NANAIMO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, including the Port Theatre, The Queens, and more
When: Sept. 12-15
Tickets: nanaimojazzfest.ca
Why: Organizers have put together an array of impressive offerings for the Nanaimo Jazz Festival, with 19 concerts at 12 venues on tap through four days this weekend. Hans Verhoeven, Angela Verbrugge, Ryan Oliver, Cory Weeds and Brad Tuner are among the performers, with a group of decorated jazz legends (Phil Dwyer, Christine Jensen, Ted Quinlan, Alexander Brown, Roberto Occipinti, and Terry Clark) banding together at the Port Theatre on Saturday for a rare one-off as the Canadian All Stars Sextet. One of the best annual events Nanaimo has to offer.
DOC WALKER
Where: Charlie White Theatre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
When: Thursday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $58.80 from marywinspear.ca
Why: Manitoba country group Doc Walker has slowed its pace in recent years, in terms of new music, but live shows by the Juno Award winners remain a hoot-and-hollerin’ good time. Co-founders Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw remain the crux of the operation, and always give fans good reason to celebrate. Country music is king in 2024, so Doc Walker has picked an opportune time to get some live events off the books. Fans won’t want to miss it.
STRAUSS’ FOUR LAST SONGS
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.
When: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$136 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or rmts.bc.ca
Why: The Victoria Symphony’s season-opening performance features works by composers Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich, with operatic support from soprano Aviva Fortunata. VS conductor Christian Kluxen will be at the helm for what is his eighth season opener, and it’s a good one, from Strauss’ final composition before his death (Four Last Songs) to a late-period symphony in four movements by Shostakovich (Symphony No. 10 in E minor).
