SOUL/ROOTS
What: The Bankes Brothers
Where:
When: Saturday, July 10, 7 p.m.
Tickets: By donation
Why: Saturday night sets by this North Saanich seven-piece have been highlights of the local concert calendar for several years, dating back to the band鈥檚 blow-the-doors-off residency at Canoe Brewpub. The group have come out of the pandemic with several new directions in play, from recent opening sets for country star Aaron Pritchett to their set this weekend at the city鈥檚 top jazz haunt. Do not miss the group fronted by brothers Morgan and Nelson Bankes, whose Stax-friendly soul is a force to be reckoned with. A group that is going nowhere else but up. Highest recommendation.
ELECTRONIC
What: Moontricks
Where: Harvest Rd., 2451 Island View Rd.
When: Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, 6 p.m.
Tickets:
Why: The first must-see local live event of the provincial restart is a very intriguing pair of outdoor performances by live electronic-acoustic act Moontricks, who have two sold-out shows at the Harvest Rd. food truck near Mitchell鈥檚 Farm in Saanichton this weekend. The inaugural event in what is advertised as a summer concert and dining series (tickets include a farm-to-table meal) is outfitted with a beverage garden and oodles of appeal. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
ROOTS
What: Vancouver Island Music Festival
Where:
When: Friday through Sunday, July 9-11
Tickets: By donation
Why: Nothing can replace the in-person experience of attending Courtenay鈥檚 Vancouver Island Music Festival, but an online version of the festival will do in a pinch (or a pandemic). Organizers of the hugely popular annual event are offering 25 hours of free programming through the weekend, including sets by Colin Linden, Tom Jackson, William Prince, Angel Forrest and Shawn Hall from The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, among others. The festival is being offered free of charge, but donations are encouraged. Given the rough ride live events have been given in recent months, that鈥檚 a fair trade-off for an online event of this calibre.
