by Gillian Crowley –
Music, Mayhem and Murder
Enjoy a nosh with murder on the side as Theatre al Dente presents their first annual Summer Dinner Theater Experience: The Phantom of the Light Opera, an interactive Murder Mystery Musical. The talented local cast will perform a farcical romp that adds a murder mystery twist to the classic tale of The Phantom of the Opera. This interactive theater experience allows the audience to choose the killer in Act Two, with a potentially different outcome every night. Tickets: https://theatrealdente.com
August 8 and 15 at The Roost Farm Bakery and Vineyard Bistro. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. August 4: Dessert only version at Deep Cove Winery, doors open at 6:30, show at
7 p.m., and August 5 matinee, doors open at 1:30, show at 2 p.m.
Pixels and Paint
Local photographer Cheryl Taschuk (Island Images BC) will present a collection of her finest West Coast wildlife, scenery and florals. She is joined by local artist Cally Clarke who will show some of her original paintings, prints and animal portraits. Lovers of nature and art will want to see this display. Free entry and parking. August 6 to12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ArtSea Gallery at Tulista, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
Last Night of the Proms
Get out the bow ties and sassy fascinators to celebrate summertime and honour an old British musical tradition with the Victoria Summer Choir, an amalgamation of singers from the region’s premier choirs. The “Last Night of the Proms” refers to an English summer tradition of concerts featuring well-known or popular music and beloved sacred and secular favourites. The last night is always a big social occasion and often quite spectacular. Tickets: SHOAL Centre or by calling 250-656-5537. August 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney.
Comedy at McTavish
McTavish Academy of Art and Ratfish Comedy will present the third installment of Hook, Line and Sinker. Chuckles and belly laughs galore at this night of stand-up comedy showcasing the talents of professional stand-up comics as well as a selection of budding local talent. Tickets: https://mctavishacademy.ca/product/comedy.
August 17, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 and show starts at 8. McTavish Academy of Art, 1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich.
Lantern Festival and Parade
Join in the magic of the Salish Sea Lantern Festival. Festivities start at the Sidney Pier Band Shell with the SENĆOŦEN Singers, live music, face painting, balloon twisting, bubbles and a display of extraordinary hand-made lanterns. New musical guests include Holly Artzen, Kevin Wright of The Wilds and the EcoFolk Rock duo who will perform their intertidal hit Salish Sea and other songs. The SENĆOŦEN singers will perform a traditional SENĆOŦEN song and dance and lead the lantern procession along Sidney’s waterfront towards the Fishing Pier. Everyone is invited to participate in this fun-filled lantern walk. August 25: starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends around 9:30 or 10 p.m.
Arts & Music in the Gardens
In late August the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific will hold a magical weekend that weaves music, art, food, and people together in HPC’s award-winning gardens. With over 50 vendors, including artists, musicians and artisanal food producers, visitors will be entertained and amazed as they explore the different gardens. Members of the Victoria Floral Artists’ Guild will display some captivating floral art and activities will be available for the little ones in the children’s area. August 25 to 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road (off Interurban Road).
