Coming UP…
Scroll down to see all the great musical events coming!
Next VFS MONTHLY FIDDLE JAM – Friday, May 1st
Don’t forget – Fiddle Jam this Friday, May 1st
one of our faves, Cohan Lyne will be leading us. It will be a great evening of music & fun!
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Doors open at 6:45 pm Intermission snacks are welcome!
Cost: Members no charge; Drop In $5
Where: Wheeley Hall in the Esquimalt United Church Building (500 Admirals Road).
Enter off Lyall Street.
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Adult Fiddle Classes with Miriam Sonstenes
Monday nights, April 6 – May 25 (8 classes)
Level: Intermediate, experienced beginners welcome
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Location: St. Barnabas Church, 1525 Begbie St
Registration: please email miriamsonstenes@gmail.com
Tuition: $240 Please pay via e-transfer to miriamsonstenes@gmail.com before the first class, or bring cheque or cash to the first class
Details: Dear fiddlers! We are continuing our Monday night class. This class is for intermediate level adult players looking to work on their skills in a fun and relaxed setting! We will explore tunes from a variety of styles (old time, celtic, bluegrass, swing, blues), with a strong focus on technique. Tunes will be taught by ear with sheet music provided at the end of class. Hope to see you!
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Joy of Life!
Friday, April 24 (selling out fast!) & Saturday, April 25 SOLD OUT!
7:30 pm
Alix Golden Performance Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music, 900 Johnson Street.
There are still tickets available for Friday night’s performance featuring Daniel’s special guest, Tom Taylor but they are going fast!
See a great show with the BC Fiddle Orchestra, the Old-Time Danceband, joined by alumni from the past 32 years, Folkstra! and the Joy of Life Choir, backed by the mighty Joy of Life House Band of renowned local musicians.
Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/daniel-lapps-joy-of-life-concerts-2026/
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Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival – Saturday May 2!
May 2nd – Fiddle Section
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Building, B-Wing, UVIC
Tickets are $5.
The GVPA Festival is encouraging members to come out on May 2nd and hear the future fiddlers of Victoria. The sessions take place at 9am and 1pm at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall at UVic.
The morning session is focused on Junior (10 & under) and Intermediate (14 & under) performers, and the afternoon on the Senior and Open participants.
Trent Freeman has replaced Patrick M’Gonigle as this year’s adjudicator.
They are also looking for volunteers for that day. Positions include ticket sales, door person, and adjudicator assistant. The shifts would start 30 minutes before the 9 am and 1 pm sessions; sessions are between 3 and 4 hours long. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Mike Gower at mikegower@gmail.com
https://www.gvpaf.org/events (schedule)
https://www.gvpaf.org/fiddle (program)
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Nanaimo Fiddle Society Presents:
Nanaimo’s Premier Youth Fiddle Ensemble
Fiddelium – Live at The Port Theatre
Friday May 8
The Port Theatre, 125 Front St, Nanaimo
With special guests, Sylvia Humble, Nanaimo Folk Band and Suzuki Strings
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Highland Games – Canadian Fiddling Day – Musicians Wanted!
Saturday, May 16
11:00 am
Topaz Park, Victoria
Join the Victoria Fiddle Society once again this year as we bring some lively tunes to the Highland Games – all are welcome! We’re thrilled to have the incredible Cohan Lyne leading the charge.
To register, email VFSinfo@gmail.com with Highland Games in the subject line. Plus, those registered get free entrance to the Games!
And looking ahead – Sign up to play on July 1st!
Come join the VFS on Canada Day, July 1st, at the Metchosin FESTIVUS celebration. This is a non-paying event, we’ll be outside and we’ll be playing a medley of familiar tunes as in past gigs, especially a few good ole Canadian ones. The more the merrier – all instruments welcome!
If you’re interested, email vfsinfo@gmail.com
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CONCERT – Alan & the Daves
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Doors: 6:00 pm Show: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
The Coda, 751 View St., Victoria
They’re back, with new acoustic originals about love, loss, squirrel sex, and cycling …plus a few choice covers. Alan and the Daves is a trio made up of songwriters Alan Cassels, David Bigsby, and Dave Kettlewell. They made their debut last February, selling out The Coda’s Bar Stage, and are coming back better than ever!
