.com

VICTORIA BEER WEEK

May 5 to 13

Victoria Beer Week showcases 40 BC craft breweries in event settings across Greater Victoria. May 5 Lift Off! The Launch Of Victoria Beer Week Ticket includes six VBS beer tokens, VBS branded tasting cup and access to 12+ brand new, unreleased beers. Food available for purchase from local vendors. Tickets/info: victoriabeersociety. com

PENINSULA GARDEN CLUB

SPRING PLANT SALE

May 6

Bring on the Games!

Quality perennials grown by Peninsula Garden Club members, veggie starters, Master Gardeners on site to answer your gardening questions, raffles and more, 10am to noon at the Mary Winspear Centre.

Info: marywinspear.ca

VICTORIA RECORD FAIR

May 7

Thirty vendors from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland are selling vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia items, 11am to 4pm. All proceeds from table rentals, admissions and sale of donated records go to the Mustard Seed. At Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave. Info: VictoriaRecordFair@gmail. com

HIKE FOR HOSPICE

May 7

Lace up your walking shoes to support patients and families at Victoria Hospice! The event kicks off at Fisherman’s Wharf Park at 9am with the 3.5km walk through James Bay at 10am. Music, food and fun for participants of all ages and abilities! Register at victoriahospice.org/hike

VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC MOTHER’S DAY GARDEN

TOUR

May 13 & 14

Celebrating mothers, music and beautiful gardens. Two-

Victoria’s celebration of all things Scottish returns this month.

The 160th Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival – the longest continually running Highland Games in North America – is at Topaz Park May 20 and 21.

The family-focused festival offers a weekend of Scottish and Celtic arts and culture, including pipe band competitions, Scottish Highland

day passes are $40 (+ service charges where applicable), with exclusive access to eight gardens and the plant sale. A great way to celebrate Mother’s Day while supporting the VCM’s efforts to keep music education, performance and wellness thriving in Victoria. Info: vcm. bc.ca/victoria-garden-tour

MOTHER’S DAY GARDEN TEA & TOUR AT BANNOCKBURN FARM

May 13 & 14

Enjoy a Victorian Garden and Heritage Tour at Bannockburn Farm (c. 1855). The Central Saanich designated heritage site opens once a year to the

dancing competitions and heavy events, including caber toss and hammer throw. Enjoy Scottish country dancing, fiddling performances, Scottish Clan and

public, with limited, two-hour reservations available for guided tours and farm heritage visits. Reservations available at eventbrite.com

AFRICA FEST

May 26 to 28

Showcasing the rich artistic and culinary talents of African and Caribbean participants while fostering harmony, diversity and unity. At Centennial Square. Info: issambacentre.ca

PAST WRONGS, FUTURE CHOICES: JAPANESE HISTORY IN CANADA May 25

genealogy booths, falconry demonstrations, historic military demonstrations and more!

Learn more at victoriahighlandgames.com

Victoria Historical Society May Talk, with Dr. Jordan Stanger Ross and Dr. Michael Abe, 7:30pm at James Bay New Horizons. Free for members, $5 for guests. Info: victoriahistoricalsociety. bc.ca

2023 OAK BAY HALF MARATHON

May 28

The event includes a halfmarathon, 10K, a four-person relay and a 1km kids’ run. All races start and finish in Windsor Park. Charity partners include Santas Anonymous and Easter Seals, British Columbia & Yukon. Info/registration: oakbayhalf.com

JEN BLYTH PHOTO

The caber toss, from the 2022 heavy events.

MARKETS BASTION SQUARE SUMMER MARKET SERIES

May 18 to September

Thursdays to Sundays, 11am to 5pm, with local artisans daily and live music from noon to 1pm, plus Art + Indigenous Artisans on Thursdays, Foodie Fridays and Second-Hand

Sundays. May 20 Season launch party, 11am to 5pm, with vendors, live music + food. Info: instagram.com/ bastionsquare.market

ESQUIMALT FARMERS’ MARKET

Thursdays, to Sept. 14 in Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Rd; Mondays, June 19 to Sept. 4 in Esquimalt Gorge Park. Visit from 4:30 to 730pm for locally grown and produced goods. Info: esquimaltmarket.com

GOLDSTREAM FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, to Oct. 7

Vendors make, grow, bake or raise the products they sell, at Veterans Memorial Park, corner of Goldstream Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Info: facebook.com/ goldstreamfarmersmarket

JAMES BAY MARKET

Saturdays, to Sept. 24

Food and artisan vendors sell what they grow, cook, bake and create, 9am to 3pm at the corner of Menzies and Superior streets. Info: jamesbaymarket.com

MOSS STREET MARKET

Locally grown organic produce, foods and artisan wares. In Fairfield at Sir James Douglas school, 10am to 2pm Saturdays. Info: mossstreetmarket. com

SOOKE COUNTRY MARKET

Saturdays, to Oct. 8 Visit the Saturday market on the field just past municipal hall and fire hall on Otter Point Road, 10am to 2pm. Info: sookecountrymarket.com

MUSIC VICTORIA FOLK MUSIC

MAY FEATURES

A CORONATION EVE GALA CELEBRATION

May 5

In honour of King Charles III’s coronation and in the presence of Her Honour, the Lieut.-Gov. Janet Austin, Christ Church Cathedral‘s Choirs and Orchestra perform Handel’s The Coronation Anthems. Also on the program is Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s anthem I Was Glad, composed for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902. At Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Rockland. Tickets: eventbrite.ca/e/ handel-the-coronation-anthemstickets-596356657817

VICTORIA SYMPHONY’S SPECTACULAR SPRING GALA

May 5

A special fundraising event featuring Tenor Josh Lovell at the Fairmont Empress Crystal Ballroom, with all proceeds benefiting the Victoria Symphony and its Youth Education Programs. Champagne reception, gourmet food, fine wines, seated dinner, and exclusive entertainment with Christian Kluxen, Sean O’Loughlin, Giuseppe Pietraroia and the orchestra, online auction and more. Tickets/info: victoriasymphony. ca/gala RSVP by May 1.

VICTORIA SYMPHONY: THE DOO WOP PROJECT

May 6 & 7

Featuring stars of Broadway smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, The Doo Wop Project revisits and recreates some of the greatest music in pop and rock history! At the Royal Theatre. Info: rmts.bc.ca

Deadline for June’s calendar is May 15.

Email: calendar @mondaymag.com

Sundays – open stage at 7:30pm, feature performer at 9pm. May 7

Jenny Allen May 14

Ed Peekeekoot

May 21 Chris Ronald and John Ellis May 28 A ‘60s Folk Music Revival Concert Part II** Note: No open stage May 28. At Norway House, 1110 Hillside Ave. Info: victoriafolkmusic.ca

AN EVENING WITH CHRIS DE BURGH: HIS SONGS, STORIES AND HITS

May 2

De Burgh brings The Legend of Robin Hood and Other Hits Tour, featuring songs from his new album The Legend of Robin Hood and hits from an international career spanning 50 years. At the Royal Theatre. Info: rmts. bc.ca

THE MUSIC OF TEXAS

May 26

Tom and Kalissa Landa, Daniel Lapp, Doug Cox and Mick Sherlock present a sizzling hot night of music celebrating the great songwriters and music of the state of Texas, including the music of Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Lyle Lovett, Nancy Griffith, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Sly Stone, Kenny Rogers and more. At Christian Science Church. Info: rmts.bc.ca

SIDNEY CONCERT BAND: THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS AND HANS ZIMMER

May 28

An afternoon of music featuring two of today’s most well-known movie composers: John Williams –Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. – and Hans Zimmer – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King and The Dark Knight – plus some wonderful musical surprises along the way. At the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: marywinspear.ca

MEEKS DUO – PIANO MUSIC FOR 4 HANDS!

May 28

Enjoy a virtuosic performance of piano music for 4 hands given by the Meeks Duo: pianists Scott Meek and Clare Yuan. At Wentworth Villa. Tickets/info: wentworthvilla.com

STAGE & FILM

GOOD NIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET

To May 7

At the Galleries

PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER

DANCE WITH THE BALD EAGLES

May 6

Benefit concert to raise funds for accessible playground equipment in Oak Bay, 6pm at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre’s Sports View Lounge, featuring dance music from the Bald Eagles. Tickets $15: baldeaglesmusic.com/events

BAROQUE MUSIC AT THE VILLA: MOTHER’S DAY

May 14

Performers Christi Meyers and Paule Préfontaine (violins), Christina Mahler (cello) and Marco Vitale (harpsichord) perform an exciting program of baroque music at Wentworth Villa.

