Leiren-Young-penned Stampede Queen brings Williams Lake to life onstageMark Leiren-Young had his life changed when he moved to Williams Lake, BC in 1985 for a job as a newspaper reporter. Leiren-Young’s award-winning 2009 book Never Shoot a Stampede Queen has now been adapted to the stage, so his adventures from that time are flooding back again. “The wildest part is this is like […] Continue Reading |
Mötley Crüe bring lifetime of decadence to VictoriaWatching Mötley Crüe play live is many things: entertaining, fun, funny, morbid, and a good chance to ruminate on pop culture. And a chance to pretend you’re riding a motorbike, which long-suffering singer Vince Neil implored the Victoria (or, uh,”Vancouver area,” as he once awkwardly said after a too-long pause trying to remember where the […] Continue Reading |
Halifax indie rocker Rich Aucoin hits Victoria, talks surfing, friends and gang vocalsHalifax indie rocker Rich Aucoin has more on his mind than just pumping up an audience when he hits Victoria Wednesday. Currently on a cross-Canada tour opening for K-OS, Aucoin is using the rare opportunity of being on the west coast to indulge in one of his favourite past-times: surfing. “When I can’t surf I […] Continue Reading |
When interviews go sideways, with Cowboy JunkiesMy recent interview with Cowboy Junkies bassist Alan Anton began badly. But in the easygoing way common to all bassists I’ve met, Anton didn’t seem fazed. In fact, he was so laid back it was like having a conversation while one of their songs is playing. Can’t be done. As Anton deadpanned his answers, I […] Continue Reading |
Lucero, Shovels & Rope rock and twang modest Club 9one9 crowdConsisting of no less than seven hirsute dudes, Memphis country-punkers Lucero made a rare appearance in Victoria to the delight of a modest crowd at Club 9one9 on Wednesday, April 4. Yes, punk fans, they did their Jawbreaker cover; more on that soon. Charelston, SC duo Shovels & Rope opened the show with their own […] Continue Reading |
Tosca new challenge for Victoria directorAfter, or during, an opera, singers receive applause from the audience; however, there are many people who work very hard for the show that the audience doesn’t see. In particular, a director of an opera may have a different view and perspective of it from the actors. Amiel Gladstone, the stage director for Tosca, is […] Continue Reading |
Family of the Year continue to grow with their musicCurrently on tour and promoting their second album, Loma Vista, Family of the Year has come a long way since they first got together just four years ago. Drummer and vocalist, and former University of Victoria student, Sebastian Keefe made a quick decision right after his first year as a student to quit academia and […] Continue Reading |
Illusionist Vitaly wants to take Victorians off their driver’s licensesAchieving any single dream requires a huge amount of effort and time; it’s no surprise then that people find it easier to get a steady job rather than run after their dreams. Vitaly Beckman, a Vancouver-based illusionist, hopes to inspire people to take the hard path by sharing his story through his imaginative illusions and […] Continue Reading |
Local, Live, and Loud: Lucero, Billy Bragg, Stars, The Casualties, and moreWednesday, April 3 Lucero, Shovels & Rope Club 90NE9, $15, 9:30 pm I’m constantly being reminded of the fact that I’m getting old. Take skateboarding, for example. At one point in my life there was barely a day that I didn’t hop on one of my boards for something. Even if I wasn’t “going skateboarding,” […] Continue Reading |
Lenny Kravitz drummer Zoro makes Victoria appearance for drum clinicThey’ve often taken a backseat, literally, to lead singers and guitarists, but if Zoro has any say in it drummers will finally get the credit they deserve. Currently on a drum clinic tour, the drummer known for his work in Lenny Kravitz’s band, among many others, and proclaimed “minister of groove” is hoping to inspire […] Continue Reading |
