Offsite Event at The Malaspina Theatre

"The skill, talent and verve with which they played, belied their laddishness and the crowd responded with thunderous applause. Folk is the new rock and roll." -Evening News

The Dogs, one of Scotlands most highly touted traditional folk bands are Jonny Hardie (fiddle, guitar and vocals), Aaron Jones (bouzouki, guitar, vocals), Ali Hutton (Border pipes, whistles, vocals) and Fraser Stone (drums, percussion) have proven more than capable of carrying on the tradition of the band that the Montreal Gazette called ..."a Scots neo-traditional supergroup with a bracingly modern musical attack."

CeltFestival Club Ceilidh to follow in the Vancouver Island University cafeteria ~admission to ceilidh free with concert ticket

The Celtic cultures merge spectacularly in this CeltFest 2009 Vancouver Island finale, an exciting showcase of

world-renowned Celtic musical artists from east to west in Canada and around the world.

Among them are Champion fiddlers, dancers, pipers,

drummers, Juno Award winners--over 30 instructors teaching and performing at the CeltFest 2009 international summer school & concert series at Vancouver Island University during the week.

Usually sold out, this crowd-pleaser-- which has been widely acknowledged as the best Celtic variety show in the west--- it's not to be missed!

"The old country can be proud that its fine Celtic traditions

have been passed on to such a deserving lot. 10 tartans and shamrocks out of 10"

Peter Rusland, Cowichan News Leader

*** The purchase of a Sunset & Stars Gala ticket permits

free admission to CeltFestival Club ceilidhs (concert/party) Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at the VIU cafeteria and 1/2 price admission to the Ballagh Bunch Family Pub Night on Wednesday night.

Los Rastrillos are 20 year veterans of Mexico City's thriving music scene. Their sound is a unique blend of reggae, funk, jazz, and various styles of traditional Mexican music. Crowds in BC have been up on their feet, dancing like crazy at every performance as they bring their eclectic, spiritual, yet festive sound to the masses. Vancouver's entertainment magazine Georgia Straight called the group "the revelation" of the Vancouver Folk Fest, one of the most renowned open-air concerts of the season.
...and they're coming to Nanaimo

A fundraiser for the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Swing your way down to the Nanaimo Curling Club to get energized with an evening of Stampede Dance!  Cowgirls and Cowboys you won't be fenced in!  Come alone, come as a couple or come in a group because on the dance floor country dance can be enjoyed alone, with a partner or in a group.  As a matter of fact, often singles, couples and groups are doing different dances to the same song at the same time.  Two step, line dance, square dance or even try a swing.  Instructors will be on hand.

The Backyardigans, an animated series from Nickelodeon and Nelvana, introduces kids to their five new TV pals: quick-moving penguin Pablo; mellow moose Tyrone; thrill-seeking, purple-spotted creature Uniqua; lady-like hippo Tasha and Austin, the new kangaroo on the block.
For the Backyardigans gang, daily backyard play dates bring fantasy to life. Each musical adventure encourages kids to develop their imaginations and express themselves creatively as they sing and dance along with the gang.
When you're with The Backyardigans' gang, anything is possible.

Heralded as one of the world's top international dance companies, The National Ballet sets the standard in Canada.

Ten of their finest dancers offer an exciting performance of favorite works specially selected by Artistic Director Karen Kain. This performance offers a rare opportunity to experience the exquisite technique and beautiful expression that is a hallmark of the Company.

"The National Ballet never fails to astonish..."

Ottawa Citizen

"Kain has reinvigorated the company by hiring superb dancers and courting the world's top choreographers." Macleans Magazine

Gerry Dee began his comedy career in a very different fashion. He spent 10 years as a high school phys-ed teacher before making the switch to full time comedy in 2003.

In 1999, he won Toronto's Funniest New Comic competition. He has attended a variety of comedy festivals, namely The US HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen and The Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. In 2002, he was the first Canadian in 27 years to win the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition. Former comics who got their start in this competition include Robin Williams, Dana Carvey and Ellen Degeneres to name a few. Gerry recently won Best Comic in Canada at the 2008 Canadian Comedy Awards.

You can also watch Gerry weekly on "The Score" with his very humourous segment called "Gerry Dee-Sports Reporter".

click for more info:

Gerry Dee

The inspiration behind the famous Blues Brothers! Juno nominatee“Blues Album of The Year” and “Entertainers of the Year” at the Maple Blues Awards.

“…blissfully precise…one of the greatest blues bands in the world. Period.” The Toronto Star

“This is the band that inspired the Blues Brothers. Aykroyd and Belushi both were big fans in their heyday… Downchild is a perfect blend of everything good: a vocalist who knows how to sing, a guitar player who can play solo like nobodies business”
John Shelton Ivany’s Top 21

The music of this virtuosic jazz trio is melodically captivating, sensually charged, and technically awe-inspiring.

“…daring & inventive …powerful force in the new roots/jazz movement." The Toronto Star

"...punching out lively tunes with technical prowess, yet still interspersed with episodes of emotionally-charged improv . . . he darts up and down the length of the fret-board, plucking out a barrage of well-timed notes with amazing dexterity."
Victoria News

The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage.