Tickets/info: wentworthvilla.com

PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA: FRIENDS OF TIMOTHY

May 15

Concert and exhibit celebrating the 43-year legacy of Pacific Opera Victoria under Maestro Timothy Vernon’s artistic leadership, including archival displays and a star-studded performances from some of Canada’s finest operatic voices. At the McPherson Playhouse. Info: rmts. bc.ca

Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre presents Ann Marie McDonald’s play following Candace as she tries to prove her thesis that Romeo and Juliet and Othello were originally comedies written by an unknown playwright. At the Roxy Theatre. Info: bluebridgetheatre.ca

OLD STOCK: A REFUGEE LOVE

STORY

To May 14

The Belfry Theatre welcomes the return of this audiencefavourite, a tender, delicate tale by Ben Caplan, Christian Barry and Hannah Moscovitch, woven inside a high-energy concert led by Caplan, a boisterous international Klezmer sensation. At the Belfry Theatre. Info: belfry.bc.ca

VOS MUSICAL THEATRE: THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

May 5 to 14

Follow Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy and the whole community of Bikini Bottom as they try to save their world from nearby volcano Mt. Humongous before it erupts! This fun, family-friendly show is filled with great music, silly humour, heartwarming moments and so much more! At the McPherson Playhouse. Info: rmts.bc.ca

Editorial and advertising information contained in this edition of Monday Magazine was valid at press time. We encourage readers to contact venues or advertisers directly for up-to-the-day information.

ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA

To May 14 Heart of the House: Art & the West Coast Modern Home, highlighting art and objects associated with West Coast modernism and the domestic interior from the AGGV’s permanent collection. To May 7 Woven

In: Indigenous Women’s Activism and Media. To Oct. 29 Symbiosis Work from interdisciplinary contemporary artists who’ve produced work that explores forest ecologies and musings about mushrooms. Info: aggv.ca

ARTSEA GALLERY

To May 11 Arts on the Islands, showcasing work by a selection of southern Gulf Islands artists, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles and more. Info: artsontheislands.org

AVENUE GALLERY

To May 4 Bayot Heer Elegant, timeless jewellery designs imbued with a European sensibility. May 5 to 12 Maarten Schaddelee A sculptor who expresses his deep passion for life through his art, Maarten’s work depicts the beauty of our West Coast environment and our coexistence with nature. Info: theavenuegallery.com

FORTUNE GALLERY

May 2 to 31 Cheryl Long: Almost Unseen: Angels and Spirit Forms in Landscape May 7 Meet the artist, 2 to 5pm. Info: fortunegallery.ca

GAGE GALLERY ARTS COLLECTIVE

To May 7 Trifolia Laura Feeleus, Georgina Montgomery and Louise Oborne combine new mixed-media works into rich visuals that invite a broader experience of small moments in the natural world May 9 to 28 Ven-us 2023, an intersection of photography, paint, and digital art featuring work by Judi Beck, Danielle Labonté and Anne McCarthy. Info: gagegallery.ca

BROADWAY IN VICTORIA: COME FROM AWAY

May 10 to 24

The Tony & Olivier Award-winning Broadway musical shares the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into

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LEGACY ART GALLERY

Legacy Downtown – to Sept. 9 Francis Dick’s Walking Thru My Fires A deeply personal exhibition exploring Indian Residential School legacies, urban Indigeneity, reconciliation and the healing power of art through prints, paintings, carvings and music. Legacy Maltwood – To Aug. 25 Shaping Relations, Tethered Together Exploring ideas of togetherness and that which cultivates relationship, through pieces from Legacy’s permanent collection. Info: uvic.ca/legacygalleries

MADRONA GALLERY

May 13 to 27 Clayton Anderson Solo exhibition of new paintings. Inspired by iconic Canadian painters such as Emily Carr and Lawren Harris, and known for his landscapes of the southwest coast of BC, Anderson’s work evokes a distinct power of place. May 13 Opening reception, artist in attendance, 1 to 3pm. Info: madronagallery.com

MARK LORIA GALLERY

May, June & July Contemporary Indigenous Prints Info: MarkLoriaGallery.com

VICTORIA ARTS COUNCIL

To May 28 Avis Rasmussen: The View From Here

Retrospective exhibition spanning six decades of production, recognizing the astounding output by local artist Avis Rasmussen. A focus on Rasmussen’s oscillating points of view from the intimate to the international, offer a much-needed look at this artist’s work. Info: vicartscouncil.ca

WEST END GALLERY

May 13 to 25 Ilinca Ghibu: Exhibition of New Paintings With a unique floral language that characterizes her process, Ilinca’s style is expressive, spontaneous and colourful, and painting flowers is an excuse to explore materials and techniques following her emotions, experiences and moods. Info: westendgalleryltd. com

enduring friendships. At the Royal Theatre. Info: rmts.bc.ca

PENINSULA PLAYERS: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

May 18 to 21

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it’s one passenger lighter and detective Hercule Poirot must identify the

murderer. At the Mary Winspear Centre. Info/tickets: marywinspear.ca

ST LUKE’S PLAYERS COMMUNITY

THEATRE: FIREHOSES AND FAMILY May 24 to June 4

This Canadian comedy tells a story of love, relationships and the chaos that can only be experienced when family and friends come together. Tickets $18 at Eventbrite or at the door. Info: stlukesplayers.org

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The Lonely Isle, acrylic on canvas by Clayton Anderson, at Madrona Gallery May 13 to 27.

Genius behind the curtain

one’s life,” Arkenstone said in a recent interview with Monday Magazine. “And I’m fortunate to be able to create music and grateful to my fans, however they get the music.”

And Arkenstone does have a strong following.

By Tim Collins

It is almost certain that you’ve heard and enjoyed David Arkenstone’s music. It’s equally possible that Arkenstone’s name doesn’t ring any immediate bells. It should.

After all, Arkenstone has earned five Emmy nominations (in 2021, 2019, 2004, 2000, and 1992) and has composed music for television (The History Channel, Discovery Channel, NBC Sports) and has a host of credits for trailers and film soundtracks. His music is an integral part of the magical feeling you might have experienced if you’ve visited Disney World. His song Papillon is the background music at EPCOT and another composition The Palace has been used in Tomorrowland in California and Tokyo.

Gamers have heard Arkenstone’s soundtracks on games including World of Warcraft, Lands of Lore, Earth & Beyond, Emperor: Battle for Dune and Space Siege.

“I’m in the background of every-

He has released more than 60 albums throughout his career and has more than 100 million Spotify streams to his name. And the number keeps growing as more and more people discover his music. That music has it’s roots in a love of fantasy with strong inspirations of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

“I released my first album in 1987 and we’re still going,” Arkenstone said. “It’s remarkable, really, especially with all the changes in the recording industry and the impact of streaming services.”

“There’s a magic in music. I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to see what I discover that day. I find new experiences every day. Like I say, it’s magical.”

Primarily a composer and instrumentalist, Arkenstone describes himself as a musical storyteller, taking his audience on a journey of imagination.

“I envision a place I’d like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and I let the music take me there,” said Arkenstone. “And I get messages all the time from people who respond to that music and take those journeys with me.”

New age instrumental composer David Arkenstone performs May 21 at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria. (image supplied)

David Arkenstone’s music has been the backdrop for more than you know

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Beyond the magical, sometimes mystical, nature of Arkenstone’s music, he credits the popularity of his compositions to the broad range of instruments available to composers today.

Arkenstone plays a variety of instruments himself, including the bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, harp, cello, flute, electronic keyboards, piano, Turkish saz, and pennywhistle, and will be joined on stage during his Pacific Northwest Tour by virtuoso musicians Terre Lee (violin), Carlyn Kessler (cello), Kimberly Zaleski (flute), and Josh Gilgoff (percussion).

IN2ATIVE and is the performing artist on the roster of the Center for ArtsInspired Learning Agency.

Finally, there’s Josh Gilgoff. A NYC drummer, special educator, and instrument maker, Gilgoff founded the group Glow in the Drum. This ensemble was developed around a novel technique that combines African and American traditions.

“It’s a very eclectic and hugely talented group,” Arkenstone said.

Arkenstone & Friends

May 21 at the First

“The band is great, and the music grows every time we play. It evolves, and by the end of the tour we’ll have changed some things, just a bit, to make it even better,” Arkenstone said.

Unitarian Church of Victoria

“Great” doesn’t begin to describe the talented musicians who will accompany Arkenstone.

Terre Lee began her musical career at the age of five and is now a student at UC Santa Cruz where she’s led a team that was nominated for the $1 million Hult Prize for creating early education music programs for underserved communities. Carlyn Kessler has played concert halls around the world and is a recording artist in her own right. She’s recently performed with a variety of artists, including Michael Buble and Josh Groban.

