Jenn is passionate about live music. She started this list as a way to encourage friends to join her at upcoming concerts. Somewhere along the line it grew to include people she’s never met and a show on DIG called CV Setlist. It contains her own bias and does not reflect the opinions of DigFM.
JENN’S LIST OF LIVE MUSIC FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2026
Please check the event web pages yourself. There are bound to be mistakes in my human brain and typos galore. There are also surely shows I will have missed. If something is not on the list send it to me! Except no tribute acts please.
QUICK REFERENCE FEBRUARY
Feb 5 at 7:30pm: Royal Winnipeg Ballet with Carmina Burana and T’el at the Sid*
Feb 5 at 9pm: Jimi at the Wave
Feb 6 at 7:30: Roy Forbes at Regier Theatre
Feb 6 at 7:30: Tonye Aganaba at the Sid*
Feb 7 at 7pm: Tamar Ilana and Ventanas at Willow Point Hall
Feb 7 at 9pm: Free Label at the Wave
Feb 13 at 6:30pm: Friday I’m in Love at Curling Club
Feb 13 at 7:30pm: Ebony Roots at the Sid
Feb 13 at 9pm: Rumpus w/ Joluca at the Wave
Feb 14 at 4pm or 7pm: Love Notes with the Strathcona Symphony at 40Knots
Feb 15 at 1:30pm: Sunday Swing at 40 Knots
Feb 15 at 2pm: VI Symphony Cuban Beats at the Sid
Feb 19 at 7:30: Golden Shoals at the Abbey
Feb 19 at 9pm and Feb 20 (sold out) at 9pm: Current Swell at the Wave
Feb 25 at 7:30: Andrew Collins Trio at Regier Theatre
Feb 26 at 6pm: Jazz Jam at the Mex
Feb 27 at 7:30pm: Ramble at big Yellow Hall in Merville
Feb 28 at 7pm: Choral Musaic at St. George’s
Feb 28 at 7:30pm: Leeroy Stagger at Regier Theatre
Feb 28 at 9pm: Island DJ Showcase at the Wave
QUICK REFERENCE MARCH
March 1 at 7:30pm: Ria Mae at the Tidemark Theatre
March 5 at 7pm: B.A. Johnson w/Pooched at Alley Cuts
March 5 at 7:30pm: Samantha Martin and the Delta Sugar at the Tidemark
March 6 at 7pm: David Gogo at St. George’s, United Church
March 7 at 2pm: Shari Ulrich and the Unfaithful Servants at the Sid
March 7 at 7pm: Dollhead, The Hex and Bad People at the Masonic Hall
March 7 at 7pm: Beats Antique, Atyya w/ bedtime snack and miss Mar at Native Sons Hall
March 7 at 7:30pm: Ostara Project at St. George’s
March 7 at 9pm: Daniel Wesley at the Wave
March 13 at 7pm: Yegg, Jisei, Death Machine and Butcher at Masonic Hall*
March 14 at 7pm: Intimate Voices, Chamber Music with Strathcona Symphony at St. George’s
March 14 at 7pm: Big Little Lions at Fanny Bay Hall
March 14 at 7:30pm: Boreal at the Regier Theatre
March 17 at 7pm: MA Ensemble at Rivercity Players Stage
March 18-21: 9 to 5 the Musical at the Sid
March 22 at 7:30: Tina Leon at the Sid*
March 27 at 8pm: Delhi to Dublin at Denman Hall
March 27 at 9pm: Skiitour at the Wave*
*Shows Jenn is definitely attending and is happy to have you join her.
