Monday Magazine, February 29, 2024

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FIVE FUN THINGS

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masters of all aspects of Celtic music, and they love every bit of it.

Timothy Collins

James Joyce described Celtic music as the “light music of whiskey falling into glasses”.

While that description captures some of what makes Celtic music so enduring, (with all due respect to Mr. Joyce) it falls far short of describing the full scope of what characterizes Celtic music. It’s a musical genre that naturally finds its way into your soul and invariably leaves you smiling.

Wolf Edwards, the leader of Victoria’s The Hounds of Cuchulain, knows this all too well.

“They really are folk songs –many are delivered with a joyful bounce that connects people and lifts them up – but they’re so much more,” said Edwards.

The truth is that like most musical genres, Celtic music defies a simple description. It ranges from frenetic dance music to sad slow ballads that will tear your heart out.

The music addresses all sorts of subjects, from rebel songs that describe the yoke of British oppression to comical songs about drinking, sex and plain silly fun.

“The rebel songs are really about colonization and tend to resonate with First Nation people. There’s history there too. Take Black Velvet Band [by The Irish Rovers]. It’s a song about prison ships transporting Irish prisoners to Australia,” Edwards said.

The Hounds of Cuchulain are

The band’s name arises from the Celtic myth of the mythological character, Setanta. As a young boy, Setanta accidentally kills the fierce guard dog of Culann the Smith while playing hurling. To make amends, Setanta offers to take the place of the guard dog until a replacement can be found. Over time, he becomes known as Cú Chulainn, or the Hound of Culann, and proves himself as a fierce warrior in Irish mythology, known for his heroic deeds and loyalty.

Given that the myth has Irish, Scottish, English, and Welsh roots, the band felt it an appropriate name. Anyway, it sounds very cool.

“To us, the image of the (Irish) Wolfhound is emblematic of the history and variety of folk music: as a call to action, a racing reel, or music to bring to mind home, hearth, and good company,” said Edwards.

Edwards leads the group on guitar and vocals and is joined by an incredible talent in the form of Madeleine Townley on vocals, Irish harp, and tin whistle. There’s Jeffrey Feltmate on bodhrán and fiddle, with Dexter Simpson adding the Irish tenor banjo to the mix. Finally, virtuoso fiddler and master of harmony Brianna Kennedy rounds out the group in spectacular fashion.

Like many Celtic groups, the Hounds of Cuchulain are often joined by friends, most notably, Ben Garrison on mandolin.

The band’s popularity is growing with more than 150 shows in 2023. This year is set to exceed that number.

“We have the regular pubs that we play, and we play folk festivals like the Highland Games and Vancouver’s Scottish Festival,” said Edwards. “We play all over B.C.

and especially like bringing our music to smaller communities, all up and down the Island.”

In addition to their live performances, the group has released two albums and is currently working on a third. While most of the songs are traditional tunes, it hasn’t stopped Edwards from crafting some of his own music in the same Celtic style.

“I write songs that are often historical in nature. I like putting the past of the region into my songs in a sort of ‘60s-ballad style,” Edwards said. “There’s a long tradition in Celtic music of telling the stories of the people. That’s been true of a host of Celtic music legends, from The Dubliners to The Pogues and The Chieftains. It’s such great music and we try to carry on that tradition.”

One of the greatest influences on Robertson’s music has come from the support of the well-known Canadian group, the Irish Rovers.

“George and Anne Miller are good friends and have always been great supporters,” said Robertson. “George has told us that we possess the true old Irish sound. Coming from him, that’s a tremendous compliment and something we strive to deserve with every performance.”

Fans of the band, or of Celtic music in general, can hear the group on St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17) at Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St. The show will also include a performance by the Victoria School of Irish Dance and is certain to be a rollicking good time.

You can also catch the group at Mary’s Blue Moon, The Loghouse Pub, and The Oaks Restaurant, just a few of the venues that regularly host the Hounds. All their performance dates as well as tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day show are available at hounds-of-cuchulain.com.

Artist Sean Yelland finds beauty in the mundane

By Sam Duerksen

Toronto-based artist Sean Yelland will make you look twice at urban settings.

Yelland is known to find the beauty in the mundane but he also approaches his work with a sense of uncanniness. Whether it’s deserted city streets or empty swimming pools, his work tends to focus on places that should be full of action but instead are quiet and still. The viewer feels as though they are looking through a lens of voyeurism and are left with a sense of discomfort, or “Yelland-choly” as he describes it. Yet, there’s something beautiful in the eerie stillness that confronts the viewer with ideas of place, community and identity. Many of Yelland’s works serve as a visual diary of his ever-changing home city. The nostalgic longing that shines through his work is something that almost everyone can relate to.

To create his art, Yelland works from photographs and paints over each piece, creating a mood with saturated colours and intensified lighting. He also often uses reflections, allowing for multiple viewpoints in a single image.

With a touch of dark humour woven into his artistic style, Yelland’s work resonates with audiences, sparking conversations about the past, present, and future of urban landscapes. Cities will always grow and change, but Yelland’s work holds their memories of the past and prompts discussion as to what their future holds.

See Yelland’s fourth exhibit at Madrona Gallery titled The Long Way Home until March 8. Visit madronagallery.com.

Five fun things to do in Victoria this March

By Sam Duerksen

March. It’s the month of leprechauns, cherry blossoms, and spring whispering its arrival.

And as we shake off the February sleepies and feel the sun reinvigorating our drive to seek out things to do, it’s lucky for us, because Victoria has a lot going on.

Do you need some ideas?

1. Stop and smell the cherry blossoms: Cherry blossom season starts mid-February and goes til May, with the peak bloom usually falling in March. Hot spots that will be pretty in pink include View Street downtown, Helmcken House, Thunderbird Park, and Beacon Hill Park. Consider grabbing your camera and going out for a prestroll tea before taking in the sights.

2. See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit: On March 1 til June 2, this popular exhibit returns to the Royal BC Museum for its 59th year. Take in 100 photos of wildlife taken by some of the world’s best photographers. The exhibit is also for a good cause: many of the photograph’s subjects are creatures at risk of extinction, helping to drive an appreciation for the beauty and protection of nature.

3. Test your smarts: Sixty Watt Trivia are a Victoria-based trivia company that offers popular free-to-play trivia nights almost every night of the week.

Monday to Thursday you can find trivia nights being hosted at several pubs and restaurants around the city. Find out what’s happening tonight at sixtywatttrivia.com. Don’t forget to think of a clever team name!

4. Celebrate women: International Women’s Day falls on March 8 and there’s plenty going on. “Who is your Shero?” at Vic Theatre is a night of celebrating women with stories, music, performance and laughter. Kulea Culture Society will present a night of four fabulous women who range from entrepreneurs to researchers to mariners. It’ll also feature creative talents such as dancers, singers, musicians and storytellers. Or, check out the Victoria Women’s Expo at Pearkes Recreation Centre on March 2 and 3.

5. Catch a hotel theatre show: It seems March is the month of hotelthemed plays! Running til Mar. 10 at Langham Court Theatre, Murder Weekend follows a newly married couple who are turning an old country house into a hotel. But a murder game with guests soon becomes more than just a game. Find out more at langhamtheatre.ca. Then, running March 14-23 at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre, the classic comedy The Hot L Baltimore showcases a single day in 1972 when the lives of an eccentric group of people intertwine in the lobby of the formerly grand Hotel Baltimore. Learn more at finearts.uvic.ca.

Sean Yelland’s The Dive, oil on board, 24 x 24 inch. (Courtesy Madrona Gallery)

From a hospital whiteboard to bookshelves:

Victoria artist publishes second children’s

After a stint in the hospital renewed his love for art, Nikolai Deleff is releasing the illustrated book, Superdog Jake

By Sam Duerksen

Two years ago, fresh out of high school at the age of 18, Nikolai Deleff was living in Yellowknife when he was assailed by Ulcerative Colitis, landing him in and out of the hospital for a month.

“It was a really hard time to go through so much uncertainty,” he said in an interview with Black Press.