Kimberly Zaleski has dedicated her life to performing, composing, and teaching music. She is the cofounder of

“This is my third tour with them, and these are musicians who just love to play.”

“They are all amazing artists and, for all of us, performing music is more than just playing the notes. It’s more like creating a painting. A visual artist might want a little more blue in one area, or some more detail in another. Music is like that, and this group makes that artistry – that magic - possible.”

But the real magic happens when Arkenstone & Friends step in front of an audience.

“It’s not until you step on stage that you make that connection. You can record forever but you never really connect. You don’t know who’s listening. But an audience gives you that. They join you on an emotional journey. They respond to you, and we respond to them. It really can’t be explained. It just is.”

Arkenstone & Friends will be finishing their Pacific Northwest Tour with a performance on May 21 at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria.

Tickets and concert information is available at eventbrite.com.

Q&A with Alice Phoebe Lou

How marching to the beat of her own drum brought success

By Sam Duerksen

Marching to the beat of her own drum has gotten South African singer/songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou far in life and her quick rise to fame on her own terms is why she is an artist to follow.

She’ll be bringing her own style of ethereal bedroom pop with elements of folk, synth pop, jazz and blues to Capital Ballroom on May 16.

For those unfamiliar with her work, check out the track She on the 2018 Oscar’s shortlist for Best Original Song as part of the 2017 documentary Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story. Executive producer Susan Sarandon personally invited her to perform the song before a private screening at The Feminist Institute in New York City.

The song features ethereal, strong vocals with defiant lyrics that tell a coming-of-age journey about female empowerment: “She didn’t wanna fuel the fire, she didn’t wanna lose her desire … She said I wanna go to Mars. And this, this planet, it ain’t ours.”

Another recent track, the light, romantic indie-pop song Shelter, was released March 2023 and already has over 800,000 listens on Spotify, demonstrating Lou’s current momentum.

Lou’s career took off due to bravery in following her dreams. During her gap year, she contemplated going to university in South Africa, but instead ended up purchasing a batter-powered amp and going to Berlin.

After one month of street and park performances, she ended up playing on a television program. In 2014, she self-released the Momentum EP and began playing venues. A performance at TEDx in Berlin in September 2014 led to offers from record labels, but when confronted with the choice, Lou made the personal decision to stay independent.

Born and raised by parents who were documentary filmmakers in the small Cape Peninsula South African town of Kommetjie, Lou was a multi-instrumentalist by 14 who also earned money

taking photographs at trance concerts and as a fire-dancer in her young-adult years.

With 149,000 followers on Instagram, and shows in Japan, Europe and North America under her belt, Lou’s decision to purchase that amp turned out well.

Lou will be joined by Los Angeles musician Sam Burton on May 16 at the Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St. Tickets are $26.50 at thecapitalballroom.com and entry is ages 19+.

Q & A with Alice Phoebe Lou

You received offers from record labels, but decided to stay independent. Why did you decide to go that route?

When I started playing music and performing on the streets, it was mostly a gut instinct that kept me away from the sparkly deals and music biz folks, but eventually as I grew into myself, I understood that the independent route was definitely the right one for me on many levels. It’s not that I think that record labels are all bad, there are some great ones out there and I think it can be a great way to jumpstart someone’s career and get an artist to achieve their dreams, but I think it’s such a personal thing, the trajectory of your life and career.

It’s so important to know what you want and need and most importantly, what you don’t. I’ve always felt as though I’d drown in A&R opinions and being pushed and pulled in all sorts of directions, having people try to put me in a box or change how I look or present myself in order to cater to a target market. It’s all stuff I understand and feel can be useful for some artists but it’s always felt so relieving to not have that kind of pressure on myself and my art. I’ve been so lucky to have success in music without having to sign deals that might stop me from feeling autonomous.

Also, I’m just so happy with where I am and the size of my fan base and the sizes of the gigs, it almost feels too overwhelming sometimes, so it’s felt redundant to try and push things to ‘the next level’ or push for more fame and

money when it’s really not something I want for myself and I really enjoy where things are at.

A lot of people often dream of pursuing music but don’t take the plunge. What made you take that step to go to Berlin to pursue your dream and how did it feel for you at the time? What was your experience like that first year before you had started to taste success?

Alice Phoebe Lou

May 16 at the Capital Ballroom

It was pretty terrifying moving to a new city at 19, not having any friends or connections and close to zero in the bank. But I had seen on my travels how possible it was to make enough money to get by with street performance, and so I just had this feeling that it would all work itself out.

Berlin 10 years ago was a very cheap city (still is, but things are changing) and a very easy place to get by as a struggling artist, so I felt quite safe and inspired by all the art happening outdoors and the international scene of musicians. I didn’t really think much at the time about where it would go, I was just so excited about how playing on the street could earn me enough for food and rent. Very quickly I was selling CDs that I burned on my laptop and earning more than parents and it totally blew my mind. I felt successful already! So everything that happened after that was just a bonus. And playing on the street really prepared me so well for touring and what would come.

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South-African artist Alice Phoebe Lou discusses avoiding record labels, starting off as a street musician in Berlin, and how a risk paid off. (Andrea Rojas)

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Doo Wop Project gives modern hits a 1940s swing

Tony-nominated cast puts a new spin on your favourite songs May 6 & 7 at the Royal Theatre

By Jonathan Brenneman

Move over, ‘remixed’. Now we’ve got ‘doo-wopified’.

The Doo Wop Project, based in New York and featuring cast members from acclaimed Broadway musicals like Jersey Boys and Motown, perform contemporary songs in classic doo-wop style.

For the uninitiated, doo-wop is a lively and foot stomping genre of rhythm-and-blues singing pioneered by groups of inner city African Americans back in the 1940s, and later popularized by artists like the Belmonts, the Cadillacs, the Drifters, and the Del-Vikings, just to name a few.

A genre known for vocal harmony singing, usually with a tenor lead singer accompanied by a trio or quartet of background singers, doo-wop is also distinguished by its use of nonsense lyrics: in fact, the term ‘doo wop’ itself comes from such lyrics, which are used more as a rhythmic vocal instrument than as words.

While the genre is no longer quite as popular today as it once was, conductor Sean O’Loughlin and his ninepiece band (five vocalists, four instrumentalists) are working to change that in an innovative way: by taking pop hits of other eras including our own, and reworking them into the classic doo-wop formula (‘doo-wopifying’ the songs). This includes hits from the likes of Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, and Michael Jackson.

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The end result is a rocking show that can appeal to a multigenerational audience, with catchy earworms for the whole family, grandparents, grandchildren and everyone in-between.

“A few years ago, I shared the stage with the Doo Wop Project for a performance with the San Diego Symphony and was immediately hooked,” said Sean O’Loughlin, Victoria Symphony’s principal pops conductor. “Their combination of vocal excellence, storytelling and musical imagination engaged the audience like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Come check out the Doo Wop Project, playing two unique shows at Victoria’s Royal Theatre on Saturday May 6th (7:30 p.m.) & Sunday May 7th (2:30 p.m.). Tickets are available at rmts.bc.ca, starting at $29.

The Doo Wop Project runs May 6 and 7 at Royal Theatre and features stars of Broadway smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown. (Image supplied)

Sean O’Loughlin, principal pops conductor for the Victoria Symphony, is conducting the Doo Wop Project. (Kevin Light Photography)

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Delve into the works of some local authors

Munro’s Books senior buyer

Marianne Kelly recommends a few novels by Vancouver Island writers

By Sam Duerksen

Whether you want to become more in touch with the history and culture of Victoria, or you want to feel more connected to place through story, there are lots of great reasons to read books by local authors.

Marianne Kelly, senior buyer at Munro’s Books, can list a few.

“Reading books by local authors is a great way to support and connect with our artistic community and culture here in Victoria,” Kelly said. “As a bookseller, it’s very rewarding to have read and enjoyed a book by a local author and to be able to introduce their work to visitors from around the world. Customers often want to take a book home that they may not find elsewhere, that gives them a connection to Victoria.”

Munro’s Books supports the community with at least two in-store events with local authors each month during the spring and fall event season. Visitors to their shop will find plenty of novels marked local or “autographed copy” throughout the shop. Munro’s Books also offers a consignment program where people can submit their books for consideration.

Kelly said there are some notable authors to celebrate from this city.

“There’s some big authors in Victoria (like) Esi Edugyan and Steven Price. They’re married and literally a power couple. Esi has won the Giller twice. There’s also Michael Christie and Cedar Bowers who are both married.”

With summer on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to visit your local book shop and gather some books by local authors. Here are five

of Kelly’s top picks for books written locally.