Some other concerts further afield you might want to attend:
Feb 9 Hawksley Workman at the Queen’s, Nanaimo
March 6 Danny Michel at Errington Hall
March 7 Elisapie at Quadra Community centre
FULL COMMENTARY
Feb 5 at 7:30pm: Royal Winnipeg Ballet with Carmina Burana and T’el at the Sid*
I don’t think there will be live instrumentation at this show BUT I felt it was worth highlighting. Carmina Burana is such a feast for the ears and now this production makes it a feast for the eyes. It will also be T’el’s West Coast premiere and it is created by a fully Indigenous team. This will be amazing! sidwilliamstheatre.com
Feb 5 at 9pm: Jimi at the Wave
Jimi is a rising star in the modern Rock world. She is an incredible guitarist with a soulful voice. This show is bound to have those “wow” moments. cumberlandvillageworks.com
Feb 6 at 7:30: Roy Forbes at Regier Theatre
I personally don’t get it, but people love this guy. He had modest success as “Bim” in the 70s and 80s. He has a show on CKUA. oldchurchtheatreshows.com
Feb 6 at 7:30: Tonye Aganaba at the Sid
Tonye was born in London, England to Nigerian and Zimbabwean parents. They moved to Canada in Tonye’s teens. All of these experiences influence their sound which is soul/neo-folk with a hint of hip hop. In 2015, Tonye was a rising star winning MMVAs but it all came crashing down following an MS diagnosis and a car accident. It is amazing that they are pursuing music again. Come and support Tonye! sidwilliamstheatre.com
Feb 7 at 7pm: Tamar Ilana and Ventanas at Willow Point Hall
I drag my Dad to a lot of shows when he visits. I dragged him to a Tamar show despite the fact that he has never had an interest in Flamenco, Turkish or Sephardic music and yet he said it was the best concert he’s been to in the Comox Valley. Tamar is Ashkenazi, Jewish and a member of the Pasqua First Nation. Her mother was ethnomusicologist Dr. Judith Cohen. The band, Ventanas includes people of French, Greek, Italian and Indian backgrounds and they are all talented musicians. I am looking forward to this fusion! tidemarktheatre.com
Feb 7 at 9pm: Free Label at the Wave
These guys are a disco/RnB band from Toronto. The band is made up of six multi-instrumentalists, so you know it’s going to be a wild show. cumberlandvillageworks.com
Feb 13 at 6:30pm: Friday I’m in Love at Curling Club
I love it when CVGBs puts on these multi-band shows. This event features 12 (!) Vancouver Island-based original acts, playing 12 minute sets of their interpretations of songs by the Cure and other New Wave/Goth/Dark Wave icons (NOT A TRIBUTE ACT). Some of my favourite acts are playing this show from Pranatricks to Night Mirrors to Avro. Plus there are a few I’ve never heard of before, like Bath Slut and Soft Top. It will be a great night. Please go on my behalf. cvgbs.tickit.ca
Feb 13 at 7:30pm: Ebony Roots at Sid Williams
This concert celebrates North American music of Black and African descent. Lead artistic director Brandon Thornhill has a masters in opera but grew up listening to R&B and soul. This concert will journey through prison work-songs, spirituals, Soul, and Motown but will also celebrate some of Vancouver’s legendary Black artists. sidwilliamstheatre.com
Feb 13 at 9pm: Rumpus w/ Joluca at the Wave
Award-winning House DJ Rumpus is always a good time. While some folks claim that DJing isn’t live music, Rumpus proves it is with his simultaneous live drumming and DJing. If you go, tell me how opener Joluca is. They are new to me! mteliah.tickit.ca
Feb 14 at 4pm or 7pm: Love Notes with the Strathcona Symphony at 40Knots
SSOs concert master Blaine Waldbauer is putting together a night of special music as a fundraiser for the SSO. It will include vocalists Michael MacKinnon (often the featured tenor at NICS concerts) and Michelle Johnson. Included in your ticket is a 6oz glass of 40 Knots wine. Note there are two sittings (4-6pm and 7-9pm)
strathconasymphony.ca/whats-on
Feb 15 at 1:30pm: Sunday Swing at 40 Knots
Sunday Swing features local musicians who are a groove-forward jazz trio. The three musicians come from various musical backgrounds but together they are honouring traditional jazz. Look for tickets on eventbrite.
Feb 15 at 2pm: VI Symphony Cuban Beats at the Sid
Having been to the first Cuban Beats concert I am really disappointed I’m missing this one. VIS conductor and artistic director, Cosette Justo Valdes is from Cuba and she will be bringing some of her Cuban friends to this concert. Including some killer Cuban percussionists. GO! sidwilliamstheatre.com
Feb 19 at 7:30: Golden Shoals at the Abbey
Golden Shoals is a Vancouver/Nashville based duo made up of a fiddle player and trad guitar player. But they also play banjo. Enjoy a night of energetic, old-timey bluegrass. Look for tickets through Woodstove Music and Arts.