Deleff, now living in Victoria, had always loved drawing but a shift happened to him while spending long days and nights at the hospital. He discovered just how much art could give him a “renewed sense of purpose” and help him weather “life’s toughest storms” as he drew sketches on the hospital whiteboard and in a sketchbook.

Drawing gave him a gateway into his inner world and soon, the idea for his first children’s book, the northern adventure tale Bear and Ivory, came to him in mental images.

“It was a ship stuck in an iceberg and it’s almost metaphorical for how it was at that time; it almost felt like I was a ship stuck in the iceberg, in the

hospital room in a way,” he said.

Deleff is now unstuck two years later, cruising towards a world of possibilities. The 20-year-old is releasing his second illustrated children’s book, Superdog Jake, on Feb. 10.

Deleff, whose eyes light up when he talks about his work, has had a fasttrack launch in his career. He’s been featured in NorthWest Territories Arts, CBC and Cabin Radio to name a few.

And he’s been busy creating resources to connect with his book’s readers. His website is full of colouring sheets,

drawing tutorials and behind-thescenes videos that show his creative process working with watercolour.

For the release of Superdog Jake, which follows an imaginative journey as Jake the dog tries to figure out what to do when he’s given too much birthday cake, Deleff will be touring schools. The book is also being sold at Russell Books, Books & Shenanigans, Ivy’s Books and Bolen Books.

What Deleff wants young readers to take away from the story, which is based on sketches and poems he did

book

of his dog, is a sense of companionship, he said.

“I’d say there’s definitely an element of making friends and how good things come back to you.”

It’s the joy that comes from immersing in the creative world of picture books that led him down the path to children’s books, Deleff said. He read the first copy of Superdog Jake at a school in his home town and recalled how excited the children were, wanting to read the story again when it was finished. For Deleff, it’s a familiar feeling that went back to his childhood, when he’d read picture books or make his own by sticking his drawings between cardboard pieces.

“Children’s books were something that inspired me as a kid a lot and to see all those creative worlds and ideas vibrantly shown in picture books, it really stuck with me. So when I started doing more illustrations and drawings, I thought how cool would it be to create something I would’ve enjoyed as a kid,” he said.

Deleff doesn’t show any signs of stopping soon as he is enrolled in creative writing at UVic and is interested in exploring short or graphic novels.

But whether children’s books or graphic novels, at the end of the day, his mission remains the same.

“I hope to inspire others to embrace their struggles, discover their strengths in art, and dare to dream bigger,” he said.

From the start idea to the finished hard copy with “off and on” work, Deleff said it took about seven months to create his latest book, Superdog Jake. (Nikolai Deleff)

Mini Pop Kids tour is coming to Victoria The Good Vibes

Tour features kids performing family-friendly top-40 songs and dance

By Timothy Collins

Mini Pop Kids represent a thriving tradition of celebrating and entertaining kids with a family-friendly style that was first conceived of way back in the ’80s but hasn’t lost a bit of its positive energy.

And soon, they’ll be bringing that energetic entertainment to Victoria.

The Mini Pop Kids Good Vibes Tour is coming to the Royal Theatre on March 22 as part of a swing through Canada that also includes appearances in Nanaimo on March 23 and Vancouver on March 24.

The Mini Pop Kids, aged 10 to 14, come to the group from all over Canada and, although the makeup of

the group necessarily changes over time, they never lose sight of their goal – family-friendly pop music fun.

The show offers the Top 40-type hits of today, but the show’s producers ensure that they are presented with family-friendly lyrics.

The resulting concert is a jam-packed evening of songs by Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and more. There are even some throw-back favourites that are sure to have kids on their feet, dancing, laughing, and singing along.

Based on past concerts, there’s a good chance that some of the adults are likely to join in.

Beyond getting kids (and adults) on their feet and smiling, the tour is in support of the recently released Mini Pop Kids 19 album, released just last month.

Incidentally, there are VIP packages available that include: a pre or post-show exclusive Meet and Greet opportunity with the cast, an individual photograph/video opportunity with the cast, an autographed commemorative tour poster, priority merchandise shopping, a signed lithograph, and a commemorative VIP tour lanyard.

Tickets for the upcoming Victoria concert are available at minipopkids. com.

SaanichPeninsulaArts&CraftsSociety

Saturday, April 27th Saturday,April27th 10am ~ 6pm 10am~6pm

Sunday, April 28th Sunday,April28th 10am ~ 4pm 10am~4pm

PATRONS GALA PATRONSGALA

Friday April 26th FridayApril26th 6:30 ~ 9pm 6:30~9pm

For more information Formoreinformation spacsociety.com

March8th•7-9pm atVicTheatre

WelcomeCeremony CeciliaDick, CulturalTourismSupervisor,SongheesNation

Featuringstoriesfrom GraceWongSneddon, Scholar,Researcher,CommunityVolunteer AnnieDjiotsa, PublicAffairsProfessional,Change-maker

JenniferReyes, Mariner,Landscaper,Entrepreneur ShellLangille, ExecutiveandCareerCoach,SeeShellConsulting, InternationalCoachCoalition,ShellSees

Performancesby

Musician

Host JeanGracielaPenola Comedressedasyourshero!

Ticketsare availableby donationat Eventbrite

The Mini Pop Kids will perform songs by Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and more on their Good Vibes Tour. (Courtesy Mini Pop Kids)

EVENTS

COMEDY

THEATRESPORTS & IMPROV AFTER PARTY

Fridays to April 26

Garden City Improv and KWENCH Culture Club present two Friday night improv shows. First, local Theatresports cast members go head-to-head in weekly improv comedy contests where audiences decide the winner, then it's the Improv After Party, a late-night, no rules improv cabaret where Victoria’s best improvisers let loose. At KWENCH Culture Club. Info: gardencityimprov.com

LAUGHTERCISE COMEDY SHOW

March 2

Give your abs a workout with comedienne Kirsten Van Ritzen as she presents her adult comedy students making their stand-up comedy debuts! At Sports View Lounge, Oak Bay Rec Centre. Advance tickets $15/20 at Eventbrite.ca. Doors/ bar open at 7pm. Adult content 19+ Info: broadtheatrics.com

THE COMIC STRIPPERS

March 8

The award-winning improv comedians are back with a new

show, more moves and even quicker wits. No extreme nudity, just extreme hilarity. At the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: marywinspear.ca

LETTERKENNY PRESENTS: A NIGHT OF STANDUP

March 23

Featuring comedians from the Letterkenny family, including hilarious Mark Forward (Coach), Jeff McEnery (Alexander) with Olivia Stadler and Allie Pearse. At UVic's Farquhar Auditorium. Info: tickets. uvic.ca

DANCE AHUTI – NRITYAGRAM

DANCE ENSEMBLE & CHITRASENA DANCE COMPANY

March 8 & 9

Two world-class companies celebrate centuries of Indian and Sri Lankan cultures, showcasing traditional Odissi and Kandyan

dances within contemporary contexts, accompanied by live musicians. At the Royal Theatre. Info: rmts.bc.ca

ÕKOREKA DANCE COMPANY: MANA WAHINE (POWERFUL WOMEN)

March 27

This all-female contemporary work draws strength from traditional Maori culture to illustrate a multi-media tapestry of dance, original music and bold projections. At the McPherson Playhouse. Info: rmts.bc.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. Info: oldcem.bc.ca/ tour

The original vampire story comes to life March 15 to 17 when Ballet Victoria brings Dracula to the Royal Theatre stage.

THE BUTCHART GARDENS' SPRING PRELUDE

To March 17

Enjoy the promise of spring to come with this beautiful indoor prelude. Info: butchartgardens. com

SIDNEY MUSEUM: LEGO EXHIBIT

To April 1

Back for its 18th year, the exhibit features hundreds of LEGO sets on display, including

The classic tale continues to seduce audiences today, with sensuous dancing and powerful theatre, enhanced by haunting projections and sultry

an impressive array of new additions. Info: sidneymuseum.ca

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

To March 3

Celebrating the contributions of people of African descent with special events, learning opportunities, business expo, music and more. Info: issambacentre.ca

VICTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY:

costumes.

