JIMMY CARR
Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
When: Friday, June 23, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45.50-$55.50 from or 250-220-7777
Why: Jimmy Carr’s Terribly Funny tour should live up to its name, given his previous appearances in the market and growing reputation as one of the top stand-up performers in the world. His appearance at the University of Victoria’s 1,200-seat Farquhar Auditorium in 2018 was a greatest hits show, whereas his upcoming date at the 7,000-seat arena on Blanshard Street features all-new material. That sets the stage for an elite live comedy experience from one of the best in the business.
TOFINO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, including Clayoquot Sound Theatre
When: Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25
Tickets: $11.98-$54.58, along with free performances
Why: The wildfire-related closure of Highway 4 has forced organizers of this excellent event to scale back and adjust, but the event still has plenty to offer music fans in the Tofino-Ucluelet area. A range of free events (starting with the festival-opening End of the Road block party) and ticketed shows (including three-time Juno Award winner Jill Barber, who performs tomorrow at the Clayoquot Sound Theatre) are included among the offerings, which should have extra impact this year. The show must go on — and will, according to organizers.
STAND UP DOWNSTAIRS
Where: Wicket Hall, 900 Douglas St.
When: Friday, June 23, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $20 from
Why: The Strathcona Hotel is the latest Victoria venue to try its hand at live comedy, which has been surging of late. And why not? The recently-renovated space has great sightlines for comedy, and the line-up is full of funny men and women. Vancouver comic and podcaster John Cullen (known to some for his work on CBC’s The Debaters and the annual Just For Laughs Festival) leads a collection of comics that also includes Carilynn Nicholson (Victoria), Dylan Williams (Victoria), and Syd Bosel (Comox). Worth a look, at the very least.
