Summer 2008

We are in the process of developing our summer entertainment program. Here's an early peek at what is planned.

Odyssey String Quartet - June 29^th, July 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th, Aug 10^th, 17^th, 24^th

Featuring members of the Victoria Symphony, these four professionally accomplished musicians bring both exquisite technique and musical passion to the stage. You may hear a Bach Sonata followed by a Parisian swing tune from the ‘30's. Or perhaps it'll be a rendition of a Lennon-Mcartney tune. Whatever the musical selection is, you can rest assured that with Kay Cochran on Viola, Christie Myers and Kate Rhodes on violin with Alastair Money on cello, Odyssey will serve up an unforgettable performance.

John Reischman and The Jaybirds - Fri Aug 15

One of the top-flight bands in bluegrass music, John Reischman and the Jaybirds offer a blend of vintage gems, original vocal songs and trademark original instrumentals - variously bluesy, hard-edge and haunting - that also make them one of the most interesting bands on the circuit today. Their virtuosity, inspiring material, heartfelt vocals and engaging humour generate a live performance not to be missed!

With a unique traditional sound, the mandolin master and his band are known for powerful original songs and instrumentals, soaring vocals and refreshing interpretations of songs from the old-time repertoire presented with their own bluegrass twist.

In addition to John, the Jaybirds include these highly regarded and accomplished veterans: Jim Nunally from San Francisco on guitar and vocals, Trisha Gagnon from Chilliwack on bass and vocals, Nick Hornbuckle from Nanaimo on banjo and Greg Spatz from Spokane on fiddle.

If you like crisp and clean acoustic music, this band is not to be missed.

Chris Millington Big Band - Thurs: July 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th, August 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th

Come out and dance into the twilight, under the stars and with the stars. Well-known Victoria bandleader Chris Millington assembles some of the best musicians available into a true musical powerhouse. This 14 piece ensemble plays all or your favourite dance tunes from the music of the swing era through to modern classics. 

The Dal Richards Orchestra - with dancing onstage - Thurs July 31^st

For more than seven decades, Dal Richards & his Orchestra have delighted Canadians with memorable dance music. This past New Year's Eve December 31, 2006, Dal performed at his 73rd consecutive New Year's party - doing what comes naturally - playing a swinging New Year's Eve show for a dance floor full of happy fans. A Vancouver legend, Dal at 92 continues to swing - leading his orchestra of talented musicians in a blend of unique sounds that capture the best of the big band era, along with jazz, rock and pop standards from the 1930s to today. He's played small towns and big cities throughout the province - and continues to bring his unique sound to British Columbians from White Rock to Whistler, New Westminster to Inuvik and beyond.

"The town favorite, the dance band king"  - The Vancouver Sun

The Marc Atkinson Trio - Wed July 23^rd 

The music of this virtuosi acoustic group is melodically captivating, sensually charged and technically awe-inspiring. The many original Marc Atkinson compositions are jewels in Canadian guitar repertoire. Acoustic Guitar Magazine voted the Trio's second CD, "The Marc Atkinson Trio II", one of the top 5 five CDs released in North America and the same CD was nominated for best jazz album by the 2003 Western Canadian Music Awards. "The Marc Atkinson Trio III", released on June 17, 2005, has garnered international attention for its stunning compositions and extraordinary guitar dexterity. The Trio has toured North America, England and Europe and has received standing ovations around the world.

Shane Yellowbird - Tues August 5^th

Yellowbird, who is Cree, grew up in Hobbema, AB and was a typical cowboy. However, after entering several singing contests and winning, it seemed life was calling the young cowboy to fulfill another dream, that of a country music artist.

He was recognized with a multitude of awards in 2007, including Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year at the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards and Best Male Artist at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. In total, Yellowbird received a staggering 16 major award nominations in 2007.

His recent CD, "Life is Calling My Name" features tracks in the traditions of George Strait or Garth Brooks showcasing his amazing voice and has been nominated for the 2008 Country Recording of the Year.

Shane remains humble about his success, even as he continues to top the charts and draw crowds wherever he goes. "This year has been the craziest, best time of my life, and things just seem to be getting better" comments Yellowbird on 2007. "The fans have been truly unbelievable to me, -- I sure am thankful for it, and I want to keep bringing them music and making them smile."