For performance details, visit balletvictoria. ca. For tickets, visit rmts. bc.ca

RESTORING CHINATOWN WITH ROBERT FUNG

March 28

Known for his award-winning heritage work in Vancouver and Victoria, Fung will speak on his life and his career as a developer who rehabilitates historic buildings, including his recent heritage work in Victoria’s Chinatown. At the James Bay New Horizons Centre, 7:30pm. Info: victoriahistoricalsociety.bc.ca

BALLET VICTORIA PHOTO

MARKETS

MOSS STREET MARKET

Locally grown organic produce, foods and artisan wares. In Fairfield at Sir James Douglas school, 10am to 1pm Saturdays. Info: mossstreetmarket.com

MUSIC

2024 LENT CONCERT SERIES

St. Mary's in Oak Bay presents

On the Journey, featuring local performers contributing their gift of music in support of the Victoria Hospice Bereavement Fund. All concerts begin at 12pm. March 6: Transcendent Mozart Kate Rhodes, Agnes Stieda and Curt Bergen – violin, soprano, piano; March 13: Baroque & Romantic Delande Peters & Tony Booker – oboe & piano; March 20 University of Victoria – Kay Kuang, piano; March 27 Music for Holy Week Confession Stone: Kim Greenwood, mezzo soprano, Jim Hill, piano. Stabat Mater: Sara Partridge, mezzo soprano, Marnie Setka-Mooney, soprano, Curt Bergen, piano.

OCIE ELLIOTT

March 1 & 2

Hear the memories, experiences and emotions in the acoustic guitars, the sparse production and the graceful harmonies between Victoria's Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy. At the Royal Theatre. Info: rmts.bc.ca

CANUS RED HOT TRADITIONAL JAZZ MATINEE

March 3

1 to 3pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Walk-ins welcome but to reserve a table, the ticket must be purchased in advance through hermannsjazz.com

DIYET & THE LOVE SOLDIERS

March 8

A unique and unforgettable experience combining Indigenous sounds with contemporary influences.

Deadline for April's calendar: March 15

At St. Mary’s Oak Bay, 1701 Elgin Rd. Info: stmarysoakbay.ca/concerts.

PACIFIC BAROQUE FESTIVAL

To March 3

In Modern Style – Music from 17th Century Italy, will include six events whose programs are intended to provide some context to the origins of baroque music through historically informed performances. Info: pacbaroque.com/2024festival

VICTORIA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY

Weekly gatherings happen every Sunday, beginning with an open stage at 7:30pm followed by the feature performer at 9pm. March 3 Kristina Olsen; March 10 Tammy Fassaert; March 17 Clanna Morna; March 24 Nathan Tinkham; March 31 Lebeau-Petersen. At 1110 Hillside Ave., Admission: $8 cash. Info: victoriafolkmusic.ca

At UVIc's Farquhar Auditorium.

Info: tickets. uvic.ca

THE COMMODORES BIG BAND IN CONCERT

March 10

Featuring Music From The Movies with the dynamic sound only an 18-piece Big Band can produce, with performances by dancer John de Pfyffer, a vocal quartet including Kim Greenwood and special guest Diane Pancel. At the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: marywinspear.ca

ANNA PIETRZAK – SOLO GUITAR

March 10

A program of solo guitar repertoire by celebrated composers including Bach, Telemann, Mangoré and Assad

At Wentworth Villa Architectural Heritage Museum. Info: wentworthvilla.com

Q. BROOKE BACHAND AND GUITARIST CHARLIE GANNON

March 16

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and all things Irish! With powerful fiddle, captivating vocals and contagious energy, Q's love of folk and Celtic music is always at the forefront, sharing energetic and spirited performances that showcase their fiddle and vocal talents as well as their love of story-sharing. At the Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Rec Centre.

Tickets at Oak Bay Rec Centre or by phone 250-5957946

MATTHEW BYRNE

March 22

Traditional folk songs and ballads from Newfoundland featuring powerful vocals, polished guitar work and a presence that fills the room. Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Info and tickets: 250-812-7978 or beaconridgeproductions.com

THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS

March 23

Serving gorgeous harmonies, fine songwriting, beautiful instrumental interplay and seriously rippin’ solos. At the Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Info and tickets: 250-812-7978 or beaconridgeproductions.com

SOFIANE PAMART

March 23

One of the most-streamed classical music artists in the world performs at Mary Winspear Centre. Info: marywinspear.ca

LOUISIANA HAYRIDE SHOW

March 26

Take a trip down memory lane with this unique and entertaining musical celebration, featuring the music of Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly, Lefty Frizzell, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison, Shania Twain, Crystal Gayle and Willie Nelson. At the Mary Winspear Centre. Info: marywinspear.ca

IN SPITE OF OURSELVES: JOHN PRINE TRIBUTE CONCERT

March 30

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.

At the Galleries

ART GALLERY OF GREATER

VICTORIA

To March 17 Kali Spitzer: Bodies of, Bodies Within Featuring special selections of some of Spitzer's photography series. To May 5 Tender Touch Exploring tattooing, including the work of several Victoria tattoo artists. To May 26 Crossing: Art, Heritage, and Personal Journeys Delving into the intricate narratives of three remarkable local artists, and transformative journeys from Asia to Canada: Yumie Kono, Andy Lou, and Chrystal Phan. Info: aggv.ca

ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRE Arifin Graham's The Last Resort: Lahaina/Maui/2022 is on exhibit at the Chapel Gallery through March 17.

To March 14

Celebrate! An Art Show The Arts and Culture Colwood Society hosts its inaugural exhibit of local artwork. At at 170 Goldfinch Rd. Info: artsandculturecolwood.ca

ARTS CENTRE AT CEDAR HILL

To March 9 Spring into Summer Fibre Art & Photos 2024 solo art exhibit with Ranjeet Dhaliwal. Using fibre and photography, the artist celebrates the joy and healing that comes from flowers in both natural landscapes and gardens. At the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. Info: saanich.ca

CHAPEL GALLERY

March 8 to 17 The Last Resort: Lahaina/Maui/2022

Black and white photographs by Arifin Graham of a rich, complex community, and a reminder of what we’re at risk of losing in the time of climate change. March 8 Opening reception and artist talk, 6 to 8pm. At St. Matthias, 600 Richmond Ave. Info: facebook.com/chapelgalleryvictor

GAGE GALLERY ARTS COLLECTIVE

To March 3 Artists Margaret Case and Carla Unger showcase artworks of oceans and undersea worlds – watercolours, acrylic

Kendel Carson, Doug Cox, Tom and Kalisse Landa and Mick Sherlock pay tribute to Americana music’s most celebrated singer/ songwriter. At St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Info and tickets: 250-812-7978 or beaconridgeproductions.com

SPORTS

VICTORIA ROYALS

Victoria’s WHL players heat up the ice during home games at the Save-onFoods Memorial Arena. Info: victoriaroyals.com

STAGE & FILM

paintings and digital art, all with a theme of water, sea creatures, the life below and above the waves – what is and could be. March 5 to 24 Katharine Geddes's Landscape and Memory. March 8 Opening, 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Info: gagegallery.ca

LEGACY ART GALLERY

Legacy Downtown – To April 6

Latent Over the past decade, most of Legacy's solo exhibitions have featured the work of women artists; this exhibition from artist Lynda Gammon and curator Carolyn Butler Palmer further honours the many women who remain hidden in UVic's Art Collection and the mechanisms that conceal them from view: the vault, accessioning and the catalogue.

Info: uvic.ca/legacygalleries

MADRONA GALLERY

To March 8 Sean Yelland The Long Way Home

The Toronto-based artist returns with his fourth solo exhibition at Madrona Gallery.