Tribute artist Jim Curry, who’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits.

Jim's uncanny ability to mirror John’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High” “Sunshine” “Calypso” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.

Offering an entertaining repertoire of traditional Welsh hymns, spirituals, opera choruses & show tunes the 100 man ensemble tours extensively throughout British Columbia and internationally.

“Superb…nothing short of spectacular!”

Celtic Connection

“With an eclectic repertoire that includes classics from many cultures the Choir leaves audiences with a glow of satisfaction and a desire for more.”
Powell River Academy of Music

Wildly imaginative! This fresh work for ten sensuous jazz dancers combines video, gorgeous group work & inventive partnering. 75 minutes of pure dance set to a score by Brazilian/Canadian electronic – music superstar Amon Tobin.

“…an epic groove-laden ride...”

Kimberley Cooper

“…a wild and wonderful conjunction of soundtrack wizardry, a little video magic, and a never-ending kaleidoscope of movement.” Calgary Herald

The music of northern composers begins with Aurora Borealis by Vancouver’s Frederic Shipizky and Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, performed by Canada’s dynamic Jasper Wood.  Also feature in this concert Sibelius’ Symphony No.2. 

A re-creation of an Ed Sullivan Caravan of Stars tour featuring the Legends of Rock'n'RollTM...a cast of world class Las Vegas impersonators performing with the Johnny Ferreira Rock'n'Roll band. The big show line-up includes Jeff Scott as Buddy Holly, Donny Edwards as Young Elvis, Bernie Jessome as Roy Orbison, Garry Moore as Little Richard, Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bernie & Jeff as the Everly Brothers, Greg Miller as 70's Elvis and your host- Larry Merchison as Ed Sullivan.

This singer/songwriter is known as the “artist with a conscience”. Susan has captivated & inspired listeners from all walks of life. She blends the Inuktitut & English languages with contemporary pop music sharing her message of hope & encouragement.

Her songwriting is inspired by her culture and her people - the Inuit. She is socially driven and addresses many of the issues facing Canadian Aboriginal People.

A true musical historian of the old west and a seasoned horseman, Ian treats his fans to an intimate concert of music and narrative portraits about his past.

"…a voice that becomes richer and more mesmerizing with his years."

Durango Herald

"I write what comes from my heart…what I write comes from real living."

Ian Tyson

IGN founder Brian Gore is joined by three of the world's foremost acoustic guitarists. Featuring Itamar Erez, Israel, Lulo Reinhardt, Germany, and Stephen Bennett, USA

"…blending styles & cultures…fantastic!" Instrumental Guitar

"It fired people up hearing jazz and classical artists communicating with folk performers...we play unapologetically in service of the music. I've chosen three world class guitarists who are the best at what they do technically and harmonically"
Brian Gore

Juno Nomination/Best Children’s Album 2008! Gabriola’s own Dinah D & Tina Jones are The Kerplunks. Catchy tunes guaranteed to get kids singing along & joining in on the actions.

“…a fantastic experience…so much fun!”

Tanya, Tim, Isaiah & Sadie

"Wow! What a show! Our daughter was dancing for days after, it was all we could do to keep her from running away from home and starting her own band. And she's three! Seriously, you guys rocked!" Matt, Nicole & Tess

A fiery violinist, Marc Djokic has been the recipient of several awards & scholarships and has received critical acclaim.

“Djokic dazzles…there is a kind of recklessness in his playing that is exciting to hear....” Chronicle Herald Halifax

“…strong and confident playing…”

Chronicle Herald Halifax

Join the Nanaimo Concert Band for their Annual Fall Concert. Mr. John Forbes will conduct this national award winning band perform a wide ranging musical repertoire including classical, big band, marches show tune and more!

If you have not yet attended a Nanaimo Concert Band Concert, come and find out why it always sells out! Treat yourself and a friend to a Sunday matinee, appealing to all ages.

Arranged by Josef Triebensee, excerpts from Mozart’s Don Giovanni bring harmony for the wind section.  Mozart’s famous Oboe Quartet in F Major will be preformed and the beautiful Serenade No.10 in B flat Major “Gran Partita” – made famous in the movie Amadeus. 

Opening with the well-known Eine Kleine Nachtmusic and Mozart’s most popular Violin Concerto No.5, performed by concertmaster Calvin Dyck.  Next, A Musical Joke which demonstrates Mozart’s wicked sense of humour. 

A highly entertaining old time variety show! Barney Bentall hosts the proceedings and is joined by a mess of talented musicians. It's a night chock-full of music, humour and warm wit reminiscent of bygone days.

"Being a part of the Opry is a marvelous thing. Sharing a stage with so many performers of this caliber, I feel like I’ve created something that's more than the sum of its parts.”
Barney Bentall

Put the incredible voices of The Canadian Tenors together with the majestic sounds of the Vancouver Island Symphony and you have a Christmas program of well-known traditional songs and a smattering of light opera sure to send tingles up the spine, bring comfort to the heart and joy for the Christmas season.