Exit Strategies

night. As she tries to navigate her grief, she finds herself in kooky scenarios, including disastrous internet dates, soliciting a space-time wizard via Craigslist hoping to forget a path through the cosmos back to Sam, and developing an obsession with a local murder mystery.

By Paul Cresey,

Victoria Cresey, who works as team lead at the Royal BC Museum, had his book launch for this debut collection of short stories on April 30 at the museum.

Framed within a tale about a journalist investigating choices of life and death, 18 stories explore restlessness, belonging, freedom and mortality. Exit Strategies holds stories about decisions to leave and move forward: a prisoner falls in love with his cellmate’s fiancée and breaks out to confess his feelings; a woman leaves Honduras for the U.S. in the hope of a better life; and convenience store owners withhold evidence to a murder in an attempt to free themselves from financial burden.

Providence

By Valerie Green, Victoria

For those who want to sink their imaginations into historical fiction set in Victoria, look no further than Providence. Kelly said this is one novel she recommends to visitors looking for books set in Victoria.

As the first book in The McBride Chronicles Series, this story follows two parallel lives – a feisty, orphaned girl in England and the son of a poor fisherman in Scotland – whose separate journeys

to the New World lead them to meet in Victoria in 1862. Love, marriage and the creation of a family dynasty happen in this novel, all with a backdrop of B.C.’s rich history.

The Morning Bell Brings the Broken Hearted

By Jennifer Manuel, Shawnigan Lake

“This novel explores how the education system fails remote Indigenous communities,” said Kelly.

Manuel paints the story of a non-Indigenous person’s

experience moving to an Indigenous community as an educator and the conflicts that ensue. New teacher Molleigh Royston moves to the remote Pacific Northwest Nuu-cha-nulth community of Tawakin. Her good intentions soon become overshadowed with doubts about her mission and her own motivations as she struggles to understand and help her students. After a serious cultural transgression, disturbing and mysterious events ensue.

What Remains of Elsie

Jane

By Chelsea Wakelyn, Nanaimo

After Sam’s husband died from a drug poisoning, Elsie pores over his old love letters and bickers with his ghost at

“It’s kind of a heartbreaking and darkly funny portrait of a woman unravelling in the wake of the death,” said Kelly. “It’s an exploration of grief and how she deals with being a single mom and coming to terms with what happened.” Kelly said she appreciated the touch on motherhood as a mother herself.

The Flight of Anja (The Vinland Viking Saga, Book 2)

By Tamara Goranson, Victoria

For fans of Vikings and Outlander who don’t mind historical novels and a little violence. In The Flight of Anja, a young protagonist longs to spread her wings and follow in the footsteps of her mother who adventured in Vinland.

Anja’s desires to explore are dampened by the expectations of 11th-century society until an unexpected source helps her flee on a Viking longboat with sights set on Vinland shores. As Anja finds her own meaning, she also finds herself on a path into unfamiliar wilderness and ominous shadows of her family’s history, offering the reader a glimpse into relationships between Norse and Indigenous people. mondaymag.com

Marianne Kelly is the senior buyer at Munro’s Books. (Sam Duerksen)

Curiosity fills every shelf in the store

Victoria’s Little Shop of Strange is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ hub for the unusual

By Sam Duerksen

It’s not every day that you find a mummified cat, coffin shelves or skull art all in one store.

And for those whose cup of tea it is, Victoria’s Little Shop of Strange is the perfect brew – a trove of oddities and eclectic local art sure to light up the eyes of those looking for something different.

“It really is a special place, this shop. It’s a hub for people who are strange and unusual,” said Michelle Potentier, owner and artist.

The shop caught Potentier’s eye, who has been “doing art since she was five,” when the origi nal owner Sylvery Gray was rent ing out the upper loft to artists. It was too expensive for Potentier at the time, but through getting to know Gray she soon became a featured artist in the shop and then started volunteering there.

Gray confided in Potentier one day that she was burning out and thinking of selling the store.

“Out my mouth comes, ‘I think I want to buy your store,’” Potentier said.

“She [Gray] said, I really want you to buy the store because whoever buys the store has to make art them-

selves. Because she made the skull art, dream catchers, everything. Profit-wise, to keep the store more afloat, you have to produce a lot.”

“I took over doing a lot of the art that she did. I was an artist before, but I had never touched dead things, never made skull art, collect specimens or any kind of goth art at all,” said Potentier.

But as a versatile artist– who makes everything from jewelry to paintings in oil, watercolour, acrylic, head pieces for festivals, costumes, dream catchers and prints – Potentier embraced it, taking over the shop in 2017. Now the store is filled with her pieces, ranging from skull art to dream catchers, fantasy paintings, festival costumes and hand-painted mushroom patches.

“I really like it. I feel like the skull art is like flower arranging to me. The wet specimens at first kind of creeped me out, but I don’t mind it. I kind of draw the line at the taxidermy, I haven’t quite gotten used to that. I host the classes, but I do not teach the classes,” she said.

Potentier refers to a glass case against the wall full of little dead animals (frogs, fish, bugs and even an iguana) in jars and beakers, which could be viewed as some as morbid but there is a scientific – and artistic – fascination about them, especially for people who like to “carry different spe-

cies” or “collect.”

Some specimens are put through a chemical bath that makes the flesh clear so you can see through them, and then injected with dyes to highlight hard and soft tissues, creating a dynamic effect.

Potentier, now 50, said taking over the store was a chance she took that brought her artistic career from mainly markets and consignment stores to an entirely new level.

“This was a huge thing about getting me out, out, out there. Like, there’s thousands of pieces of my art out there now.”

It’s not just Potentier who has found an artistic home and exposure in the store. Little Shop of Strange supports local creative and alternative communities and features over 100 local artists, including best-sellers Linda Heslop, who makes west coast art, Jessie Beauvilliers (“Pixie Jessie”), who makes pointillism cards and Mitch Clarke, who does ornate bejewelled 3-D art.

“There’s so much corporate stuff out there and you never know what you’re going to see here. It’s reliant on what people happen to pop in and

give me, so I think they just like it ‘cause it’s unique and they’re hard to find things. Most things in here are one of a kind.”

Due to the store’s location at 103-560 Johnson St. in Market Square, Potentier said it also draws in a lot of tourists.

“They don’t [always] know what they’re walking into.”

Other customers include

festival-goers, teens, creatives, but Potentier said it has something for “everyone.”

“Some of my people who really love our store are ladies in their 80s because I custom made them broaches three years ago.”

In all its wonderful strangeness, the store also offers a space where some people really feel like they can be themselves.

“A lot of teens or younger people feel that when they come into the store, they feel comfortable to be themselves and just last week, someone told me ‘I just feel like home coming in here’.”

Since Michelle Potentier took over Little Shop of Strange on Dec. 1, 2017, ‘thousands’ of pieces of her art have gone out into the world. (Samantha Duerksen)

Victoria Guitar Show set for its second coming

Co-founder Trevor Woodland offers his views on current guitar trends

By John Atkinson

Hot on the heels of its debut show in 2022, the Victoria Guitar Show (VGS) will strum to a higher rhythm in 2023. Co-founder and event director, Trevor Woodland, said last year’s event was a great success given COVID-19 capacity restrictions had only just been lifted.

“The big victory was in showing Victorians there’s a vibrant and diverse group of instrument builders right in their backyard and for the exhibitors, it was confirmation they don’t have to sell themselves in New York or Toronto. We learned Victoria can become a hub for a guitar-centric festival in a ‘Goldilocks Zone’ of potential growth.”

For the 2023 edition, VGS will feature more vendors and exhibitors who encompass the whole of the instrument building industry at the Victoria Conference Centre on May 6th.

“We’ve made an effort to reach out to an eclectic mix of local wood suppliers, electric engineers, leather workers, repair technicians, finishers and photographers.”

Meanwhile, the crowning attraction of this year’s show will be the evening concert where Jordan Hart will headline at 9 p.m., with Emily Schultz and

Calum Graham warming things up. “We weren’t able to feature artists last year due to the pandemic, but we’re planning to make the concert a staple of the VGS.”

Reflecting on how guitar-making has changed in the last 12 months, Woodland said smaller shops and luthiers have become just as competitive as industry leaders following supply chain issues with artists returning to touring post-lockdown.

“Because finished product inventories are still low, customers have become more open to trying new brands and experimenting with higher end gear. Advances in technology have also increased builder options.”

Woodland said VGS welcomes “all skill levels of guitar builder” though exceptional makers Nicole Alosinac (nicolealosinacluthiery.com) and Wayne Irvin will be showcasing their talents this year.