Info: madronagallery.com

WEST END GALLERY

To March 7 David Graff – Premiere Victoria Exhibition. Info: westendgalleryltd.com

AS ABOVE

To March 3

World premiere of the Christine Quintana play set in Victoria that appeals to the hope in all of us. Jo, eight years sober and attempting to rebuild the life she destroyed, receives a mysterious phone call that sends her on an urgent quest to find her estranged daughter. At the Belfry Theatre. Info: belfry. bc.ca

MURDER WEEKEND

To March 10

When newlyweds take over an old country house

to run as an hotel, murder and mayhem ensue during a murder reenactment that may be a little too real. At Langham Court Theatre. Info: langhamtheatre.ca.

THE HOT L BALTIMORE

March 14 to 23

UVic's Phoenix Theatre presents Lanford Wilson's New York Drama Critic's Award winning play. Filled with hilarious dialogue and touching moments, this play celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. Info / tickets: 250-721-8000

February13-March3,2024

19BastionSquare,Victoria,BC OpenTuetoSun11-5

The Marriage of Figaro makes a grand finale

The servants take on the masters in Mozart’s ‘irresistible masterpiece’ on passion and social hierarchy

By Sam Duerksen

After originally outraging the aristocracy, due to its subject matter of servants outwitting their masters, The Marriage of Figaro went on to survive its controversies, becoming one of the best operas ever written, coming in number 1 out of 20 operas when the BBC News Magazine in 2017 asked 172 opera singers to vote on the best.

a web of disguises and misunderstandings in a single day of madness to outsmart the Count. The characters seek to expose the Count’s infidelity and celebrate love’s triumph over social hierarchy.

Those who have seen The Barber of Seville have met the Count and Countess before in their earlier life. “Here, in Figaro, in their now-settled noble household, whose peace is threatened by a philandering husband, Mozart gives us as charming a version of Upstairs/Downstairs as anyone could wish–a ‘perfect’ comedy, glittering with musical invention,” Timothy Vernon, Pacific Opera’s founding artistic director, said.

Marriage of Figaro

It’s a whirlwind of love, desire, and witty schemes unfolded against the backdrop of 18th-century Spain. In it, the clever valet Figaro is set to marry Susanna, but their plans are thwarted by the lustful Count Almaviva, who desires her. Figaro, Susanna, and the Countess Rosina –Almaviva’s distraught wife – navigate

April 3, 5, 7 and 9 Royal Theatre

The opera will be Pacific Opera’s third consecutive closer where the Italian libretto (or opera text) is written by Lorenzo Da Ponte and the music by Mozart. They also wrote Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte, the operas that concluded Pacific Opera’s 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons respectively. Vernon said ending this season with The Marriage of Figaro feels “almost inevitable.”

“Mozart has figured very prominently in our repertoire since the beginning. The size of our house and the space for the orchestra are ideal for ‘authentic’ presentation - no reductions necessary. And the audi-

ence has taken great delight in revisiting these irresistible masterpieces,” Vernon told Monday Mag

The timely melodies, passionate outbursts, and lively, intricate ensemble scenes have hailed it a must-see, with the Pacific Opera in Victoria promising to showcase the enduring appeal of this operatic gem.

And what more can one want from

an opera than passionate encounters, comical twists and a pursuit of social equality?

Mozart’s timeless four-act opera masterpiece runs as Pacific Opera’s grand finale of the 2023-24 season in April.

See The Marriage of Figaro on April 3, 5, 7, and 9 at the Royal Theatre. More at pacificopera.ca

A past Marriage of Figaro production. The opera runs April 3, 5, 7, 9 at the Royal Theatre. (Pacific Opera)

Winter Arts Festival puts Victoria in a whole new light

Feb. 16-19 festival had state-of-the-art technology, lights, storytelling and more

By Sam Duerksen

On Feb. 16-19, the very first Victoria’s Winter Arts Festival rolled into town, and I didn’t know what to expect other than lights, music and the promise of interactive art mixed with technology.

I’d been to an outdoor arts festival before with a similar idea – where you walk around a city’s downtown and stumble upon art – called Nuit Blanche in Winnipeg. But the Winter Arts Fest in Victoria ended up being surprisingly different in some ways and beyond what I was expecting.

The festival originated in Vancouver in 2021 and is produced by VMF, the team behind Vancouver Mural Festival. It places a heavy emphasis on technology used artfully; things like projection mapping (turning objects into display surfaces for video projection), augmented reality (combining the real world with computer-generated content, often through using your phone), laser art, and virtual reality.

“One of the things that first inspired the festival is the technology arts sector was underrepresented and it’s been evolving so much,” Miriam Esquitin, VMF’s executive director told me on the phone.

And the work that (mostly local) artists brought to the festival was impressive. At Magnificent Musical Mutant Machines by Monkey C Interactive, people could create music with strangers in a neon-lit room using machines, such as old jukeboxes, that were augmented to produce different sounds depending on what button you pressed. It prompted laughter, natural engagement and conversation between strangers, as me and my friends soon found ourselves acting like we were DJs with people we had never met before.

Haus of Owl had the installation The Dreaming by MOVE37XR where a VR set transported you to experience the

galaxy up close along with other rooms filled with live music and dream-like video installations.

Afroquatics featured screens projecting a beautiful ocean scape, while your phone allowed you to explore glowing orbs underwater that represented imagined identities of enslaved Africans who died during the Middle Passage.

These are just a few of the thirty-three installations sprinkled downtown Victoria. There was also live music, food and an artisan market at the Hub.

What was nice about the festival was you could explore at your own leisure using one of three maps – south, central and north – handily available on Google Maps, or you could opt for a free guided art walk.

There were quieter experiences, like meditating in a room full of plants alongside live music and electronic impulse sensors hooked up to a peace lily that would influence the projections on the walls. Or there was After Dark, a ridiculously packed party at Hermann’s Upstairs Lounge that featured party-goers painting canvases on

the walls or dancing to DJs.

The city came alive during the festival, with over 30 businesses in Victoria’s downtown hosting events and installations. City counsellor Matt Dell said it’s why the City wanted to partner with VMF to bring the festival to Victoria.

“One of the goals was to do an event where people engage with their city in a way they might not have done before. They learn about their city and appreciate it in a new way. And I think they really achieved that,” Dell said.

Dell said that the festival budget came out of the Downtown Revitalization Program, which was started last year from the extended

hours paid parking revenue. One of the purposes of the festival was to fulfil the needs that downtown businesses had to get more people out during the off-season.

Both Esquitin and Dell said the festival’s first run surpassed expectations. The targeted audience was 12,000 and there ended up being an estimated 15,027 visits to installations throughout the four-day total.

Both Dell and the staff at VMF are hopeful about seeing the festival return next year, and I hope it returns, too. It was a positive way to interact with the City, see new spaces, experience up-and-coming technology and connect with other people in a whole new way.

“Magnificent Musical Mutant Machines” by Monkey C Interactive at the Winter Arts Festival, 2024. (Samantha Duerksen)

VR and augmented reality took the forefront at the first Winter Arts Festival in Victoria. (@ captured.by.quinn)

“Green Gazing” by Lesley Marshall and Ashley Bowa at the first Winter Arts Festival in Victoria. (Samantha Duerksen)

Turning a page to celebrate Women’s Day

By Sam Duerksen

Want to know which books you can read to celebrate International Women’s Day? We asked Russell Books to give us some ideas.

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf is a groundbreaking essay that addresses the status of women in literature and society. Despite being published in 1929, it still holds weight today, especially for women who are in creative fields. It’s considered a key work of feminist literary criticism and can offer many insights into the journeys that women have gone through to create art.

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is set amid the civil rights movement. It tells the powerful, never-before-told true story of NASA’s African-American

female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s space program. For those who want a phenomenal account of overcoming discrimination and breaking past barriers, this one’s for you.

When author, political activist, scholar and leader Angela Davis first published Women, Race and Class, she didn’t see herself as a feminist icon. “I’m not a feminist, I’m a revo-

lutionary black woman,” she said. At the time, feminism was still a predominantly white women’s movement, and Davis just did not see herself in it. Over the past few decades, she has become one of many who have redefined the goals of feminism and this 1981 book plays an important part in that. Containing a Marxist feminist analysis of gender, race and class, it’s a concise explo-

ration of intersectionality, looking at how social categorizations have created systems of discrimination and disadvantage.

