MUSIC: Murge’s Golden Return with Lito Ford
Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates St.
When: Friday, March 4, 10 p.m.
Tickets: $21 from eventbrite.ca
Why: One of the last pre-pandemic events held at Lucky Bar was a free-rein performance by Victoria’s DJ Murge, who will command the stage for one of the first ticketed events at the Yates Street mainstay since restrictions have returned nightclubbing to normal. If you know Murge, you know he has prepared surprises aplenty, and with a million and one directions in which he can direct the crowd, those wanting to dance away the week that was will have ample opportunities to do so on Friday night. Game on.
THEATRE: The Unexpected Guest
Where: St Luke’s Hall, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd.
When: March 9-12; March 16-19
Tickets: $16 from eventbrite.ca
Why: The home of community theatre in Saanich has an Agatha Christie classic on tap next week, and if the recent success of Hilda’s Yard — which was held over due to demand — is a barometer, St. Luke’s Hall will be very busy through the upcoming 12-show run. The Unexpected Guest, directed by Geoff J. Davidson, is classic Christie, with more twists and turns than a bag of pretzels. The production will be handled by St. Luke’s Players, whose current season wraps in May. The opportunity to enjoy theatre in its ideal state, without capacity restrictions, should not be missed. For more information, visit stlukesplayers.org.
MUSIC: Tim Berne and Gregg Belisle-Chi with Gordon Grdina
Where: Vinyl Envy, 1717 Quadra St.
When: Saturday, March 5, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30)
Tickets: $15 from eventbrite.ca
Why: An avant-garde jazz performance at Vinyl Envy produced by The Fifty-Fifty Arts Collective has a nice ring to it, especially as venues have moved beyond the confines of half-capacity performances. Vancouver multi-instrumentalist Gordon Grdina (playing the music of New Yorker Tim Berne) will perform a set to open the evening, followed by a headlining set from Berne — yes, the aforementioned saxophonist — and New York guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi, whose program will feature material from their new album, Mars, which was released to acclaim in January.
