Critic's Picks: Bergmann Piano Duo, Two Bobs and a Mule, Buckman Coe

CLASSICAL

What: From Paris to New York… and Hollywood

Where: Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan

When: Monday, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m.

Tickets: $30 from ctcentre.bc.ca or 250-746-2722

Why: Surrey musicians Elizabeth and Marcel Begmann will be performing a program of classical music at this event, which marks the return of in-person concerts to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Well known to patrons of the Duncan theatre complex, The Bergmann Piano Duo has prepped material that is sure to impress, from George Bizet and Claude Debussy to excerpts from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The husband-and-wife duo will provide context to what they are playing, and often allow guests to sit on stage near their pianos, adding a personal touch to an already-appealing affair.

ROCK

What: Two Bobs and a Mule play The Basement Tapes

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.

When: Friday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $25

Why: The all-star assembly of musicians banding together for a tribute to Bob Dylan and The Band features some of the city’s best — the first of many reasons to see this tribute. Another factor in their favour is the set-list that is culled from The Basement Tapes, a double-album of songs by Dylan and The Band that was recorded between 1967 and 1975. That’s peak Dylan, with country music and rock ’n’ roll occupying equal space on the shelf. You’ll find the genesis of roots rockers like Jack White and the Black Keys in this sonic amalgam. Highest recommendation.

ROOTS

What: Buckman Coe with Kurt Loewen

Where: Vinyl Envy, 1717 Quadra St.

When: Saturday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30)

Tickets: $15 from eventbrite.ca

Why: Buckman Coe and his band have hit some delerious highs during past Vancouver Island performances, but the pandemic has reduced his line-up to a solo project at present. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing: Coe has set-up a multimedia “intersection” for Saturday, which mixes vinyl instrumentals with live performance, blurring the boundaries between electronica, psychedelia, and acoustic rhythm and blues. Kurt Loewen of Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra opens.