GRANDSON
Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St.
When: Thursday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Sold out
Why: Two-time Juno Award nominee Grandson opened for Avril Lavigne in Victoria last year, which was an odd fit for the New Jersey-born, Ontario-raised, Los Angeles-based performer. The songwriter-singer-producer born Jordan Benjamin is more dynamic than many of his ilk, with several substantial hits from his 2020 debut still burning up radio. His follow-up, I Love You, I’m Trying, has not yet taken hold with audiences, but his live performances remain noteworthy. His show at the Capital Ballroom (with opening acts Monowhales and No Love for the Middle Child) is sold out, but this would be one show worth braving the secondary ticket market for in order to attend.
HORNBY FESTIVAL
Where: Various locations, including Rosemuir Farm and the Community Hall
When: Thursday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 12
Tickets: $40-$70 daily; $220 for a festival pass
Why: Each of the eight mainstage performances for the Hornby Festival have something substantial to offer, from classical (LyricaFest Trio; Isidore String Quartet) and world music (Okan) to dance (Five Alarm Funk) and rock (Dear Rouge). The 10-day festival employs myriad venues, making its way into every corner of the island, and becomes the biggest must-see event of the summer for locals and tourists alike.
COOMBS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Where: Coombs Rodeo Grounds, 2601 Alberni Hwy.
When: Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6
Tickets: $45-$65 daily; $110 for a weekend pass (children 12 and under free with adult)
Why: Bluegrass groups from sa国际传媒 will join forces with HighBanks from Ontario and Dysfunction Junction from Seattle for the 43rd edition of this winning event, which never disappoints. If your only experience with Coombs is the nearby Old Country Market, to snap pictures of goats on the roof, you owe it to yourself to visit the Coombs Rodeo Grounds at some point this week. Run by a dedicated team of “old-timey” aficionados, there’s plenty to like here.
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