SPOKEN WORD: Henry Rollins
Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave.
When: Saturday, May 21, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $47.29 (incl. taxes and fees) from ; $201.53 (incl. taxes and fees) for VIP meet-and-greet
Why: Henry Rollins will be all talk and no rock during his pair of Vancouver Island appearances this week, but the former Black Flag and Rollins Band frontman knows how to entertain, regardless of the format. Rollins, 61, is a well-known for his a spoken word performances, which makes his solo sets — some of which are multiple-hour marathons — boisterous events. Rollins has strong opinions to share, especially when it comes to politics, and his Good To See You tour will give the actor and entrepreneur the opportunity to address the pandemic in a way that only he can. Rollins is at The Port Theatre on Friday, followed by the Alix Goolden Performance Hall on Saturday, the latter being his first spoken word appearance in Victoria since 2017.
THEATRE: The Curious Savage
Where: St Luke’s Church Hall, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd.
When: Through May 29
Tickets: $16 from or at the door
Why: There’s a touch of psychological comedy (à la One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) to The Curious Savage, whose lead character is taking solace (or has she been committed?) in a sanatorium. That her family believes she’s unwell has everything to do with greed and pettiness brought about by a $10-million inheritance, which the titular Mrs. Ethel P. Savage intends to give away. A classic about the ills of humanity from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick, The Curious Savage (directed by Janine Longy) brings the St. Luke’s Players 2021-2022 season to a close with evening and matinée performances through May 29.
MUSIC: Social Grooves featuring DJ Dan, DJ Colette, Primitive, and more
Where: Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Dr.
When: Saturday, May 21, 12 p.m.
Tickets: $75.28 (incl. taxes and fees) from eventbrite.ca: $80 at the door
Why: This all-day festival is the type of dance music event Victoria had by the dozens 20 years ago, but rarely sees today. Held outdoors in Saanichton, on the picturesque Heritage Acres site, the event boasts 10 performers, ranging from house music legends DJ Dan (Los Angeles) and DJ Colette (Chicago) to a number of local favourites. The event is weather-proof, in the sense that half the fun is braving the elements. Be wary, a throwback like Social Grooves will test your mettle: Dancers still on their feet by the time the event closes at 1 a.m. will be in line for a gold medal.
