MUSIC
What: An Evening With 54-40
Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Sq.
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $59 from or 250-386-6121
Why: 54-40 has reached a point in its career where it could operate strictly as a touring entity; though the 91原创 band is now in its 41st year of performing, they continue to tour to sold-out rooms. New music from the group is on the way this year, to go along with a string of re-scheduled dates from singer-guitarist Neil Osborne, bassist Brad Merritt, drummer Matt Johnson, guitarist Dave Genn and keyboardist Dave Osborne. True to form, their performance at the McPherson Playhouse on Tuesday is nearly sold out, but 91原创 Island fans will have additional opportunities to see the group when 54-40 performs June 20 at the Sid Williams Theatre (Courtenay), June 22 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre (Duncan), and June 23 at the Tidemark Theatre (Campbell River).
DANCE
What: Cirque du Soleil’s OVO
Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
When: Thursday through Saturday
Tickets: $39-$107 from or 250-220-7777
Why: Tickets are selling well for all seven performances of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, but the mixture of evening and afternoon shows means there’s ample opportunity to fit this high-wire extravaganza into your schedule. The circus-style OVO (“egg” in Portuguese) features 100 talented performers from 25 countries, all of whom play key roles in this acrobatic tale about a day in the life of insects. Cirque du Soleil opened OVO in Montreal to great acclaim 13 years ago, and it has become one of the most dependable touring productions for the Quebec-based company, with seven million tickets sold for performances in 155 cities across 26 countries.
MUSIC
What: Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival
Where: Laketown Ranch Music & Recreation Park, 8811 Youbou Rd., Lake Cowichan
When: Friday through Sunday
Tickets: $30-$85 daily ($125 for a weekend pass) from
Why: Bluegrass fans will be hootin’ and hollerin’ on Father’s Day weekend at the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival, the largest bluegrass and old-time music festival in the province. Quality acts Pharis and Jason Romero, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, Jackson Hollow with Jeff Scroggins, and The Barrel Boys lead the impressive roster of talent, which will contribute 36 performances on five stages. Highlights will be plentiful.
