91Ô­´´

Hermann’s Jazz Club is hoping a shift to livestreaming concerts will provide some income for performers who are out of work as a result of social-distancing measures.

Eligible arts organizations will receive up to $15,000 to help pay their bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is setting up a $3-million fund to be administered by the B.C. Arts Council.

With the impact of the COVID-19 crisis forcing many into isolation, Courtenay singer-songwriter Sue Pyper wanted to make a music video that would lift the spirits of those feeling overwhelmed by it all.

A Montreal comedian taking his inspiration from Italy and Spain is asking 91Ô­´´s to join him on a countrywide singalong at 3 p.m. PT today. The song? A 91Ô­´´ national anthem, of sorts.

Singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing missed out on a golden opportunity when his concert scheduled for this weekend at the Dave Dunnet Theatre — which was nearing a sell-out — was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Closures, cancellations and postponements have become a daily occurrence for the arts in Victoria amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

They say if you stay in the news business long enough, you’ll see everything. Perhaps that’s true. I’ve covered the arts in Victoria since 1988. That’s 32 years, a long time. But never have I seen anything affect the local scene like COVID-19.

Here’s an announcement we didn’t want to have to make: We’re postponing this spring’s Times 91Ô­´´ book sale. Note the terminology, though. Postponing, not cancelling.

Arts and culture event calendars in Victoria have been decimated by COVID-19, with hundreds of cancellations during the past 48 hours. Practically every venue in town has released an updated schedule affected by the pandemic.

Note: This event has been cancelled. ON STAGE What: The Children’s Hour Where: Phoenix Theatre, 3800 Finnerty Rd.