CANADA’S DRAG RACE
Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
When: July 16, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $65-$75 from or 250-220-7777
Why: A cast of 12 performers from the second season of Canada’s Drag Race will wrap their national tour in Victoria, which adds an air of excitement to what was already a surefire winner. Tours that close in Victoria often have a go-for-broke edge, and that could work for — not against — the performers in this particular case. Don’t be surprised if series host Brooke Lynn Hytes and Season 2 finalists Icesis Couture, Pythia, Kendall Gender and Gia Metric are joined at this stop by an unannounced Jimbo Insell of Victoria, who placed fourth in the inaugural season of Canada’s Drag Race and remains a series favourite.
BLUE MOON MARQUEE FEATURING DUKE ROBILLARD
Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 751 View St.
When: July 15, 9 p.m.
Tickets: $35 advance from ; $38 at the door
Why: This is one of the better blues pairings to hit town in a long time, so expect tickets to be long gone by showtime (if they aren’t already.) Duke Robillard, the Roomful of Blues founder and former Fabulous Thunderbirds guitarist, is a giant in the genre, and Cowichan Valley duo Blue Moon Marquee are doing the province proud at the moment. The latter group, featuring singer-guitarist A.W. Cardinal and singer-bassist-drummer Jasmine Colette, has drawn heaps of praise from Robillard, who knows a thing or two about the blues; he labelled the group “astounding in their depth, groove and soul.” I get the feeling this is going to be a special night. Note: Robillard and Blue Moon Marquee also perform tonight in Parksville at Knox United Church.
STARS WITH JORDAN KLASSEN
Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St.
When: July 15, 9 p.m.
Tickets: $43.26 from
Why: Montreal’s Stars — among the most dependable acts on stage and in studio — took care of the latter with their ninth and latest album, From Capelton Hill, the first new music from the group in five years. The band will no doubt uphold its reputation as a killer live act when they play their last show of the summer at the Capital Ballroom on Friday. A band known for its sweet harmonies and fierce interplay can be counted on to deliver fireworks at a show such as this one, so arrive ready to do battle.
