A peek behind the curtain with Major Conrad Flapps
Meet the man behind the clown as artist Stuart Nemtin presents Fiddling with the Stories of My Life, an autobiographical show at the Victoria Jewish Community Centre, June 23.
Nemtin, who is a storyteller, violin player, poet, actor and musician, is perhaps best known to audiences as Major Conrad Flapps, a clown character he has played for about 35 years.
The theme of his autobiographical show — subtitled Confessions of a Clown — takes the audience on an exploration of how he managed to overcome obstacles and challenges in his life — sometimes with the help of his clown persona.
Tickets are $25 ($20 for Jewish Community Centre of Victoria members). The event starts at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at the Victoria Jewish Community Centre, 3636 Shelbourne St. For more information, or for tickets, go to jccvictoria.ca.
Celebrate Pride with Victoria Conservatory of Music
Enjoy a performance by Victoria Conservatory of Music faculty who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies at Celebrate Pride!, an afternoon of musical performance and conversation, at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Sunday, June 23.
The afternoon of music celebrates the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ composers, arrangers, or performers. Musical performers include: Camilo Aybar, Dr. Jack Edwards and Patricia Kostek performing Trio No. 2 in C Minor by Camilo Aybar.
The performance will be followed by Conservatory Chat, with panellists discussing some of those contributions — as well as the importance of celebrating pride — in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The discussion will touch on how 2SLGBTQIA+ artists have made important contributions to the artistic community, conservatory culture, the local community and beyond.
The conversation is moderated by Dr. Jack Edwards, with guests Ace Mann and Geri Kramer.
The concert and conversation is free or pay what you can. The event runs 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday June 23 at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson St.
For more information, showpass.com/big-idea-celebrate-pride.
Enjoy Italian food, music, culture and more
Experience the essence of all things Italian at the Victoria Italian Day, a cultural festival at the Leonardo da Vinci Centre, June 23.
The event, hosted by the Victoria Italian Assistance Centre, features all things Italian, with food — including gelato — a music stage, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and about 12 exhibitor booths outside.
Visitors can learn how to make a mask or get hair styling tips.
There will be about a dozen iconic Italian vehicles — including a Maserati — and a half dozen motorcycles and scooters on display.
The event is free to attend. It runs 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at the Leonardo da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay St. There will be a bike valet. For more information, go to davincicentre.ca.
AfriCa Fest a showcase of arts, music and more
Celebrate African arts, culture and diversity at AfriCa Fest, Centennial Square, June 21 to 23.
Presented by Issamba Centre, the three-day festival features a colourful showcase of African arts, music, dance, cuisine and traditions, with vendors offering a wide range of products and services, including: arts and crafts, clothing and fashion accessories, handmade jewelry and cultural artifacts.
There will also be non-profit organizations promoting African causes and initiatives.
The event is free to attend. It runs 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Centennial Square.
For more information, go to issambacentre.ca/africafest.