The Bills - Date TBA

Voted "Entertainer of the Year" at the Western Canadian Music Awards in Winnipeg on October 22, 2006, this extraordinary quintet is renowned among folk music fans of all ages for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements, exuberant live performances, evocative songwriting, and refreshingly innovative interpretations of traditional tunes from around the globe. The Bills have forged a musical style all their own that transcends musical boundaries and defies simple categorization. And with three main writers in the band, The Bills have developed a glorious and growing repertoire of songs that speak of their own part of the world.

These gifted multi-instrumentalists are masters at bridging the gulf between stage and audience to create a completely unique and exciting musical experience so come out and see one of Canada's foremost roots music sensations.

Maria Manna - Date TBA

From swing to ballads and jazz, Maria Manna regularly entertains audiences in Canada, the United States and Europe.  She is an entertainment legend in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta and served as Ambassador for the city of Edmonton in 1999 and 2000.

Additional highlights of her career include performing with double Grammy award winner Paul Horn, the George Haden Orchestra, the Tommy Banks Orchestra, the Paul Brunetti Orchestra and opening for the Beach Boys. She was proud to have been chosen to entertain the Canadian Military in Aviano, Italy and the Canadian Military in Bosnia on a ten-day tour. Her self-entitled CD is receiving rave reviews across North America and Europe.

Bijoux du Bayou - Date TBA

"West Coast Canajun Zydeco!" From fast-paced infectious tunes to a slow lovers' waltz, you'll love Bijoux Du Bayou's high-energy music combining Cajun, Zydeco, Swing, Calypso, and a few other flavors to create a sound that would make the Amish want to do the Bugaloo! It's hard to believe they didn't grow up sucking crayfish in Louisiana. Their performances are drenched in the good humor and joie de vivre that the music is famous for."

The Bijoux Du Bayou sound seems to be something people have been looking for. The band has played to enthusiastic response since starting and the critics have done nothing but rave about the band's unique high-energy sound.

Rukus - Date TBA

RUKUS was started in 1977 by two Rock 'N' Roll fans sharing a love for authentic 50's Rock 'N' Roll. They've been performing Golden Oldies for more than 25 years to enthusiastic audiences of all ages, playing in almost every venue in and around Victoria. Highlights through the years include opening for Buddy Knox's 60th birthday party bash in 1993, winning the 1999 'Battle Of The Bands' competition out of sixteen bands, working with Rock "N" Roll Hall of Fame disc jockey Red Robinson on three different occasions and setting the attendance record for the Government House "Music On The Lawn" outdoor concert series in 2006.  Rukus has also played on shows with Tommy Sands, Bobby Curtola, The Coasters, Susan Jacks, Randy Bachman, as well as Buddy Knox.  With five members they are able to re-create a wide variety of the sights and sounds of the Golden Age of Rock 'N' Roll, from Elvis to the Beatles and everything in-between.

Forever Plaid - In July, Dates TBA

Written by Stuart Ross, Music by James Raitt

This critically acclaimed musical is an affectionate revue of the close-harmony "guy groups" (e.g. The Four Aces, The Four Freshmen) that reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. Performing song favourites such as "Three Coins in the Fountain";  "Crazy 'Bout Ya, Baby"; "Sixteen Tons"; and "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing" it's guaranteed fun!

This summer's production on the Butchart stage features local performers, Stan Davis, Tim Kyle, Chris Newstead & Dwayne Gordon with Heather Burns on piano.

Love Matters  - In August, Dates TBA

"Love Matters" is a musical journey that takes one through the many facets of Love. It's not everyday that one comes across such an eclectic mix of music and artists. A talented collection of dancers and singers with the James Young Quartet collaborate for an exciting and moving evening of music, dance, and the journey of Love. A delicious blend of Jazz, Pop, and Show tunes.

Dixieland Express -  Dates TBA

Canada's internationally acclaimed traditional jazz band, specializing in high energy eclectic entertainment. They have performed all over this continent, from San Diego in the south, Florida in the east, Edmonton in the north and most points in between!

Almost a musical legend in Victoria, "The Express" has been delighting audiences for more than 30 years, performing with a skill and joie de vivre that will have you swinging along in no time.

