FERN FEST
Where: Fernwood Square
When: June 14-15
Admission: Free
Why: This lively celebration of all things Fernwood enters its 27th year Friday, with a sprawling, diverse program that includes festival staples (art, magic, artisan market, and children’s activities) in addition to music performances on multiple stages. Sets by Neighbourly, Petunia & the Vipers, Current Swell’s Davers Lang, Blasé Blasé and Ayla Tesler-Mabé, among others, will draw big crowds, but there’s an overwhelming amount of family-friendly offerings for non-music types, from dance lessons with the City of Victoria’s artist in residence Kemi Craig to tours, workshops and a silent auction. A summer highlight.
TARANTINO NIGHT
Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates St.
When: Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7)
Tickets: $22.63 in advance at ; $25 at the door
Why: Music is an intrinsic element of the films of Quentin Tarantino, who pioneered the kitschy-song-as-a-central-character conceit prevalent in films today. His actors always delivered imminently memorable performances, a killer combination that provides the framework for Tarantino Night at Lucky Bar on Friday. Music will be provided by EV!L, Gord Light Brigade, and MD Wren & Company, and burlesque and drag performers Florence Fatale, Persephone Poision, Nanise, Judith and others will add spice and variety. As long as they don’t try to recreate the ear-cutting scene from Reservoir Dogs, this should be a blast.
FOR ALL TO HEAR
Where: Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Rd.
When: Saturday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100 from
Why: The wood-lined Baumann Centre is home to this Pacific Opera Victoria fundraiser and silent auction, which benefits emerging talents in the company’s artist residency program. There’s also a cocktail reception and meet-and-greet, with a musical component anchored by the talents of mezzo-soprano Camila Montefusco, soprano Nicole Ross, and conductor, pianist and vocal coach Kimberley-Ann Bartczak, who will highlight lesser-known yet significant composers.
