MUSIC
What: Breakout West: Back to Live
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
When: Thursday, Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Free (entry must be reserved through victoriaeventcentre.ca)
Why: A provincially/federally-funded initiative designed to get audiences and musicians back together is set for tonight at the Victoria Event Centre. Vancouver Island artists Alexandra Maillot and Dana Sipos play the free event, which also features guest speakers covering topics of concern as the music industry mounts its comeback of epic proportions. This type of event — in support of the annual BreakOut West music festival taking place in Winnipeg from Feb. 2-6 — is a step in the right direction.
THEATRE
What: The Storybook Nutcracker
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $25 (adult), $20 (student/senior), or $15 (children under 12) from marywinspear.ca
Why: When you start to see productions of The Nutcracker on the calendar, Christmas has officially arrived. This charming production by Ballet Étoile Canada is first out of the gate in Greater Victoria, with three productions of the storied ballet over two days at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney. Families and the young-at-heart take note.
MUSIC
What: Heather Ferguson
Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Friday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $25 from hermannsjazz.com
Why: Heather Ferguson specializes in the type of jazz that made Burt Bacharach a Hall of Famer in the 1960s and ’70s: Lush, expertly performed, and with an engaging setlist. Ferguson will fill the room with her silky smooth notes on Friday, backed by what she calls “the best guys in town.” She’s not wrong there. The addition of musicians Damian Graham, Tony Genge, Joey Smith, Miguelito Valdes and Barrie Sorensen makes this Friday night a seriously can’t-miss affair.
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