BRASSISSIMO!
Where: First Metropolitan Church, 932 Balmoral Rd.
When: Monday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $27.54 ($16.93 for students under 25) from
Why: Brassissimo! connects faculty from the University of Victoria’s school of music, the Victoria Symphony, and Naden Band of Maritime Forces 91原创 with Spanish Brass, a celebrated group from Valencia, Spain. The quintet has been compared by many to the 91原创 Brass, a similar-sounding outfit that Victoria audiences know well, so expect big things from Spanish Brass’s first-ever 91原创 Island appearance. The band is flying to Victoria for this one-off performance directly following their U.S. tour, so Brassissimo! presents a rare opportunity for music fans. Take advantage.
CODE QUARTET
Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30)
Tickets: $32 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or ; ($35 at the door)
Why: Montreal’s CODE Quartet follows the same groundbreaking direction of free-jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman, a sensational saxophonist whose avant-garde approach inspired this quartet’s chordless line-up. The membership — which features Nanaimo’s Christine Jensen (saxophone), Lex French (trumpet), Adrian Vedady (bass), and Jim Doxas (drums) — is a sinewy set-up as it forgoes piano and guitar, but the freedom of expression is inspiring. The group boasts a starry membership, but ego is nowhere to be felt or heard. Highest recommendation, especially for those still pining for a sequel to Coleman’s The Shape of Jazz to Come.
VICTORIA RECORD FAIR
Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave.
When: Sunday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $2-$5 (suggested donation)
Why: Record fairs are always noteworthy in Victoria, which has a healthy fondness for vinyl and all related ephemera. It has been two years since crates of LPs have filled every square inch of the Fernwood Community Centre, so expect a big response. But don’t let the potential lineups deter you, if bargains are what you seek: All genres and formats will be well represented, and platters ranging in price from $1 to $1,000 will be available. Better still, proceeds will support Ukrainian refugees in Victoria through the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas. That’s a big win for all involved.