When it comes to current guitar trends, Woodland said: “On the electric side, I’m seeing a trend towards “maximalism” with futuristic shapes that bring something new, punchy colours, and lots of dynamic contrasts between woods and hardware.

“On the acoustic front, we’re seeing real ingenuity. Riversong Guitars won the 2022 Best Acoustic Guitar of the

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Year with the new “brace-less guitar”, while local talent Sam Houston is merging carbon and wood veneers into ultra strong, lightweight and adjustable necks on arch-top guitars.”

Going forward, Woodland said VGS’s main goal is to create a “holistic” event.

“We’ve actively focused on the small builders who really lead the charge in bringing new ideas, technology and

sounds to the hands of local players.

“For 2023 our goal is to introduce a “farm-to-table” approach by having the spotlight on the raw materials and makers in the morning and professional musicians performing in the evening. For future shows we’d also love to add seminars into the mix.”

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Teredo wood electric guitars with unique historic spruce tops from Vigilant Guitars. (Runegate Photography)

Milliner magic takes over Sidney gallery

One of Canada’s top milliners puts on Art By Design at the ArtSea Gallery from May 19 to 25

By Sam Duerksen

Her Instagram handle @hatgoddess sums her up.

Greater Victoria-based artist Maria Curcic is what is known as a milliner, a word not often heard nowadays but which originated in the 16th century to refer to Milanese merchants who sold fancy hats, gloves and more.

One of the rare few in the industry in Canada, Curcic has been designing hats and headpieces since 1985. Look up milliners on Google, and only a handful of businesses pop up Canada-wide.

Curcic’s love for intricately created fashion and her dislike for the “whole fast-fashion scene” was birthed growing up in the world’s fashion capital, Paris, where her mother was a seamstress.

“You’re surrounded by beauty in fashion. You never saw messy buns and yoga pants. It’s just a different culture,” she said. That love for fashion has stayed with her her whole life.

“If you saw my closets, you’d probably go ‘what the hell?’ I still dress really funky and fun.”

Globalization has largely changed the clothing industry in the last few decades, and Curcic has noticed. Decades ago, she was buying a lot of fabric and textiles made in Canada. Now, “it’s hard to find nicer fabrics and trim.” Despite that, making things high-quality is what she prioritizes, and it’s what sets her products apart.

“I made a hat one time and I tried to take it apart because I made an error and I was so angry, I couldn’t pull it apart because it was stitched so well,” she said laughing.

Curcic graduated in 1988 from the Alberta College of Art and Design, where she majored in drawing and began creating hats for high-end boutiques in Canada and the U.S. in the early ‘90s.

In 1994, when she was in her 20s, she had her own store in Calgary called Le Chapeau Rouge. She eventually shifted her attention to wholesale in stores across North America in the late ‘90s, and then went on to focus more

on designing one-of-a-kind pieces.

“I wanted my hats to be little works of art,” she said.

For her, the draw in creating hats is they create “mystery and intrigue.” With clients like brides-to-be, people who have trouble with hat sizing, and “stylish ladies,” Curcic is able to approach each client with a creative, tailored process and create her hats as works of art however she sees fit, whether that means using wood blocks to steam and shape fabric, sculpting straw, or making fabric flowers.

Today, Curcic lives in Greater Victoria after moving here for a romance, and continues to live her life as a full-time milliner (selling online and in local shops), as well as a designer, artist and DJ with her own radio show Mary’s Web.

Alongside her success in the milliner world, she has also been successful in her other artistic pursuits, winning an award of excellence at the Sooke

Fine Arts Show in 2019 for one of her abstract paintings, and having pieces in the Alberta Foundation of the Arts collection.

Her art mostly focuses on contemporary abstract and cityscapes in vibrant colours.

“It’s not a hobby. People go, ‘oh that’s a fun hobby.’ Oh dude, this is

how I make my living,” she said. “You have to be very self-driven.”

Curcic is bringing together all her creative passions to share with others at her own exhibition, Art By Design at the ArtSea Gallery in Sidney from May 19 to 25. The exhibit will feature her paintings, hats, radio show and more. To find out more the exhibit, visit artsea.ca.

The Art By Design exhibit at ArtSea Gallery May 19 to 25 features paintings, hats, and a radio show with Greater Victoria artist and milliner Maria Curcic. (Photo by M. Allard)

Sealion Medieval Market opens a time warp to the Middle Ages

Market

By Jonathan Brenneman

27

The Sealion Medieval Market, an annual market set to take place this year in Saanich’s historic Heritage Acres, promises to be a lively event.

The planned activities include archery, musical performances from minstrels, and an actual battle between two armies in full medieval armour (more on that later).

Even the products on offer, sold by 30+ vendors in colourful tents—largely textiles, soaps, knives, and the like— will serve to set a mood that is in equal parts playful and deadly serious. This is because, while the annual festivities are meant to be, well, festive, the medieval re-enactors from the Barony of Lionsgate (Vancouver) and Seagirt (Victoria) do not muck about where their accuracy is concerned; this is reflected in the historical authenticity of everything from the clothes and armour

worn, to the names people answer to, to even the canvas tents participants spend the weekend camping in.

It should be added, however, that the warriors on the battlefield will be using mock weapons (the swords are made from rattan, which is often used in wicker weaves), and all combatants are expected to return home in one piece! Spectators interested in taking a closer look at combat activities will need to sign a safety waiver and pay an additional fee.

“We have tons of safety checks in place so that any serious injuries are very rare,” says Jen Peters a.k.a. Isabella da Firenze, Seneschal/local branch president of Seagirt. “It’s great exercise and we have people who have practiced and grown very skillful at it. What they’re doing will definitely not prevent them from going to work on Monday morning.”

The international organization responsible for providing the method

behind this madness is the U.S.-based Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). With over 30,000 paying members worldwide, 20 regional kingdoms—both Lionsgate and Seagirt belong to one called An Tir—and events occurring in different kingdoms nearly every weekend, it turns out the medieval world is still alive and kicking if you know where to look.

“I’d say the attraction is in doing something different,” adds Peters. “Whether it’s armoured or rapier com-

bat, archery, or the gentler arts like embroidery, storytelling, or weaving, or perhaps even the medieval sciences. For those with kids, it’s a great place to bring them for a few hours where they, too, can experience a little of our SCAdian magic.”

On Saturday, May 27, the place to experience this magic will be Heritage Acres (7321 Lochside Drive) in Saanichton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10 cash for adults, free for youth under 19 (must be accompanied by an adult).

The Sealion boasts a market as well as an actual battle between two armies in full medieval armour. (Image supplied)

Throwing down for feminism

Queer performance group Riot Grrrls using body slamming to make a political

By Sam Duerksen

Those who are looking for a typical wrestling show will not find that with the West Coast League of Legendary Wrestlers. Instead, they’ll find comedic, rowdy, feminist performance art.

“The tagline is ‘ruining the sanctity of professional wrestling since 2015’ –it is entirely performance-art based and it’s satirical wrestling,” said Vanny von Baron, producer and creative director of Riot Grrrls.

In the Riot Grrrls first wrestling production, they are joining forces with the West Coast League of Legendary Wrestlers to bring HUMAN BODY SLAM! to White Eagle Polish Hall in Victoria on May 20 after the league has been on a three-year production hiatus.

The Riot Grrrls, a queer performance art collective that promotes social activism, are taking on the eight-yearold wrestling league thanks to connections like von Baron, who performed with them for years.

“Some of us have previously fought with the West Coast League of Legendary Wrestlers. The league abolished and they were looking for somebody to take over the production

of their shows so we’ve taken it on,” von Baron said.

And the feminist group seems like the perfect fit for such an undertaking.

“We mock the patriarchy in all of our performance art. We play traditionally masculine characters a lot of times and take the piss out of them. [For this show] we are reclaiming a traditionally CIS-hetero performance art.”

The concept behind this theatrical wrestling show all started as the West Coast League of Lady Wrestlers in Dawson City, Yukon as a critical performance piece that gave space for women to feel powerful and create characters with feminist and political themes. The league eventually expanded into Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Victoria.

“The West Coast League of Legendary Wrestlers was born out of the Lady Wrestlers to be more inclusive,” said von Baron. “Our last show, I fought as Man Santo vs. Smother Nature,” von Baron said with a laugh.

“It’s political satire through theatre.”

Since the last wrestling show, which was supposed to take place in May 2020, “got Covid-oed”, fans have been continuously requesting for it to come back.

“We had so many people asking

about when the next show was going to happen. People have been waiting for a long time for this.”

And while wrestling will be a new undertaking for some Riot Grrrls members, audiences can expect real wrestling but “double the ridiculousness” with characters like Farmer vs. Cow and Salt Hogan.

“We have a lot of our regular performers and drag queens who are now suddenly finding themselves transitioning over to the wrestlers.

