June 12–24
Fine Furniture grad showcase
After 10 gruelling months of hands-on instruction, the 15 students in Camosun’s Fine Furniture and Joinery certificate program are ready to graduate and show off their work to industry professionals and the public. A panel of experts will judge the students’ final projects, with $500 on the line. The winner will be announced at 7 pm on June 12 when the exhibit opens. The exhibit showcase can be viewed at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre (3220 Cedar Hill Rd.), from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Friday, June 13
From the creator of The Perogy Cat…
Gareth Gaudin is one of Victoria’s artistic mainstays; he has produced comics since the ’90s, is co-owner of Legends Comics and Books, and teaches drawing at the Robert Bateman Centre. Dales Gallery is showing Gaudin’s latest work, Silence Is a Song, which is a collaboration with poet Shane Koyczan. Gaudin has illustrated 12 of Koyczan’s poems to create a graphic novel called Silence Is a Song I Know All the Words To. The opening reception is June 13, from 6 to 9 pm. On Saturday, June 14, from 1 to 4 pm, there will be a release party at the gallery for the new issue of Gaudin’s comic, Enid Jupiter and Lyra Gotham: the Monster Sisters.
June 11–28
Spoiler: everyone dies
Tom Stoppard’s classic play about two minor characters in Hamlet plays at Langham Court Theatre this month. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead follows the hapless pair to their inevitable demise, through the lens of chance at its most twisted. Showtimes are available at langhamtheatre.ca.
June 13–15
It’s always bluer on the other side
The Sooke River Bluegrass Music Festival is in its 12th year, featuring local musicians in a family-friendly atmosphere. Acoustic acts rule the roost, whether on stage or in music workshops. Don’t forget the square dance! More details are on the website: sookebluegrass.com.
June 20–29
Jazzfest is back
Victoria Jazzfest celebrates its 30th year in 2014 with big names such as the Chieftains, Ry Cooder, Angelique Kidjo, Cassandra Wilson, Maceo Parker, and Bobby McFerrin. Don’t miss the many other great artists playing over the 10 days of the festival at a number of different venues. Ticket information and festival lineup available on the Victoria Jazz Society website: jazzvictoria.ca.
Monday, June 23
Fiver live
Songwriter Simone Schmidt, from Toronto bands One Hundred Dollars and The Highest Order, has been working on more personal material with her solo project, Fiver. The 2013 album, Lost the Plot, is intensely lyric-driven, with low-key, folky arrangements. Fiver will be playing at the Copper Owl. CANCELLED
Tuesday, June 24
Steve Earle hits town
2013’s The Low Highway was Steve Earle’s 15th studio album; the singer-songwriter has had a long and varied career, mixing folk, blues, rock, and country styles. He will be bringing his veteran band, the Dukes, along with the Mastersons, to the McPherson Playhouse.
Wednesday, July 2
Mac deMarco
Previously known as Makeout Videotape, Mac DeMarco has been honing his sound since his early recordings in Vancouver. Salad Days, his new album contains his most mature lyrics yet, although his live shows continue to be full of… antics. Onstage nudity, anyone? Check out the undoubtedly raucous show at Sugar Nightclub.
July 11–13
Shores = rocked
Lots of big Canadian names at this festival, old and new: Tom Cochrane, Loverboy (from way back), Gord Downie, Sloan, 54–40, Our Lady Peace (ah, the’90s!), with Billy Talent, the Stanfields, Mother Mother, and locals Daniel Wesley and Current Swell (college kids wanna rock). There are some non-Canadian acts, too, but who wants to read about those? Okay, well, read about them at rocktheshores.com, then, if you must.