CARMANAH
Where: McPherson Playhouse
When: Saturday, May 20, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Sold Out
Why: Though the event (with an opening set by indie all-star Aidan Knight) is officially sold out, it’s worth searching for a spare ticket to Carmanah’s career-closing concert Saturday at the McPherson Playhouse. These hard-working Victoria folk rockers will cease to exist in their current form following the show, as lead singer and songwriter, Laura Mitic, is preparing for life as a solo artist. Pay tribute, shed a tear, wave your arms in the air like you just don’t care — if you can’t be in the room, find a way to show your appreciation for what the group gave to Victoria over their 10 years as a group.
COME FROM AWAY
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.
When: Until May 24
Tickets: $159.75-$169.75 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or rmts.bc.ca
Why: Come From Away has already made it into the annals of Victoria theatre history — and remarkably, there are still nine performances left in its run. This type of musical (a Broadway hit direct from New York) rarely makes it this far west, so take the opportunity to see this homespun true tale about the generosity of townsfolk from Gander, N.L., following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. More than 24,000 tickets have been sold thus far, but seats are still available for the last half of the record-setting run. Seize the opportunity.
DAVID ARKENSTONE AND FRIENDS
Where: First Unitarian Church of Victoria, 5575 West Saanich Rd.
When: Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $30 ($15 for students) from eventbrite.com
Why: A 250-seat room seems like an unusually small space in which to house David Arkenstone, a five-time Grammy Award nominee with over 100 million Spotify streams and 60-plus albums to his credit. Take the opportunity and enjoy the intimate surroundings as Arkenstone will treat attendees to all manner of musical styles, from New Age and world music to film scores and video game soundtracks. It’s hard to know what exactly to expect musically, but the talent will never be in question.