“The characters are always super campy and we do use a real ring and we do throw down but we focus more on the performative aspects more than anything,” said von Baron. And the theatrics aren’t just reserved for those on stage.

“The audience is half of what makes a Riot Grrrls show so amazing. Our audience shows up usually wearing costumes.

“The dress theme of this one is actually Macklemore in the YouTube video Thrift Shop so you can expect the most fabulous … ridiculously-dressed crowd that you’ve ever seen in Victoria.”

While von Baron said the show has tickets selling fast, “anyone who is wanting to show up with enthusiasm and have a really good time in a queer space should come.”

Von Baron said local wrestling groups have “been extremely supportive”– 365 Pro Wrestling in Victoria lent them their ring and sound equipment.

Tickets for the 19-plus early and late show start at $26.89 on eventbrite.ca.

West Coast League of Legendary Wrestlers in Victoria. (Amus Beast O. photography)

Biryani Palace a royal treat

Formerly, for years, this was San Remo, a popular Mediterranean restaurant occupying a rather run-down almost shack with a sneaky one-way parking lot behind and ramshackle steps leading up to a slappy old screen-door back entrance. Briefly, it was Pluto’s, painted pink. The back steps remain, but the screen door is locked, forcing us to walk halfway around the building in the rain. Inside is a quirky procession of spaces showing ample signs of a succession of past renovations, some of which amount to nothing more than plywood slapped up and whitewashed. A couple of thin Grecian columns stand out as memorials.

Grey and white is the colour scheme, but with red-toned hardwood floors and table tops. A diamond motif decorates the long wall, and starry grey skies are painted elsewhere: a calming effect. There’s a private little nook tucked above the railing, beyond which is the spacious, sunken, back room added on decades ago.

Biryani Palace is Victoria’s first Pakistani restaurant. India is well represented within Victoria’s culinary scene, and Pakistani food is not that different. Here we have naan bread, samosas, paneer, masala and, of course, biryani, which I had to order. It is a dish originating among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, closely associated with the south-central Indian city of

Hyderabad, and is now a popular dish throughout various regions of Pakistan. Biryani Palace offers chicken, goat and vegetarian options, from which I chose the chicken dum biryani ($16.99).

Biryani is a long-grain rice dish flavoured with caramelized onions and spices, which may include bay laurel, star anise, cardamom and cloves. The chicken is seasoned with red chili powder, turmeric, green chilies and plain yoghurt. It is traditionally cooked in a process called dum pukht, meaning cooking on slow fire, in a round clay pot called a handi, with the rice layered over the chicken

and the pot sealed tightly to allow the whole thing to cook in its own steam. It came to our table in a copper-clad metal dish with two pieces of chicken buried in the rice and a sprinkling of cilantro on top. Out of respect for my friend, Larry, with whom I shared, we ordered it with mild-to-medium spice, which I found perfectly palatable. The flavours are complex and satisfying, and the chicken is moist and delicious.

In addition, we shared the rogan josh ($19.99), which is lamb stewed soft in a rich tomato and onion curry.

It is served with buttery naan that is quite elastic, and essential for sopping up all the left over sauce. It too was delivered in a copper-clad mental bowl with ornate handles shaped in a South Asian style. Alas, Biryani Palace does not offer alcohol. To drink, I was drawn to the brilliant orange colour of the mango lassi ($3.99), which is a thick, creamy, yoghurt and milk drink with a bold mango flavour. This milkshake-consistency drink could easily serve as dessert.

I am sure there are regional influences that an expert would notice and identify as Pakistani, rather than Indian: I cannot say. But Biryani Palace is putting out flavourful South Asian cuisine, served in beautiful, decorative metal bowls by very helpful, courteous, friendly South Asian staff who understand what they are serving, and all this at a very reasonable price. Biryani Palace does not take reservations, and the parking lot is small, but there was no line to get in. And if there ever is such a line, I will happily wait in the rain for knowing what awaits inside.

Biryani Palace - (250) 385-4747 facebook.com/biryanipalace.ca 2709 Quadra St.

ALLAN REID @AllanJeffReid

Biryani Palace, Victoria’s first Pakistani restaurant, opened Dec. 19, 2022. (Allan Reid)

Biryani Palace is located at 2709 Quadra St. (Allan Reid)

Big Bad John’s puts the quirk back into the bar experience

By John Atkinson

Part of the Strathcona Hotel, Big Bad John’s (BBJ) is no ordinary bar. Just the crunch of the peanut shells underfoot alone make it unique. And then there’s the trio of fake spiders that drop down from the ceiling to say hi to the guests when the bartender’s feeling playful.

This quirky vibe beats at the heart of BBJ, which emerged in 1962, when the John Olsonbuilt Strathcona Room — B.C.’s first ever cocktail lounge — was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar” to celebrate the World’s Fair in Seattle.

Patrons loved the transformation so much that it stayed and is still going strong 61 years later. Famous celebrities, actors and athletes now flock to BBJ whenever they’re in town.

Duty manager Brendon Norton, who’s been managing since 2016, said BBJ has stayed true to its roots all that time.

“It’s a hillbilly bar where we play lots of country music and it’s very simple,” Norton said. “Not a lot of martinis or anything fancy. You just come in, get your beer or high-ball,

enjoy your (free mini-bucket of) peanuts & have a good time.

“We’ll see people with fourfoot-high mohawks & also have 90-year-old grandmas. You just have a really big variety of people who come to have fun. And our regulars all get along, so it has that Cheers vibe.”

And how did the iconic ‘chucking peanut shells on the floor’ start?

‘It’s been around for as long as I know,” Norton said. “It fits the unique theme of the hillbilly bar.”

BBJ will play anything from John Cougar Mellencamp and Conway Twitty to Blake Shelton; an eclectic country mix. And every customer gets one special request.

Norton, 38, who’s also a

scratch golfer, said BBJ’s mission is to give people a unique, memorable experience. On Sunday nights they also regularly feature local band Uncle Whiskey, who entertain via a fiddle, banjo & guitar.

BBJ’s interior decor features signed photos of star guests, including Baywatch legend Pamela Anderson, on the walls, business cards on the tables, car registration plates, caps, t-shirts and various other memorabilia. They encourage every guest to ‘leave their mark’ — often signing their names on the walls. “It all adds to the experience & culture of BBJ,” said Norton. “The people make Big Bad John’s.”

Q&A

What’s your signature drink & food?

“BBJ’s signature drink is

Triple X. It’s our house lager and our most popular drink. We also have a Five X and drinks of choice, such as a gin & tonic, vodka soda and rum & coke. And for wine, there’s just red or white. And we don’t have a signature food. You can come in and have a burger & fries, fish & chips; chicken or cauliflower wings; a salad, or three types of pizza (I sampled the delicious pulled pork version).”

What makes a great bartender?

“Someone who’s friendly and remembers you & your drink. There’s nothing better

than when you walk into a bar & the bartender knows your name, says hello, and has your usual ready. And if you’re brand-new, someone who makes you feel really welcome. Such as our bartender tonight Chris (Bunyan). Chris has (amazingly) been working here for 37 years and is still going strong.”

And what’s been your favourite experience so far?

“When the Raptors won the NBA in 2019 this place was rocking. That really stands out. And you get to meet lots of celebrities, musicians, athletes and actors. We’ve had The Trailer Park Boys in here, lots of Vancouver Canucks, Steve Nash & Dirk Nowitzki from the NBA, and various actors pop in. It’s become an iconic place to visit.”

How would you describe the ideal customer experience?

“People come in, take a seat, and socialize with lots of people as the tables are quite close together. You have your peanuts and get scared by the trio of falling spiders. We want people to have fun & the best possible experience, so we know they’ll come back.”

To learn more about BBJ, visit: strathconahotel.com/bigbad-johns.

Big Bad John’s bartender Caleb. (Dave Van)

Rising young blues star ready to rock Hermann’s

Marcus Trummer plays Hermann’s Upstairs May 13

By John Atkinson

Rising star Marcus Trummer brings his unique blend of southern soul, blues and roots rock – “rock ‘n’ soul” – to Victoria’s Hermann’s Upstairs on May 13.

It’ll be the first time Trummer, 21, has toured in B.C. and he’s excited to showcase a mix of songs from his upcoming debut album and the handful of tracks he’s released to date.

“The band and I will be playing an almost all original set, featuring many of the songs on my upcoming album,” Trummer said.

Trummer began “messing around with his dad’s guitar when he was 12” and taught himself. He fell in love with the genre, began songwriting and started performing at open mic nights. Graduating high school, he “realized there was nothing else I’d rather do with my life.”

