Critic's picks: John Fogerty, Bike Rave, Willie Watson

JOHN FOGERTY

Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St., Victoria
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $39.50-$149.50 from the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre box office (250-220-7777) or selectyourtickets.com

Why: A concert by John Fogerty isn’t the four-alarm fire it was back when he made his Victoria debut in 2007, at the very same arena he’s playing on Friday night. But if you’ve ever seen the living legend perform, there’s little doubt the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Creedence Clearwater Revival founder can still bring it. The spry 79-year-old is bringing his Celebration Tour to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, and don’t be surprised if there’s a sense of revelry to the proceedings. Not only is he arriving with his family band in tow, he is doing so with the copyrights to CCR’s catalogue — songs he birthed during one of the most productive and successful four-year stretches in rock ‘n roll history — back in his possession following a 50-year legal battle. That’s a cause for celebration, indeed.

VICTORIA BIKE RAVE

Where: Galloping Goose Regional Trail at Lochside Regional Trail, near Recyclistas Bike Shop (25 Crease Ave.) in Saanich
When: Friday, Aug. 23 Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

Why: Electric and pedal-powered cyclists are invited to bike-boogie their way along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail accompanied by hundreds of like-minded revellers and the sounds of local DJs Yours Truly, Phulla, and Xandr. A mobile sound system will lead the way, with “plenty of short stops along the way to rest, hang, dance and take in the views,” according to organizers (the music will also be broadcast through an FM transmitter suitable for individual portable speakers.) The event will be mobile for several hours, and is suitable for riders of all skill levels. Previous instalments have been rapturously attended, so expect a memorable experience.

Update: Rain has prompted organizers to postpone the free Bike Rave from Aug. 23 until Aug. 30.

“We’re very sad to have to postpone this but safety is our primary focus and it’s just not safe for everyone and the equipment to do this in the rain,” organizer Alex Kalicki wrote on Facebook.

Up-to-date information is available through a Facebook event page.

WILLIE WATSON

Where: Pitchfork Social, 319 Upper Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island
When: Thursday, Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44.39 from pitchforksocial.com/

Why: New York-raised, Los Angeles-based Willie Watson made six records with Nashville collective Old Crow Medicine Crow — including four that topped the U.S. bluegrass charts — before going solo in 2011. He’s finally making his way to the Vancouver Island area, and will bring his unique skill set (guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica) to the Pitchfork Social on Salt Spring Island (Aug. 22) and The Orillia Street Music Hall in Victoria (Aug. 23) for what should a pair of exceptional performances. Don’t miss him.

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