Tickets & Info: Alan & the Daves
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BEACON RIDGE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS …
Upcoming Shows….
We’re excited to share our upcoming spring lineup—our final series of shows before we take a break for the summer. It’s a strong mix of roots, folk, and dance-driven nights, and we’d love to see you out at one (or more!) of these events.
May 2 – Martin Harley
First Church of Christ Scientist, 1205 Pandora Avenue | 7:30 pm (doors 6:45 pm)
Internationally acclaimed British guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley brings his signature blend of slide guitar, blues, and roots to the stage. Known for his spellbinding live performances and intricate musicianship, this is a rare chance to catch a true master in an intimate setting.
Tickets: $40 + GST
May 15 – Uncle Wiggly & The Smokin’ Hot Toasters Dance Party
Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. | 7:30 pm (doors 6:00 pm for dinner service)
Get ready for a high-energy night of jump blues, swing, and dance-floor favourites. Uncle Wiggly & The Smokin’ Hot Toasters deliver a big, bold sound that’s guaranteed to get you moving—perfect for a lively night out.
Tickets: $25 + GST
May 16 – Aleksi Campagne & Bagatelle (Double Bill)
Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. | 7:30 pm (doors 6:00 pm for dinner service)
A special double bill featuring two standout acts. Aleksi Campagne blends folk, classical, and contemporary influences into a uniquely powerful sound, while Bagatelle brings vibrant Québecois tradition to life with dynamic, rhythm-driven performances. A rich and memorable evening of music.
Tickets: $30 + GST
May 22 – The Pairs
Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. | 7:30 pm (doors 6:00 pm for dinner service)
This award-winning trio is known for their lush harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and engaging stage presence. The Pairs deliver an uplifting mix of contemporary folk that resonates deeply with audiences.
Tickets: $35 + GST
June 5 – Groove Kitchen Dance Party
Upstairs Lounge, Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St. | 7:30 pm (doors 6:00 pm for dinner service)
We’re closing out the season with a full-on dance party. Groove Kitchen brings the funk, soul, and groove to keep the floor packed all night long. Come celebrate the season with us before we break for the summer.
Tickets: $25 + GST
These are our final shows before the summer break, and several are expected to fill up—so we recommend booking early. Please visit our website for more information on the artists and to buy tickets. Any questions please feel free to get in touch with us directly.
Thanks as always for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the shows.
Warmly,
Marie & Adrien Bachand
Beacon Ridge Productions
https://www.beaconridgeproductions.com
250-812-7978
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Seaside Music Festival
June 19-21, 2026
Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney ANAF & Beacon Bandshell
What a line up! Get your tickets now!
- Judy Collins
- Dawn Pemberton & Emily Braden
- Nautical Disaster – Canada’s Tribute to the Tragically Hip
- Ella Korth
- Dana Sipos
- Bagatelle
- Max Francis
- Tia Greenwood & Co.
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Other Open Mic or Jams, Live Music Events, etc.
A great resource for Open Mics or Open Jams (one link for each day of the week!!), Live Music Events and more!
Victoria Folk Music Society
https://www.victoriafolkmusic.ca/Sundays-Open-LMEs-Vancouver-Island.html
https://victoriafolkmusic.ca/LiveMusicEvents_Mostly_March-2026.html
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaFolkMusic
If you’re hosting Live Music Events or performing on Vancouver Island or the adjacent islands, I will happily add your event(s) to our monthly listing! Ron G.
Also, this is a growing list — https://victoriafolkmusic.ca/LiveMusicVenues.html
Islandfolk mailing list
Islandfolk@victoriafolkmusic.ca
http://victoriafolkmusic.ca/mailman/listinfo/islandfolk_victoriafolkmusic.ca
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It’s never too late to renew your membership… Renew right now via an e-Transfer to victoriafiddlesocietypayments@gmail.com or, at the Jam with credit or debit card, cash (exact amount appreciated) or cheque $25 single/$60 family. Not sure if you’re still a member? Send us an email vfsinfo@gmail.com and we’ll check.
VIctoria Fiddle Society and on Facebook Suggestions? Email us at: vfsinfo@gmail.com
