SPRING AWAKENING
Where: Phoenix Theatre at the University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd.
When: Nov. 10–26
Tickets: $17-$33 from the Phoenix Theatre box office (250-721-8000)
Why: University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre opens its new season with a certifiable whopper: Playwright Steven Sater’s Spring Awakening, a coming-of-age rock musical with music by 1990s hitmaker Duncan Sheik (who won a Grammy Award for the hit, Barely Breathing). Broadway veteran Michelle Rios will direct this multiple Tony Award-winning smash, which is based on the 1891 German play of the same name by Frank Wedekind. With a 20-member cast of students eager to get back on stage, after two years of sporadic performances at the Phoenix Theatre, all signs are pointing to a lively and spirited run of shows. Don’t miss it.
TRANSCENDING ENCOUNTERS
Where: St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra St.
When: Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 ($5 for students and youth) from
Why: Toronto violinist Julia Wedman performed Sunday at Bach in the Pub, a unique solo concert held at the Victoria Event Centre, a space not normally associated with classical music. Wedman (who has been a member of Toronto’s celebrated Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra since 2005) returns as a headliner Saturday for Transcending Encounters, a no less traditional affair. She’ll join members of Victoria Baroque for this showcase of recent works by 91原创 composers by Cris Derksen and Vanessa Chartrand-Rodrigue, in addition to traditional baroque fare from Heinrich Biber, Henry Purcell, and Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre.
JFB
Where: White Eagle Hall, 90 Dock St.
When: Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30.80-$34.35 from
Why: There was a time, not so long ago, when the Victoria live music landscape felt far different than it does today. Shows of all varieties were being at the White Eagle Hall in James Bay — including Green Day, for example — and nightclub gigs featuring DJs of the international variety (from Q-Bert and Carl Cox to Mixmaster Mike) were regular calendar additions. Thanks to the efforts of the Victoria Ska and Reggae Society, we’ve got a two-in-one throwback tonight. UK turntablist JFB, a three-time DMC World Champion, is headlining a triple-bill at the White Eagle Hall, with opening sets by Victoria acts Apex Breaks and Guru. Here’s to hoping it feels like 2001 all over again.