Within In My Own Moccasins by Helen Knott, the successful Indigenous author lays bare what lies behind her accomplishments, offering a different perspective on her life that many would not see. This is a memoir of addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the lasting wounds of sexual violence but it’s also a story of sisterhood, the power of ceremony, and reclaiming one’s spirit.

Lastly, Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other shows love to modern Britain and Black womanhood. Following twelve very different characters who are mostly women, Black and British, this contemporary novel explores a wide range of ideas on what it means to be a woman.

Author Helen Knott’s memoir conveys insights into Knott’s experience of being ensnared by an abusive and addictive lifestyle, and the profound impact it had on her life. (Helen Knott)

©AlexMustard

Burnstick strikes a chord with cinematic folk single ‘Closer’

Award-winning husband and wife duo perform May 15 in Victoria in anticipation of their album release

By Sam Duerksen

I’m a music lover always in search of the next song that I can’t stop putting on repeat. And while I’ve found so many great songs in the last year, it’s been hard to come by a new song that really moves me.

That all changed when I heard Burnstick’s new single Closer, released on Jan. 26.

Burnstick is a Manitoba-based folk music group, consisting of married couple Jason Burnstick and Nadia Gaudet. They are independent Indigenous artists who create cinematic folk music. Not only have they composed scores for film and television, but they’ve also won extensive awards. For instance, they were winner for Single of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards 2021. Jason Burnstick has been a JUNO nominee twice over his career and Nadia has been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award.

Considering the duo are family, it makes sense that their talents would soar when singing about family matters.

Closer is about the lengths we go to to protect and care for our loved ones. It starts with the beautiful sounds of Jason’s 100-year-old Weissenborn guitar and then builds in intensity to the end. The duo’s feathery and deep vocals contrast one another euphorical-

ly. When the lyric, “I’ll hold you closer before it all goes down” comes, the pair sing resonant harmonies and one can hear their cinematic influence as the song builds with percussion.

The lyrics, inspired by the overwhelming love they felt following the birth of their son, give the song further heartfelt depth. For anyone who has gone through trials with family or loved ones this year – whether that be related to health, death, emotional hardship or more – this song will likely strike a resonant chord.

The gift that Burnstick have to create cinematic songs is hard to deny. The duo has also composed for the Canadian TV Drama Little Bird and Jason also scored The Legacy of the Residential School System 2020, to name a few.

There is a lot on the horizon for the couple, including the release of their sophomore album at the end of May, 2024, Burnstick told Monday Mag.

But also, thankfully for Victorians, they are performing on Tuesday, May 15 2024 through HomeRoutes. Through HomeRoutes, people sign up to go see the show which will happen in a volunteer host’s house. Show attendees are notified closer to the date on the location. To find out more, visit homeroutes.ca/artists/burnstick.

Anyone coming to their B.C. shows will get a chance to buy an advanced copy of the record.

500AdmiralsRd 250-384-3031

esquimaltunited@shaw.ca www.esquimaltunited.com

WantafreshstartthisEaster?Weareaprogressive Christiancommunitywheremusic,laughter,and listeningforSpiritatworkinourmidstholdus. Whoeveryouareandwhateveryourpathoffaith, youarewelcome.

Sundaysat10:30am,Zoominorjoininperson. March24-Sunday

March29-GoodFridayTaizeserviceat10:30am March31-EasterSundaywithbaptismsandthe welcomeofnewmembers

“Achurchforallpeople”

PalmSunday,March24

8:00amHolyCommunion

10:00amParishEucharistwiththe LiturgyofthePalms

2:30pmSt.John’sPassionatChristChurch CathedralVictoriaBaroquewiththe ChoirsofChristChurchCathedraland theAnglicanChurchofSt.Johnthe DivineContactChristChurchCathedral forticketsorseetheir website:

https://www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca/events

Monday,March25

7:00pmEucharistwithPrayersofPenitence

Tuesday,March26

Wednesday,March27

8:00amHolyCommunion

6:30pmHolyWeekStoryWalkwithinteractive prayerstationsforallages.

MaundyThursday,March28

7:00pmChoralEucharist,withwashingoffeet (volunteersonly!)andstrippingofthe Altars.Followedbyashorttimeofsilent vigil.

GoodFriday,March29

10:00amTraditionalGoodFridayLiturgy 12Noon-3:00pmSilenceandMeditations EasterDay,March31 8:00amHolyCommunion 10:00amFestivalEucharistfollowedby refreshments

7:00pmEucharistwithPrayersforHealing Serviceswillbelive-streamed,exceptforthoseonWednesday.

NoEvensongorSoulSpacethisweek

https://www.stjohnthedivine.bc.ca/live

AnglicanChurch ofStJohnthe Divine.1611Quadra Street.VictoriaBC V8W 2L5 Tel(250)383 7169 Fax(250)381 3573 email: admin@stjohnthedivine.bc ca

ST.PATRICK’SDAY CELTIC CELEBRATIONWITH 2X IRISH MUSIC AWARDSWINNER Q BROOKE BACHAND & GUITARISTCHARLIEGANNON

Saturday,March16@7:30pm (doors6pmfordinnerservice) UpstairsLounge,OakBayRecreationCentre, 1975BeeStreet $30

“INSPITEOFOURSELVES” JOHNPRINETRIBUTE FEATURINGKENDEL KARSON, TOM &KALISSA LANDA, DOUG COX& MICKSHERLOCK

Saturday,March30@7:30pm (doors6:45) St.Andrew’sPresbyterianChurch,924 DouglasSt. $35

MATTHEWBYRNE

Friday,March22@7:30pm (doors6pmfordinnerservice) UpstairsLounge,OakBayRecreationCentre, 1975BeeSt. $30

JOHN YORK(THE BYRDS) “SONGSOFTHE 60S& YORKSINGS DYLAN”

Friday,April5@7:30pm (doors6pmfordinnerservice) UpstairsLounge,OakBayRecreationCentre, 1975BeeSt. $30

THEUNFAITHFUL SERVANTS

Saturday,March23@7:30pm (doors6pmfordinnerservice) UpstairsLounge,OakBayRecreationCentre, 1975BeeSt. $30

AN EVENINGWITH ROY FORBES

Saturday,April13@7:30pm (doors6pmfordinnerservice) UpstairsLounge,OakBayRecreationCentre, 1975BeeSt. $30

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Burnstick are set to perform in Victoria on May 15. The duo just released the hauntingly emotional single “Closer” in January and will release their full sophomore album in May 2024. (Gabrielle Touchette)

‘It’s an Island story’: Anne of Green Gables The Musical comes to Victoria

A conversation with CCPA directors on the college’s upcoming 25th anniversary production

By Sam Duerksen

Since its publication in 1908, Anne of Green Gables has become one of the best-selling books worldwide.

But, it’s also been made into a musical and one that won the Guinness World Record for Longest-Running Annual Musical Theatre Production in the world at that. Running from its opening in 1965 until 2019 – until the COVID-19 pandemic put a pin in its long-run history – Anne of Green Gables the Musical is taking flight once again.

After running in Charlottetown, PEI for 55 seasons, audiences in Victoria will now be able to see this beloved Canadian musical from April 19-27 at the McPherson Playhouse.

Put on by the Canadian College of Performing Arts, the story is adapted from the novel by L. M. Montgomery

and follows the imaginative orphan Anne Shirley after she is mistakenly sent to live with two siblings who had sought to adopt a boy to assist them on their farm.

Monday Mag sat down with Caleb Marshall, managing artistic director

and Jessica Hickman, director, to find out more about bringing this Prince Edward Island story to life in Victoria.

Answers have been slightly edited down for length.

Why did you choose to produce this show?

CALEB - Our year-end musical is one of the most highly anticipated events in the Victoria arts calendar. As the College celebrates its 25th anniversary, I chose to produce one we have never done, one that celebrates our name and roots. Anne of Green Gables has direct links back to the college’s founders; Janis Dunning and Jacques Lemay both have a long history with the show and CCPA grew out of their time in Charlottetown. Janis played Prissy & Josie Pye in the West End London production and sings on the original soundtrack. Jacques performed it for four years in Charlottetown and then directed the production for four years.