Forming The Marcus

Trummer Band with friends, the Calgary-based artist began performing regularly in 2018.

“In November 2020 we released the debut EP, These Roads. We then performed at the National Music Centre’s 2020 virtual gala, RISE UP!, also featuring iconic artists Jann Arden and Corb Lund.

“My latest single, Running on My Own, received the award for Blues Recording of the Year at the 2022 YYC Music Awards in Calgary. I was also nominated for the 2022 Maple Blues Awards New Artist of the Year.”

Trummer’s biggest inspirations are icons of classic soul, gospel, R&B and funk.

“Soul artists like Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, and The Meters, have influenced me. Plus hip hop favourites, A Tribe Called Quest and The Roots.

“As a guitarist, the “three kings”, Albert, Freddie and B.B. got me into blues guitar

and The Allman Brothers Band opened my ears up to southern roots/rock. I’m also a big fan of Tedeschi Trucks Band.”

Trummer released Running On My Own in 2021 and was inspired to write it during the lonely early years of forging his unique life path.

He says the collaborative “Nashville style” of songwriting has been a big influence. “However, I think my best songs come when I’m alone and needed an outlet for my thoughts; usually unpacking repressed emotions or wrestling with existential dilemmas.”

A quirky fact most people don’t know about Trummer is that he had a short-lived TV acting career, featuring a brief appearance on the AMC series, Hell On Wheels, where his character was beheaded in the first couple of minutes. Which is some kind of ‘head’start to a career.

Trummer says creating and performing music live gives him the ultimate buzz.

“There’s really nothing better than the high you get from performing for a live audience. The flow state I enter into when I’m deeply focused and inspired while writing a song

is also a similar feeling. Your mind gets quiet and all that’s left is you and the music.”

To learn more about Trummer, visit: marcustrummermusic.com.

Marcus Trummer released Running On My Own in 2021. (image supplied)

A musical legend returns

Burton Cummings plays Royal Theatre May 28

By Tim Collins

What makes Burton Cummings so special?

It might be that Cummings is one of a select group of artists who has managed to transcend time with a truly staggering body of work that has won him more awards and accolades than pretty much any Canadian artist.

He’s a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, the Order of Canada, The GovernorGeneral’s Performance Arts Award … well, you get the idea.

Consider that Burton wrote or co-wrote such classics as These Eyes, Laughing, No Time, American Woman, Share The Land, Hang On To Your Life, Albert Flasher, Sour Suite, Orly, Glamour Boy, Star Baby, Clap For The Wolfman, and Dancin’ Fool, and it’s not hard to see why.

In a recent interview, Cummings admitted that he’s also got “a hundred songs that no one has ever heard”, but he’s not in a great hurry to release another album to add to the more than 30 that he’s already done.

Instead, Cummings occupies his time

PERFECTLY POTABLE

WINE NOTES by Robert Moyes

Robert Mondavi is one of the golden names in California wines, and his Private Selection Chardonnay offers a lot of lush, butterscotchy elegance for $23. This expressive Chardonnay combines that classic oaky-buttery style with flavours of green apple, pear, and honey alongside a racy complement of pineapple and other tropical fruit notes, a spritz of acidity, and a lingering, spicy finish. Luscious yet fresh on the palate, this aromatic charmer is rich and creamy but never cloying.

What’s in a name? Well, in the case of Chile’s Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of

touring and sharing the intimate nature of his words and music with his fans –fans that now span several generations.

On May 28, Cummings will be bringing his music back to Vancouver Island when he does a one-night only show at the in Victoria, and one can only assume that, by the time he moves on, his fan base will have grown once again, because it’s almost impossible to leave one of his concerts without wanting to hear more.

“The biggest compliment I get is that I don’t sound like anyone else,” Cummings has said. “I think I value that as the highest compliment.”

It’s an approach that has worked for decades for this Canadian musical legend and based upon the sold-out nature of most of his current concert tour, it continues to be successful.

Tickets for the May 28 Victoria concert are available at rmts.bc.ca.

the Devil), it offers a great story about how a long-ago owner declared that the cellar where his best wines were stored was haunted by the devil – thus guaranteeing his superstitious workers wouldn’t dare sneak in to grab the good stuff. These days, a mere $18.50 gets you their tasty Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, a yummy, fruit-driven crowd-pleaser with intense notes of cassis and plum accompanied by a soft mouthfeel and a long finish. Heavenly! Although northern Italy’s Piedmont region is justly renowned for its highend Barolo and Barbaresco bottlings, that area’s Barbera varietal also makes exciting, food-friendly wines – ones that are delicious but also affordable. Founded more than a century ago, the Fontanafredda Winery makes a particularly attractive Barbera, whose lively acidity perks up its fresh, juicy flavours of cherry and raspberry. Mediumbodied and supple, this slightly effervescent wine would be a great dinner guest for $23.

If you’re feeling a bit posh, why not indulge yourself with something tasty from Mendoza, Argentina’s premier wine region? Zuccardi is an important family-run winery and their “Q” series includes a lovely Tempranillo (the main varietal used in Spain’s esteemed Rioja wines). Made from 40-year-old vines, this plushly expansive wine, dark and silky, offers flavours of blackberry, plum, and black cherry with hints of spice and chocolate. This is available for $32.75 at Cork & Barrel, in Oak Bay’s Athlone Court, where it is a perennial “staff pick.” (All prices include tax.)

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Burton Cummings will perform at the Royal Theatre on May 28. (image supplied)

Victoria’s Carmanah ready to exit stage left

Band’s final show will be on May 20 at the McPherson Playhouse

By Brendan Mayer

Carmanah is singing their swan song.

The Victoria-based alternative group won’t be releasing any more music as a band and will play their last show on May 20 at the McPherson Playhouse.

“It’s the end of a chapter,” Carmanah’s lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Laura Mina Mitic said. “It’s been really wonderful. We feel like the project has evolved so much and that’s sort of what’s motivating us to end this chapter. We’re going to make some big changes. Some of that is going to stay under wraps until closer to the show. All of the events in 2020 gave us the opportunity to sit down and reflect and see that we were desiring some bold new moves. This show is our way of sharing that with our local community and seeing where the adventure takes us next.”

Carmanah has been playing together for more than a decade and released Speak in Rhythms in 2018 and Iris in 2020.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve made,” Mitic said. “A career highlight is that we’ve been able to tour a lot, which has been so much fun. Some of

the festival stages that I’m most proud of seeing our name on the bill for include Edmonton Folk Festival, Hillside Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival and Rifflandia.”

Mitic said hometown shows are always great, but this last concert will be extra special as they will be showcasing their plans for the future.

“This is how we are going to first show some of the changes that are being made,” Mitic said. “We are looking forward to sharing the gratitude of the journey with everyone. We have a couple of tricks up our sleeves. This is where a lot of our friends and family are. This is the audience we grew with. The local music scene has been supportive. There are a lot of music lovers here.”

Carmanah has performed at the McPherson Playhouse before, but this will be their first time headlining a theatre show in Victoria.

“We’ve played on a lot of awesome stages around town, but headlining at the McPherson has been on our bucket list for quite a few years,” Mitic added. “It’s really exciting to see that our name is there. You can pay special attention at a theatre show because of the lighting and the sound.”

Victoria singer-songwriter Aidan

Knight and MIINA will open the concert.

“I’ve been a fan of Aidan’s for quite a few years and love what he does,” Mitic said. “He’s been in the industry for a similar amount of time as us. We’ve never shared a stage with him before. He’s a really good fit for this show.”

MIINA is a new project consisting of Mitic and Carmanah keyboardist and vocalist Lo Waight. Mitic is unsure what the future will hold for MIINA.

Mitic hopes Carmanah is remembered for having a sound, energy and live show that is warm, welcoming and inclusive.

“We have wanted to make people feel and dance,” Mitic added. “People have really connected with us and said our music has meant something to them. I feel so honoured that our music has reached so many ears and hearts. It’s surreal that something we have created has resonated with people.”

Carmanah performs at the Capital Ballroom on Feb. 16. (Black Press Media file photo)

Good things brewing on the West Shore

As I write this, I’m returning from a weekend away to judge some of the best beers in the province at Penticton’s Okanagan Fest of Ale. There’s something about having to whittle down a list of nearly 100 unknown beers along with eight beer industry colleagues and friends, not only to come up with the best beer in several styles but also the best beer overall.

So the next time you’re arguing with a friend about who picked the better beer, possibly as soon as Victoria Beer Week in May, understand that you’re just doing your part to promote the better beers available.

Travelling out of town for beer had me thinking that I’ve spent time showcasing Sidney, Sooke and downtown, but there’s a part of the Capital Region that has turned the corner recently and deserves a lot of praise.

