One way to connect to the live music scene on the Island is to go out to all the open stages you can.In the short time I have applied myself to the task I have met many wonderful and helpful persons. The open stage network is supportive, friendly and very fun. I will add to this site as I visit each venue.
Every Sunday 3-7 pm
phone: 360 2711
Sound system. Stage moves to tiny outdoor patio on nice days in summer. Attentive audience. When I was there the performers got a free beer. The show used to be called Thursdys Sunday Hootenany, and was hosted by Carolyn Mark.
Every Sunday 7-9pm
VFMS. Victoria Folk music Society.
Norway House 1110 Hillside, Victoria
phone 413 3213
A short walk from
Mailing: Old Town Strings 539 Pandora, Victoria, BC V8W 1N5
First Friday of the month:
Mayne Island Folk Club
Ag
Folk club format (first half of evening is devoted to open mic)
phone Shanti at 539 5456, she will direct you to the phone number of the host for that night. Ag hall is 2 k from ferry dock. Feel comfortable to “ask for a lift “ on the ferry. Ferry arrives at 500 pm and returns to Van Island (the main island) at 900 pm. It’s a long trip but very accessable by BC Transit and a good journey if you have a book to read.The folk club opened in 2002. Tables and chairs in an intimate 100 year old wooden hall.
Every Saturday 730-1130:
Blue Peter 2270 Harbour Rd, in Sidney BC
656-4551
Neighbourhood pub overlooking water and boats. Stay
on the #70 bus a few stops past
for two years and :”is getting busier all the time”
It is a good venue for fiddletunes, oldtimey etc., as well as singer songwriter.
Every Thursady 800-1100pm
Dundarave Cafe
2427 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
contact the host: Shaun Lester at 64 727 4487
Pub with a restaurant atmosphere. There is a sound system, and an option to have your performance recorded onto a cd for ten dollars.
Bring your friends to fill the place up.
Second Friday of each month
Deep Cove Folk
St John United Church
10990
Tark Hamilton: 250 656 1706
Concert format, attentive audience always full hall. You need a car to get here, although it is only a few K from Swartz Bay and BC Ferries.
Every Sunday 800-1100
Charles Dickens Pub
2250 Beacon Ave, Sidney
phone: 250 656 5042
Cozy venue, “barely there” sound system. Nice, except the waitress asked my 16 yr old son to leave, even though we ordered no drinks and he was there only so he could sing and play his guitar at the openmic. Oh well.
There are many many more venues that I will add to this list after I play them. There are
coffeehouses and folk clubs at Gabriola, Bamfield, Port Alberni, Brentwood, Mill Bay, Cowichan, Sooke, Naniamo, Highlands, Saltspring, Campbell River,
also pub and bar openmics, Steamers, Gorge and
Dragon, and many others, and non liscenced clubs like Spiral Groove, Fernwood
center, etc.. AND then there is the