Why do you think the musical remains popular after all these years?

CALEB - The songs have stood the test of time, allowing for fantastic dance sequences… but ultimately the only reason anything lasts is our connection to the story. Anne is as relatable a character today as she was in 1908. She’s an underdog and she’s a feminist. Anne speaks her mind, she doesn’t need Gilbert, she helps Matthew with ‘boys’ jobs’, and she’s choosing her path on her terms, often against the grain. It’s arguably the first and greatest Canadian feminist novel.

The two actresses playing Anne in CCPA’s Anne of Green Gables the Musical. Tyler-Dale Moon (left) and Winona Myles (right). (CCPA year two student Michelle Naidu)

JESSICA - I believe it’s because it mirrors what many of us long for in life; a sense of home, and belonging. Fifty-five years after the first production launched, these basic needs remain the same - and despite knowing the outcome, we all still root for Anne. She was ahead of her time, and that is what makes her so special.

How does CCPA’s rendition compare to other renditions?

CALEB - It’s an Island story. Audiences here will relate to that in ways only shared by those on PEI.

JESSICA - As a huge fan of the novel, I personally long to see the images and characters as I have pictured them in my mind for so many years. We are not looking to re-imagine the story and make it contemporary, but to instead honour and reflect the world so masterfully depicted in the novel. In our production, Anne’s imagination will come to life through stylized choreography (by alumni Joel Sturrock) and lighting (by alumni RJ Peters). We also hope to have a horse made of reed that will be puppeteered by the students. It will be a grand, visually stunning show.

How do you plan to capture the essence of the late 19th century?

JESSICA - Through the staging, character interpretations, music, and costumes (by Shannon Carmichael). Much of the time period is depicted within the text, and we will have fun digging into lines such as “Are you balmy? Are you batty? Oh, you dunce!” We hope to educate the students on the quality of life at this time, the style of music and dance, and the dynamics and connection of such a small community. There was a lot of gossip, to say the least!

Anne of Green Gables the Musical

April 19-21, 25-27 McPherson Playhouse

CALEB - There will be a live ‘education-centered’ orchestra drawing together local professionals mentoring exceptional music students from UVic and The Victoria Conservatory of Music. This offers audiences a rich and full score while also supporting the next generation of artists.

What techniques do you use to work with actors to bring out the best in their musical performances?

CALEB –All of our students are immersed in equal exposure to acting, singing and dancing, primed to be able to tackle any theatrical challenge that comes their way. We run this production as much like a professional process as possible, in a tight condensed timeline, but in the lead up we make sure there is time for them to unpack, explore and dig deep so it’s also a rich learning environment. It’s a very fun comedy that also has a lot of heart and is rich with content that young actors can dig into.

Anne of Green Gables the Musical runs April 19-21, 25-27 at McPherson Playhouse. Tickets are $50 for adults/$45 for seniors/$40 for under 30 at rmts.bc.ca

PERFECTLY POTABLE

WINE NOTES by Robert

Moyes

Kaiken is one of the major Malbec producers in Argentina’s premier Mendoza region, and its 2021 Selección Especial is sleek, complex, and fruit-forward. Aromatic and eminently quaffable, it offers flavours of ripe blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, with notes of mocha and cinnamon. Oak-aged and offering a nice balance of supple tannins and juicy acids, this wine also benefits from a sweet core and an impressively long finish. Nicely priced at $18.40, it would be a welcome guest at any dinner table.

Smooth, easy-going, and richly flavoured, Barone Montalto is a delightful blended red from Sicily that combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero D’Avola. (This latter is a tasty varietal indigenous to suddenly popular Sicily, the setting for the luridly charming season two of HBO’s White Lotus.) Abounding with dark fruit flavours enhanced with spice and a hint of sweetness, the earthy yet elegant Barone is great with pizza and barbecue. It represents notable value at $15.

Fans of Sauvignon Blanc should definitely try Menade Verdejo, a vibrant and fruity white wine that comes from Rueda, just north of Madrid. Verdejo wines tend to be dry, fresh, and fragrant, and this one made by Bodegas Menade is sourced from 25to 35-year-old vines that are grown organically. Delightfully aromatic, the Menade offers flavours of peach, passion fruit, and citrus, all enlivened with sparkling acidity and saline and mineral notes. Excellent with seafood, fish, and chicken, this is an exciting wine, well worth $28.

For nearly a century, the Louis Martini winery has been making some of the tastier splurge-worthy wines to come out of California. Their 2020 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon (not to be confused with its big brother from Napa) is delightfully soft in the mouth and undeniably seductive as it treats the palate to a medley of dark fruit flavours such as black cherry, blackberry, plum, and cassis. Framed in oak and lifted with touches of spice, chocolate, and marzipan, this is a balanced and generous wine that is hard to resist at $32. (All prices include tax.)

$30

Going underground at The Mint

Iwas trying to determine how to categorize The Mint. It feels a lot like a pub sans almost anything vaguely British. Rough brick, concrete, rugged wood and timbers. The concrete bar looks like someone took a sledgehammer to it, though the live-edge wooden top gleams. On the walls is a collection of hefty metal art

and Indigenous masks from Asia, India, Africa, and even Mexico, I think. And the decor in the washrooms, at least in the men’s room, is graffiti. It’s even scratched into the mirror.

The Mint is also a nightclub, with shows that take place in the other room. On the night I visited, comedians Alex Foreman and

Nash Park were performing, but that was behind closed doors, and I didn’t have a ticket. Instead, I am treated to Tracey Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, CCR, The Rolling Stones and The Cars. The music is loud until Alex and Nash start their show, whereat the music falls to a near inaudible level. Can’t hear the comedy either. A set of turntables hints at entertainment, in the pub, on another night.

ALLAN REID

@AllanJeffReid

It is certainly underground. A sliver of an entrance is guarded with tall wrought iron gates that open to seventeen stairs, broken by two landings, that descend below street level. As far as I can tell, there is no other way down. General manager Logan Hayden thinks of the place as a dive bar, that serves Himalayan cuisine. That’s the claim, though there are plenty of decidedly European, and even North American, influences here: “Greek-style” dry ribs, marinated olives, deep-fried pickles, French fries, chicken wings, and pasta dishes. Even a Mediterranean-style charcuterie

Actually, Himalayan cuisine works as pub food. Deep-fried Pakoras—Onion, Chicken or Fish—served with a dish of mint yoghurt for dipping are great pub fare. As are the Tibetan Momos ($13), which are similar to Chinese potstickers. The Mint offers Momos stuffed with chicken, pork or potato-spinach, or order a mix of all three, as Dennis and I did, receiving three of each kind along with a small vessel of tomato-cilantro achar for dipping. Unlike potstickers, Momos are deep-fried (without batter), so that the dumpling crisps all around the flavourful fillings.

While Dennis opted for dry ribs and the goat cheese salad as mains, I chose to follow through on the Himalayan theme, ordering the “Nepalese” Lamb Curry

($27). This is served on a Thali, a large, round pressed-metal plate containing four compartments. Three forward compartments hold sweet mango chutney on the left, a well-seasoned red lentil daal on the right, and the boneless lamb in a red curry sauce in the middle. The back compartment has a crisp papadam covering a moulded mound of sticky jasmine rice aside cucumber slices and small vessels of pineapple dahi (yoghurt), and more of that tomato-cilantro achar (essentially, pickled tomato). There is certainly no shortage of lamb, which has been simmered slowly in its curry of charred fenugreek, roasted coriander, tomato, apricot and pineapple. The lamb is soft enough to shred merely by crushing it with a fork. Despite being labelled “spicy” there is no spice whatsoever on this plate, nor was I offered an option to spice it up. Generally, or so I’ve been informed, Nepalese curries tend to be spicier than Indian curries, in part because they lack cream which has a moderating effect on spicy ingredients. In place of spice, I added the pineapple dahi to the curry, which brightened it, and the sweet pineapple flavour complemented the lamb remarkably.