The West Shore has had its triumphs and struggles for some time. When Axe &

Barrel opened in 2015 in the old Loghouse Pub, it was a win for craft beer drinkers in the area. Dave Woodward brewed and established a great presence in a tough local market before his 2017 move to Mount Arrowsmith in Parksville and later at Nanoose Bay’s Rusted Rake. Andrew Tessier, formerly from Swan’s, continued the tradition with award-winning beers, lasting until February 2020, when the brewery was forced to close. V2V Black Hops Brewing took over the space for the better part of a year, but facing the uphill

battle of starting up as the pandemic ramped up, success wasn’t in the cards and they closed in early 2021.

As much as its history seems soured, there’s only the future to look at, with Millstream Beverage Company taking over the space and opening in December 2021, with brewer Duncan Blackman creating a great lineup of not only beers but seltzers as well. They also have a fun patio out front with cornhole, artificial grass, heaters and more that make for a great environment to enjoy their drinks and ridic-

ulously good pizza almost completely year-round.

You would think a region like that would have trouble supporting another brewery, but it’s already happened. Almost a year to the day of Millstream opening their doors, a trio of friends opened a brewery in Metchosin, Mile Zero Brewing, in one of the old classrooms on Metchosin Road. Their brewer, Dirk Slot, has focused on making small batches, with good quality, classic-styled beers and fun alternatives to pair alongside a selection of delicious food from Urban Forage.

It may be the area that has had its ups and downs in the past, and it may not have the number of breweries you see out in Sooke, on the Peninsula, or downtown, but things are looking up for those communities growing to the brim with people looking for good, local beer.

Soul of the city found in its cultural diversity

By Tim Collins

Folktoria - Victoria’s spectacular celebration of cultural diversity put on by the Greater Victoria Folk Festival Society – returns June 3 and 4 at Centennial Square.

In its sixth year, the festival is a rebirth of Folkfest, a decades long celebration produced by the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association that ceased operation years earlier.

“This is about welcoming the whole community and providing a platform for all cultures to share the wealth of their music, customs, food and more,” said Sonia Grewal, the Past President of the Folk Festival Society.

This year, more than 65 groups are represented, showcasing dance, food, clothing and more from a diverse collection of regions including Poland, Germany, Thailand, Japan, Korea, China, India, Norway, England, France, Ukraine, Ireland, Scotland, Polynesia, Greece and Mexico

“It’s so much fun. By the time I get home from a night at the festival, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much,” said Kerry Patriarche, the President of the Folk Festival Society.

But for all the cultural diversity showcased at Folktoria, it’s the commonalities between cultures that Patriarche finds most striking.

“Folktoria celebrates the beauty of our cultural differences while, at the same time, bringing people together around what we have in common. Every culture has dance, and their own foods. Brides all wear special clothes for their weddings. These things are common to all cultures and when we realize that we can appreciate that, as different as cultures may be, there are things that we all have in common,” Patriarche said.

“Every culture has dance and they all have their love songs. They all sing lullabies to their children.”

More information on Folktoria can be found at folktoria.ca or facebook. com/Folkathome.

MATHIEU POIRIER @matterofbeer

Millstream Beverage Company has a patio out front with cornhole, artificial grass, heaters and more. (Millstream Beverage Company)

Mile Zero Brewing officially opened on Dec. 10, 2022. Their taproom (pictured) is ready for their first spring in business. (Mile Zero)

Claire Yoo (left), president of the Victoria Korean Canadian Women’s Association, joins Heejae Shin, Sugene Song and Kyoung Soon Won at the association’s booth at Folktoria in Centennial Square. (Don Descoteau photo)

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Expect a heightened focus on money this month; plus, you’ll be more concerned about your possessions, as well. Past issues are probably back to haunt you again. Certainly, increased chaos and activity on the home front will keep you on your toes. Fortunately, Venus will smooth your communications with others at this time; and of course, with lucky Jupiter in your sign, you have divine protection! You’re laughing.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

This month the Sun is in your sign,whichhappensonlyonce ayear.Thisempowersyou!It’s your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year; andyouwillattractpeopleand favourablesituationstoyouas wellasgiftsandgoodies.With Venus in your Money House, expect money and wealth to come your way. Meanwhile, you’rebuyingbeautifulthings. You’re direct and forceful in

Your stars for May 2023

your communications. Mars will keep you busy with short trips, appointments and an ambitious schedule. No moss growingonyou!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

You might feel a limbo-like quality this month because theSunishidinginyourchart. Accept this and be happy to take a backseat. Enjoy times of solitude. Choose to work alone or behind the scenes. This is actually the perfect window to define some goals for your “new year” after your birthday arrives. What do you want to achieve in your coming year? Goals help you focus; plus, they make future decision-making easier. Meanwhile, enjoy your increased popularity! Treat yourself to some wardrobe items so that you feel great about how you look.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

This month the Sun will be boosting your popularity! Go with what’s happening. Make an effort to see friends, especially old friends. Not only will you enjoy schmoozing with your pals, you will enjoy increasedactivitywithclubsand professional organizations. Mars in your sign makes you more confident and boosts your energy and drive, which is why you will create a great impression on everyone. You dabomb!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Once a year, the Sun is at the top of your chart. Get ready for some great press, because when the Sun is acting like a flatteringspotlightonyou,people notice you more, and they admire you! (Even if you don’t do anything special.) Obviously, since this advantage occurs only once a year – use it! Go after what you want, especially if you need to make an impressiononsomeone,ormakeyour pitch or ask for permission. Enjoy schmoozing with creative friends.Romanceispromising!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You want a change of scenery this month. If you can’t travel onalongtrip,thengetawayfor a weekend. Take a day trip. Be atouristinyourowncity.Goto newplacesorrestaurants,parks and museums. Hike outdoors. Do something that makes you feel more alive! You also want to learn something new and thought-provoking. Venus, at the top of your chart, makes you look attractive and charming to everyone. Someone will ask for your advice about how toimprovesomething.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This month the Sun will highlight the resources of others, taxes, debt, inheritances, wills, estates and shared property. This is the perfect time to wrap up old business in these areas. (You’ll be surprised at how

swiftly you will do this.) Your ambition is aroused. (Oh yes, you’repro-ative!)Nevertheless, if you can travel for pleasure, youwill.Meanwhile,withlucky Jupiter opposite your sign, partnerships and close friendships will be more meaningful andimportanttoyou.Theywill alsobeasourceofjoy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

ThismonththeSunisopposite yoursign,whichhappensonce a year. You will need more sleepbecauseyourenergywill lag. (Take cat naps.) In addition, this polarized position of the Sun will magnify your focus on partners, spouses and close friends, giving you more objectivity and the ability to see your role in these relationships. This new objectivity will help you to see how you act in your closest relationships – giving you a chance to improve your style of relating to others. Expect improvements in your job and your health. Romanceisaffectionate.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You’ll work hard to be efficient andproductivethismonth.Nevertheless, Mercury retrograde will dog your steps with silly mistakes. Cut yourself some slack. Fortunately, with Venus opposite your sign, all your relationshipsaresmoothbecause there is less ego involved. You are less judgmental and more

forgiving, which certainly makes you happier, and others as well. Money disputes or arguments about inheritances might arise. Fortunately, Jupiter willbringlotsofopportunities for pleasureandfun!

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This month is perfect for vacations, increased socializing and exploring the arts. Enjoy musical performances, the theatre and movies as well as sportsevents.Getoutandhave fun! Plan an exciting getaway. Have a picnic. Do something that makes you feel you’re giving yourself a treat. Old flames might be back in your world, whichcanbetricky.Sometimes this is exciting but generally, it’s unnerving. (When you go out, dress sharp because living wellisthebestrevenge.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Yourfocusonhomeandfamily will be highlighted this month. You might be dealing with a parent more than usual? Certainly, relatives you haven’t seen for a while are back on the scene. Fortunately, the placement of both Venus and Mars will mean you’re ready to work hard and party hard! Not

only will you have the energy to accomplish what you want to do; at the same time, you’ll enjoy entertaining diversions, social outingsandplayfultimeswithkids.

Basically, your outlook is more optimistic! Have you noticed this? It’s easy to be happy and notrealizeit.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

This month the pace of your days will accelerate in a fun, busy way. You will have more outings, more appointments, and increased contact with siblings, relatives and neighbours. You might take short trips. You will have more tasks and errands to run that will create a busy schedule. But hey, it will be fun busy! You’ll enjoy seeing new places and meeting new faces. Many of you will redecorate or tweak your digs because you will entertain at home. Romance will sizzle as well because you’re up for a good time! A boost in your incomewillplease.

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