Come hither good lords and ladies! Candles light the stage as musicians in medieval garb play harps, flutes and rare medieval instruments

"I've been to Christmas concerts all over Europe. None are as profound as yours."

A fan from Victoria

“Christmas doesn’t start for us until we’ve been to Winter Harp.”
Members of The Port Theatre

Precise attention to detail elevates The Fab Four far above every other Beatles tribute. With uncanny, note-perfect live retentions of Beatles' songs, The Fab Four will make you think you're watching the real thing. These talented lads replicate that famous Liverpool sound Live and they do it all without any tapes, sequences or backing tracks re-creating everything from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "A Hard Day's Night" to "Revolution" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Guest Narrator: Bruce Williams

This show is a marathon between musicians, various musical sports and quizzes. Popular works performed include Olympic Fanfare and Theme by John Williams, theme songs from Chariots of Fire, Take me Out to the Ball Game and more.

Joni Mitchell & Alberta Ballet’s Artistic director/choreographer Jean Grand-Maitre created this exhilarating, emotionally rich Ballet that explores the human potential to create & destroy, to love & to hate.

“…intense energy…powerful unity of visual art, music and dance.” Calgary Herald

“…silver moon hovering over the stage, becomes the window to images of soldiers, children, trees, and cityscapes…they are Mitchell’s commentary on our world.”
Karen Hawthorne, National Post

Classical in training – eclectic by design – Quartetto Gelato not only thrills its audiences with its multi-instrument mastery, but also offers the bonus of a brilliant operatic tenor and four time World Accordion Champion. 

Guest Artist Susanne Bullock

The concert begins with Clarinet Concerto by Aaron Copland and Prairie Dawn by Stephen Chatman.  You will also hear Serenade for Strings, Op.22 by Antonin Dvorak and many more.

In 1498, Emperor Maximilian the first, moved his court and musicians from Innsbruck to Vienna. He gave instructions that there were to be six boys among his musicians. For want of a foundation charter, historians have settled on 1498 as the official foundation date of the Vienna Boys' Choir. Until 1918, the choir sang exclusively for the court, at mass, at private concerts and functions and on state occasions.

Today there are around 100 choristers between the ages of ten and fourteen, divided into four touring choirs. The four choirs give around 300 concerts and performances each year in front of almost half a million people. Each group spends nine to eleven weeks of the school year on tour, playing in all European countries, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

The choir's repertoire includes everything from medieval to contemporary and experimental music.

Click to watch a clip of the Vienna Boys Choir

An acoustic trio of passionate, fiery guitars! These gentlemen have forged brilliant independent careers, garnering awards and winning the hearts of their respective fans, as well as international accolades and critical praise for their musicianship.

“Lopez is on Fire!”

The Toronto Star

"Lord of the strings”

Star Phoenix regarding Pavlo

"Rik’s guitar playing is surpassed only by his gentle character.” Alex Lifeson, Rush

Guest Artist: Maureen Thomas

Robert Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale is a miniature symphony, and Pangaea by Jeffrey Ryan tells of a future together in unity.  Maureen Thomas performs all the characters of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Preshow chat at 6:30pm.

A string ensemble full of passion & energy! Award winning violinist Angele Dubeau brings together nine of the finest female musicians in Canada.

“The players of La Pieta perform with gusto, precision and taste."

Stanley Fefferman/The Live Music Report

"Angèle Dubeau’s expression is uncompromising, ripe and joyous... Precise attacks, excellent ensemble playing and energy… passion, presence… The musicians’ smiles are contagious, even more so because they are conveyed by way of both mouth and ears,”
Le Devoir

Blistering guitar licks & soulful vocals! David has garnered awards & critical acclaim including multiple Juno award nominations & Guitarist of the Year/Maple Blues Awards.

"...Wow! …what a monster talent…his playing sparkles, crackles & smokes…”
Sunday Blues Rock 101

“...fiery guitarist… a world-class slide player...” Art Tipaldi Senior Writer Blues Revue/BluesWax

“...blues wizardry…”
Barry Newman, Cosmic Debris

Guest Artist: Phil Hansen

Heroes comes from all walks of life and social settings.  This concerts features Le Tombeau de Couperin by Maurice Ravel, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No.1 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, “Eroica”.

Preshow chat at 6:30pm.

A compelling theatre dance piece for family audiences, Raven Stole the Sun is a delightful tale about how the sun, moon, and stars came to hold their positions in the sky.

“I wish it never ended!”

Hailey, 8 years old

“The fun and the beauty of this high-spirited performance...what sets the whole show apart is, in a word, joy”

Edmonton Journal

Canada’s most exciting vocal ensemble! musica intima is known around the world for their warm & engaging stage presence, impeccable musicianship, and unique self-directed approach to ensemble singing.

“...exquisite 12-voice conductor-less choir…refined sonic purity…breathtaking.” Vancouver Courier

“Each voice is a hand-blown ornament streaked with gold.”
Globe & Mail