The Mint | 1414 Douglas St., Victoria 250 386 6468 | themintvictoria.com | info@themintvictoria.com

An order of Tibetan Momos, Nepalese Lamb Curry and Goat Cheese Salad at The Mint. (Allan Reid)

Completely Creedence is the complete package

More than a tribute band, these guys are magic

By Timothy Collins

“The term ‘roots rock’ had not yet been invented when Creedence came along but, in essence, they defined it.” – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

It was the music of a generation that drew on musical icons like Little Richard, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley. And although about a half-century has passed since Creedence Clearwater Revival broke up, their songs continue to be a part of every rock lover’s list of greats.

Most every rock enthusiast knows the words to Proud Mary or Born on the Bayou and those who truly love rock can sing along when Bad Moon Rising, Midnight Special, Down on the Corner or Midnight Special come up in our playlist.

“Good music is timeless. It resonates with everyone, and you can really relate to it,” said Jamie Robertson the frontman for Completely Creedence, the Victoria-based tribute band.

Completely Creedence has managed to capture the imagination of longtime Creedence fans while re-introducing the music to a new generation of Creedence lovers.

“There was a time when our audience was mainly over 50, but that’s changing. There are a lot of younger people discovering this music for the first time and they love it,” he said.

Robertson comes by his love of the music honestly.

“I’ve been a musician my whole life. My dad was a musician and used to play Creedence songs and I learned

how to play guitar pretty much as soon as I could walk. But playing this music is just amazing. I think we’ve managed to capture the essence of what made Creedence so great and their music so enduring.”

Robertson is joined by Lance Lapointe on bass guitar, Murray Atkinson on guitar and Grant Baird on drums. Together this talented four-

some brings a palpable passion to the stage that transports the audience to a time when Creedence first captured their souls.

“I think that keeping this awesome music alive is important,” Robertson said. “We’ve been together for about eight years now and I can tell you that the enthusiasm just keeps growing.”

In addition to Creedence, Robertson continues to work on original material of his own, albeit in a classic rock style.

“There are very few bands out there now that are putting out music with a modern rock feel, and I think that people are ready for it,” Robertson said.

Completely Creedence’s dedication to meeting the hunger for true rock music has made the group one of the most sought-after tribute acts in Canada, and they’re currently looking at touring across Western Canada.

Completely Creedence will be appearing on Thursday, March 21 at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney, and on Saturday, June 15 at the McPherson Theatre in Victoria. For those who don’t mind a little driving, the group will also be appearing at a host of venues across BC in the coming months.

Tickets for the Sidney performance are available at marywinspear.ca/ event/completely-creedence . Tickets for the Victoria performance at the McPherson are available at rmts.bc.ca.

Completely Creedence will be at Sidney’s Charlie White Theatre on March 21 and the McPherson Theatre in Victoria on June 15. (Darsh Bains)

Cheers, beers and beyond: plenty of festivities on tap for Victoria Beer Week

March is here, which means the return of Victoria Beer Week, back to its original month, and back again for its 10th anniversary. Things have been changed up this year, with a focus not just on the beer, but the places that make it all happen: the breweries and beyond.

Except for Victoria Beer Week’s Birthday Bash, taking place at the Victoria Press Building on March 9, all the other events of the week are taking place directly with breweries all over the Capital Region.

selection of appetizers.

The week launches with Ten Ten Ten, which stars the Extra Pale Ale, a beer made in collaboration with several Victoria breweries that includes 10 grains, 10 hops and 10 yeasts. Taking place at Ile Sauvage on March 1, from 5:30-10 p.m., a $10 ticket gets you in with an included glass of the special beer.

On March 2, the afternoon is all about the lagers. Hoyne Brewing, known for its true-to-style lagers and fantastic brews, hosts World Class Lagers from 3-6 p.m.. For $30, guests will receive a tour of the brewery, five 10 oz samples of Hoyne beers, and a

Sunday, March 3 is as much about the journey as the destination. The Sidney Brewing Experience takes you on a bus ride to Field Five Farm, where you’ll learn all about the local maltster and how one of the most important ingredients in beer is produced while enjoying a beer on site. The trip continues up to Sidney, where tours of Beacon and Small Gods Brewing await with a beer or flight at each location. March 4 heads down to Moon Under Water, with their Marchtoberfest offering a selection of German lagers and light eats, including a Rauchbier (smoked beer) brewed with Whistle Buoy and Small Gods.

Quiz night returns on Mar. 5 at Phillips, with all proceeds going to the Pink Boots Society, which aims to assist, inspire and encourage women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education.

March 6 is all about the hazies, with Haze Fest happening at Whistle Buoy in Market Square. The last two events

before the finale take a sentimental look back, with Vancouver Island Brewing hosting Throwback Thursday – 40 Years of Victoria Craft Beer on March 7, and Lighthouse Brewing celebrating with a Trove of Treasures on the 8th. Both events will look back at their storied histories and bring some

classics out of the woodwork. With a single event each day and a focus on intimate, enjoyable moments in the spaces that have become so important to the industry, Victoria Beer Week’s 10th anniversary is something to look forward to and partake in. VictoriaBeerSociety.com.

MATHIEU POIRIER @matterofbeer

Sour Power, a ’70s-themed sour beer disco party at Victoria Beer Week in May 2023. Victoria Beer Week this year falls in March. (Courtesy Victoria Beer Week)

Monkey Tree offers escape from the jungle

By John Atkinson

It was always Gordon Card’s dream to start his own business—and in 1986 he made that dream come true when he opened the doors to the Monkey Tree Pub.

Card, who lent on his experience in hotel management, initially founded the Monkey Tree with two partners before buying them out and making it a 100 per cent family firm.

And son Robert, 48, who now owns and runs the pub after taking the reins from his late father, said it continues to be a mainstay in the Saanich community and run with the same passion and power Gordon inspired.

“The Monkey Tree was built by my dad on a plot which had an old house on the property and a burnt-down winery across the road,” said Card. “It was the first of its kind in B.C., featuring a private liquor and wine store,” he said.

“And 37 years later it’s still a mainstay. We’re really proud of this place because it’s stood the test of time.”

The pub has also evolved in design and decor over the years with four renovations—the most recent being during COVID-19 when the pub was closed for six months.

Employing the right staff has also been key to the Monkey Tree’s success and longevity. A prime example is multi-talented bartender Kato Mah, 61, who’s been working at the pub for 18 years.

“When I first started, Robert and I worked side-by-side for two years,” said Mah. “And, being the son of the owner, he worked very hard because it was his dad’s business. So I just followed suit, really caring about the business.”

Card chimed in. “And I was incredibly lucky because my dad was smart and I knew I’d be working with one of the best guys in town.

“We’re like brothers from another mother because we’ve been through the thick and thin of it together. He respects me for keeping this place

going and the standards high. And I love him because he’s still here, popular and also keeps things together.”

Card started at the family pub dishwashing when he was 12 and the pub’s bookkeeper, Dana, started as a waitress 37 years ago.

“It’s nice to have people working for you who care about the bottom line,” Card said.

The pub’s clientele has evolved as the Monkey Tree has over the decades.

“My dad always said ‘work boots draw Armani suits’. And so we cater to a wide range of clients; everything from weddings and wakes to birthday parties and the Super Bowl.

“I also know four couples— staff members—that have met here and are married now; including my wife and I. My 20-year-old daughter, Cassidy, is now working here too, so that’s the third generation of the family.

“When you run a pub or something similar it’s a field of dreams; you make it and they’ll come. We have music on Thursdays, trivia on Wednesdays, music bingo on Saturdays. There’s no real other hub in the Saanich area for that kind of entertainment.”

Q & A

What stands out about the location?

Card: “We’re surrounded by sports

fields, the Saanich yard, ICBC and the Lochside Trail, so in a very strategic spot. The Lochside is particularly fruitful in the summer. We used to have a lot of people park their bikes here and come in for some food and a Radler (a German concoction blending juice and beer). We’re adding two extra bike racks this spring to cater to those people.”

