Summer will soon be over, but there is still the opportunity to enjoy the last few days of sun, and revel in the culinary bounty this season brings. A short drive north of Victoria lays “The Warm Land”. The wineries and food producers of the Cowichan Valley have once again united to present the 8th annual Wine and Culinary Festival September 8th – 16th. Marsha, Wine Taster at Damali Winery The festival begins with a Grape Stomp at the … [Read more...]
Greek Fest, August 28th – September 3rd, Victoria BC
August 28, 2012 By 1 Comment
As summer slowly wends its way to a close, and the nights get a touch cooler, we have one last opportunity to experience the warmth of distant, sunnier climes. Perhaps you haven't had the chance to vacation in Greece this year, but you can definitely experience the hospitality of the local Victoria Greek community during the 11th annual Greek Fest, September 28th - September 3rd. I don't know how this well-attended local festival has remained … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2012 – my “local” picks
August 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I love the Victoria Fringe Festival! When my kids were growing up, I only attended the odd show here and there, but that all changed in 2006 when my second son moved away to take a job as a historical interpreter at the MacLean Mill in Port Alberni. Without two teenage boys to feed and house, there was suddenly disposable income. 2006 was the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Fringe, and I managed to see more shows that year than in all the … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2012 – my “away” picks
August 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Disclaimers first: In 2006 I was bitten HARD by the Fringe bug and have gradually increased the number of shows I see from 20 then to 38 shows at last year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. (There are people who see more than me - and they are my Fellow Fringe Fanatics). During the year I volunteer regularly with Atomic Vaudeville, Intrepid Theatre, The Canadian College of Performing Arts and Theatre SKAM. I attend the Belfry, Theatre Inconnu, … [Read more...]
The 2nd Annual Fringetastic Theatre Festival in Nanaimo BC
August 15, 2012 By 4 Comments
The Fringetastic Theatre Festival in Nanaimo is back for a second year, and artistic producer Jer Banks has expanded not only the number of shows, but days too. In addition, their newest partner and sponsor, The Port Theatre, will serve as a Fringe Hub every evening from 7 until late, starting August 15 with THE PREVIEW SHOW (sampler performances that allow you to get the inside scoop before the festival starts on August 16th). There is music at … [Read more...]
Henry IV (Part One) by Keep it Simple Productions – a review
August 15, 2012 By 3 Comments
We've been very fortunate this summer (2012) to have three Shakespeare companies mount shows for Victoria audiences. For me, it’s been a case of too much theatre, too little time. I missed the opening weekend of Keep It Simple Productions Henry IV Part One at the Metro Studio due to holiday plans, so when KIS Artistic Director David Christopher contacted me with a request to come and see the show and write a review I was happy to oblige. Let … [Read more...]
Victoria Represents at the Edmonton Fringe
August 14, 2012 By 3 Comments
It was a chance comment by Morgan Cranny about taking his show ReRentless (co-produced with Wes Borg) to the Edmonton Fringe that got me thinking. I knew that Ingrid Hansen (Little Orange Man), Mike Delamont (God is a Scottish Drag Queen) and Peter ‘n Chris (The Mystery of the Hungry Heart Motel) had arranged a bring-your-own-venue at La Cité Francophone, but were there other Victoria-based or Victoria-connected performers appearing at this … [Read more...]
Bilingual Tours of St Ann’s Academy Precinct Highlight Victoria’s Francophone Roots
August 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
My first introduction to the Sisters of St Ann came as a young girl, visiting my grandparents near the Victoria–Esquimalt border. One of the Sisters’ properties (now the site of the Sea Gate Apartments) overlooked the water close to their house. Years later, when the downtown St Ann’s Academy fell into dis-use and was boarded up, we would go “scrumping” for apples in the orchards. And while the restoration of the Academy may have deprived us … [Read more...]
Movies Under the Stars in Victoria BC, summer of 2012
August 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Now that the weather has started to warm up, it’s time for another Victoria summer tradition – movies under the stars. New this year, in addition to the Free B Film Festival in Beacon Hill Park, and the drive-in movies at Mayfair, is Fresh Air Cinema in Topaz Park. If you live in Sooke, check out Sooke Starlight Cinema. Bring a picnic for dinner before the movie or pick up some “drive-in” snacks and enjoy an evening out. Some of the venues … [Read more...]
Little Shop of Horrors – Blue Bridge Theatre – a review
August 2, 2012 By 2 Comments
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre has definitely knocked it out of the park with the final production of their 2012 season - Little Shop of Horrors. From the moment the curtain opens to reveal the incredible printed backdrop (featuring an iconic 1950s New York alley streetscape) to the closing number, the show is replete with an incredible array of stylistic and vocal elements that taken together, make it a banquet for musical theatre … [Read more...]