The Belvedere Broadcasters - Dates TBA

Initially formed many years ago as a group of local professional musicians that just happened to like playing a certain style of music. However, they quickly found that others wanted to hear them too! And thus the Broadcasters started their long and illustrious career. Focusing exclusively on the music of the 1920s and 1930s, they will take you on a voyage back through time filled with nostalgia and charm. Along with exquisite arrangements and superb musical performances, there's an unequaled style and grace to their presentation. Throw in a good dash of humour and you have Victoria's own Belvedere Broadcasters.

Saturday Nights

Each Saturday night from June 28^th through September 1^st, we present our world renowned fireworks shows. Originally conceived by Christopher Ross, these shows have been recognized internationally as totally unique and awe inspiring events. Spectacular effects accompanied by full spectrum sound, these shows are not to be missed.

We also provide entertainment before the fireworks at the Concert Lawn Stage, and afterwards we have performances on the Aeolian Organ beside the fireworks viewing area and acoustic guitar performances in Waterwheel Square.

Before fireworks:

The Ecclestons -  July 5^th, 12^th, Aug 2^nd, 16^th, 23^rd 

Through the magic of their performing, The Ecclestons take the power of the Celtic Soul and turn a group of strangers in the audience into a family connected by the roots of the music. Siblings Colleen & Kelt Eccleston along with their musical brother Greg Madill blend the spirit of an Atlantic Canadian kitchen party with the beauty of a warm Pacific coast summer's night. Their musical virtuosity is evident as they switch instruments to match the nature of each song and the sheer exhuberance of their performance is only matched with amazing original songs and traditional tunes, rediscovered in a fresh way. We dare you not to tap your toes!

Kitangus - June 28^th, July 19^th, 26^th, Aug 9^th, 30^th and other Dates TBA

Kitangus music is a reflection of old world traditions fused with a new world sound. With many original compositions and myriad songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland, England and Canada, Kitangus has developed a sound that is uniquely "West Coast". Since 1995 with they have developed their own unique blend of music and song that the band calls "West Coast Celtic". Powerful vocals, haunting whistles, expert fiddling and mandolin work are coupled with driving rhythm guitar, bass, and percussion. The band has a strong stage presence that is expressed through high energy, warmth and humour.

After the fireworks:

Cold Cut Combo -  Dates TBA

The Cold Cut Combo is an acoustic duo of improvisational musicians specializing in Gypsy Jazz, Old-time Swing, Parisian Musette Waltzes, Eastern European Folk tunes and Latin standards. Featuring jazz manouche guitars, accordion and sweet vocals. At the combo's core are Christopher Sartisohn (lead guitar) and Aaron Watson (rhythm guitar/accordion/vocals). While the Cold Cut Combo's major inspiration lies in Gypsy Jazz, Flamenco, Musette, Latin, and Ethnic Folk music, the Combo have a decidedly original feel and fire up their music with their own expressive je ne sais quoi, capturing a vitality and freshness that makes this music contemporary once again.

Los Gringos Locos - after the fireworks: Dates TBA

The Victoria based Latin-Jazz acoustic guitar duo, Los Gringos Locos, featuring Al Sabourin and Mike Sampson has been entertaining audiences with their unique sound since 2000.
They have been featured on the A Channel morning show and have received favourable air play on local radio stations. Los Gringos Locos have released two CDs: "Against the Sky" (dedicated to co-founding member Ian Callan) and "Engage" to favourable reviews and are currently working on a new recording.

Afternoon performances:

Gotta Getta Gimmick Productions - Sunday through Friday, June 29^th to Aug 29^th

We feature wonderfully exciting family entertainment in our Waterwheel Square. Come watch our alternating performances of "The Pirates' Vow" and "The Princess & The Pea" each day at 3.00pm & 4.00pm. The Gotta Getta Gimmick cast is one of the most exuberant, talented, musical, lively and charming casts that you will come across. Kids of all ages (yes that includes Mom & Dad!) will have a great time.

Chikoro - Sunday Dates: TBA

With their collection of Marimbas and other percussion instruments they bring the happy, danceable songs of Zimbabwe to you. Normally you will find them in the center of a huge crowd of onlookers somewhere near the Inner Harbour, but we are very fortunate to have them in The Gardens' Waterwheel Square. Chikoro is comprised of teachers, parents, students, and alumni from West Mont School in Victoria, BC. It's impossible not to smile and move to the music. Watch as they move about all the different instruments and encourage you to participate. We know you'll enjoy!