What are you most proud about?

Card: “That we’re a true community pub. We support between six and 12 sports teams a year, between Lake Hill soccer and the Little League. That’s something my dad was big on. So we’re embedded in the community. We’ve also been known for our good service forever. My dad was a maniac about that. Plus, good value. And we’ve always been known for our stand-out menus.”

(From those menus, I sampled the butter chicken and a Caesar cocktail and both really hit the spot. Card said he’s recently hired a star Indian chef to “up the pub’s world ante”).

And the story behind the pub’s name?

Card: “There was a ginormous 60-foot Monkey puzzle tree at the entrance to the parking lot back in 1986. It was a neighbourhood landmark and could be seen from all around the area. The Saanich municipality put in a new sidewalk in the early ‘90s and cut a bunch of its major roots. The insurance company saw the tree as a risk and had us cut it down.

“The legend goes there were people crying on the day it was actually cut down. Those trees take a long time to grow, so people figure it was at least 100 years old. After such a momentous occurrence we had to call it the Monkey Tree Pub.”

What most inspired you in creating the Monkey Tree Pub community?

“For many people a bar is a kind of church. I mean, why was the sitcom Cheers from the ’80s and ’90s so famous? It’s because it’s a meeting place and is very relatable. So Cheers was very much an inspiration for us.”

Mary Winspear puts funny women in the spotlight

The show covers “all the topics women know and love to hate” but also aims for content that is “funny for all genders,” the press release said.

By Sam Duerksen

Julie Kim’s humour is known to stay away from politics and religion. But one topic she is known to bring down the house with is women-centred comedy.

It’s only topical then that on March 14, following International Women’s Day, Kim is performing her 19+ comedy show at the Charlie White Theatre, part of the Mary Winspear Centre.

“This is one for you, your mom, your sister, your friends.”

Kim has been a gala performer at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In 2022 Julie toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah).

Kim also received three nominations for writing and producing from the Canadian Academy in 2023 and one win, due to her con-

tributions to Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs, and Still Standing

And if that’s not enough, she also was a producer and writer for the 2022 and 2023 Juno Awards.

Joining Kim on stage on March 14 will be Syd Bosel and Victorian comedian Emily Woods.

Bosel, a regular at clubs throughout Vancouver Island and Vancouver, plans to share her tales of “adult” children, surviving breast cancer and menopause.

This show is one for the ladies, but of course, Kim’s lighthearted humour can be appreciated by all (so long as they’re over 19).

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.90 at marywinspear.ca.

mondaymag.com

Monkey Tree Pub staff (from left) Gavin Barry, Leah Ralph, Kato Mah, Robert Card and Judy Schlutter. (John Atkinson)

Comedian Julie Kim performs an International Women’s Day-themed show on March 14 at Mary Winspear Centre. (Photo by Yohan Kim)

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Respect your “Spidey sense” this month because messages from the universe through ideas,intuitionsanddreamswill be floating through your mind and your sensory perceptions. Make a mental note of any conclusions you may come to or important ideas because these might be a clue for your future. Meanwhile, your interactions with friends, groups and organizations will be vigourous and successful. People welcome your input. (A flirtation with a friendispossible.)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

This month you will be more involved with younger people. Youmighttakeonaleadership role in a club or an organization. This is also a good opportunityforyoutoshareyour hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback.Thiscouldbehelpful for you because it’s tough to operateinavacuum.Feedback can be reassuring and confidence building. Fortunately, your ambition is strong this

Your stars for March 2024

month. Furthermore, authority figures will look kindly on you. (Sokindlythatsomewillbegin aromancewithaboss.)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

It’s important to know when an opportunity is available to you. So often we don’t know this. It’s like having a diamond hidden in your home but you don’t know it. Obviously, this doesyounogood.Thismonth (and this happens only once a year), the Sun is at the top of your chart, symbolically casting you in a spotlight that is flattering! This means others, especially bosses and people in authority, will see you as competent, capable and effective (even if you don’t do anything different). This is an advantage!Makeyourpitch!

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

You will feel a strong urge to travel or do something different this month. If you can travel–great.Ifyoucan’ttravel, you can still do something to create a sense of adventure and greater stimulation in your life. Be a tourist in yourownneighbourhood.Go places you’ve never been before. Visit stores, museums, parks, galleries as well as the theatre, bowling alleys, pubs and give yourself a new experience. Some of you might learn new things by talking to people from other backgrounds. Make the most of this chance to enrich your experienceofyourworld!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Life has some challenges for you with Mars opposite your sign. Relations with friends and partners might be testy. Nevertheless, Jupiter is at the top of your chart boosting your reputation in the eyes of others. You look successful! This month, your focus on inheritances, wills, shared property, insurance issues and taxes will be stronger. Now is the time to sortoutthesedetailsandgeton top of whatever can affect your wealthdirectlyorindirectly.Fortunately, Venus will enrich your closest relationships, which is likealittlegiftcomingyourway.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The Sun is opposite your sign thismonth.BecausetheSunrepresents energy, and it is now as farawayfromyouasitcangetall year (in your chart) -- this means yourenergywillbeflagging.You will need more sleep. However, thispolarizedpositionoftheSun will also give you greater objectivity to see your role in your closestrelationshipsandpartnerships. This is an advantage! You will see ways to improve these relations. (Obviously, you can onlychangeyourbehaviour–not thebehaviourofothers.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This month you want to work hard to get as much done as possible. Furthermore, you want your actions to count, which is whyyouwanttoworkeffectively and efficiently. And you will do

this,whichmeansitwillbeeasier than usual for you to accomplish a lot. Believe that you have this ability! However, it’s not all work and no play. Oh no. Venus and Mars want you to grab opportunities to schmooze and enjoy sports events, the arts, and fun timeswithothers,includingplayful activities with children. It’s timetoworkhardandpartyhard!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

It’s play city for Scorpios this month.Grabsomethingsexyand exciting to wear. Accept all invitations to party and schmooze with others. Enjoy social outings andfuntimeswithfriendsaswell asplayfultimeswithkids.Sports and the arts will particularly appeal. This is the perfect time for a vacation. Meanwhile, many of you will also make improvements on the home front and beautify where you live through redecorating projects or buying something attractive for your home. You will also enjoy entertaining.Liveitup!

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Home, family and your private life are your primary focus this month. You might also be more involved with a parent. This is also the perfect time to tackle home repairs and DIY projects because you want to create a solid base that you can count on for yourself and your family in thefuture.Dailyinteractionswith neighbours, siblings and relativeswillbepositivebecauseyou

will appreciate the affection and love that exists all around you. Be careful because you might come on like gangbusters with Mars in your House of Communications.(Ohyeah.)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The pace of your days will accelerate this month because you’re busy with errands and appointments. You will also see neighbours, relatives and siblings more than usual. Plus, many of you are reading, writingandstudyingmoreaswell. All of this adds up to a busy pace that will be stimulating and exciting! Quite likely, you will shop more than usual, especially for beautiful things for yourself and favourite people. (Fun little gifts.) Fortunately, you have the motivation to work hard to boost your earnings.Awinningcombination!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This month your focus will be on money, earnings, cash flow andalsoyourpossessionsand assets. Thinking of changing jobs? Thinking about how to boost your earnings? This is thetimeforyoutoactifyou’re thinking of checking out new ways to earn money because several reasons are present,

which will help in your success. Fair Venus in your own sign makes you look attractive to others; and fiery Mars in your sign makes you appear decisive and confident. Therefore, make your move this month.Makeithappen!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

The Sun is in your sign giving you a chance to recharge yourself to build your confidence; plus, attract people and favourable situations to you. Furthermore, Mercury in your sign will make you eager to share your ideas with others and talk to people about what you want and what interests you. Fortunately, with lucky Jupiter in your House of Communications, you’re positive andupbeat!Admittedly,secret activities–amongthem,secret love affairs -- might take place. Note: avoid anyone who does not have your best interests at heart. If you suspect somethingfishyisgoingon–itis!

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