Feb 19 at 9pm and Feb 20 (sold out) at 9pm: Current Swell at the Wave
When they announced West-Coast Rockers Current Swell’s concert at the Wave on Feb 20th it sold out within days. Thankfully these wonderful guys were able to add a second show on Feb 19. These guys write mellow and moving hits. cumberlandvillageworks.com/
Feb 25 at 7:30: Andrew Collins Trio at Regier Theatre
Andrew Collins is a master mandolin player. He co-founded the Foggy Hogtown Boys and this trio includes more instruments than people with musicians playing standup bass, fiddle, guitar, mandocello (?), mandola and of course mandolin. oldchurchtheatreshows.com/
Feb 26 at 6pm: Jazz Jam at the Mex
This monthly jazz jam is put on collaboratively by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society and Blackbird Productions. There are a lot of talented musicians who show up. But you can’t always hear them because the “regulars” at the Mex drown them out. But it’s free.
Feb 27 at 7:30pm: Ramble at big Yellow Hall in Merville
This is the third Ramble hosted by J. Plank and this line up is the biggest one of them all. With Vancouver’s Paul Pigat (of band Cousin Harley), Victoria singer-songwriter Sue Decker, multi-instrumentalists AJ Lontayao and Maya McCutcheon, and others. tidemarktheatre.com
Feb 28 at 7pm: Choral Musaic at St. George’s
Many of you know how I feel about community choirs (just slightly better than tribute acts). So a gathering of six local choirs with almost 200 singers is not my perfect evening. But no judgment if it’s yours. Look for tickets on eventbrite.
Feb 28 at 7:30pm: Leeroy Stagger at Regier Theatre
Leeroy’s country rock holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my years in Victoria. He is very funny and thoughtful and that is reflected in his lyrics. oldchurchtheatreshows.com/
Feb 28 at 9pm: Island DJ Showcase at the Wave
I have no info on who will be on this bill but if it is anything like the line up for the January showcase, it will be jam packed and thoroughly enjoyable. Look for tickets on Mt.Eliah later on in the month.
March 1 at 7:30pm: Ria Mae at the Tidemark Theatre
I am fairly disappointed that I will not be attending this pop-star East Coaster’s return to the Tidemark. Every time Ria has come I have attended and it has always been sooooo good. Her hit song “Clothes Off” is still a banger. But I also love her song “The Ring (Damn!)” which was released last year. tidemarktheatre.com/
***March 5 at 7pm: B.A. Johnson w/Pooched at Alley Cuts***
My entire being aches that I will not be at this show. B.A. Johnson’s show last year was my favourite show of 2025 (and I saw over 467 different acts). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GO! You will not regret it. It will be weird, wonderful, and you will likely get some free cheezies. Seriously, if you can go, and you don’t, we might not be friends anymore. Oh and Pooched is a great female-led punk band from Victoria. ARRIVE EARLY. There is no way Alley Cuts will have space for all the fans and a band.
eventbrite.ca/e/ba-johnston-with-guests-pooched-tickets-1980801819564
March 5 at 7:30pm: Samantha Martin and the Delta Sugar at the Tidemark
This is another show I am really sad to be missing. Their song “The Reckless One” held the #1 spot on Roots Radio (in the US) for 38 weeks. You want powerhouse and blues? Go to this. tidemarktheatre.com/
March 6 at 7pm: David Gogo at St. George’s, United Church
My Dad enjoys this blues musician’s podcast. This is also a fundraiser. I don’t have ticket info but it will likely be on eventbrite.
March 7 at 2pm: Shari Ulrich and the Unfaithful Servants at the Sid
Shari is a national treasure. The Unfaithful Servants are a talented collective. It would be a cozy and sweet afternoon show.
March 7 at 7pm: Dollhead, The Hex and Bad People at the Masonic Hall
Gonna be honest, I am kinda relieved I am away March 7 because I would lose my mind over what show to attend. Dollhead are great electro-punk, The Hex sound fantastic and Bad People is a Cramps-inspired band. It will be a great rock night. I believe it’s $20 at the door.
March 7 at 7pm: Beats Antique, Atyya w/ Bedtime Snack and Miss Mar at Native Sons Hall
Holy-Freaking-Moly, Beats Antique are LEGENDS. For 20 years their tribal fusion music has been in my earphones and they have been on my bucket list. And of course, they come to town when I’m not in it. If you like Middle Eastern, Afro-beat, jazz and electronic, this show is for you. mteliah.tickit.ca
March 7 at 7:30pm: Ostara Project at St. George’s church
AND OF COURSE, one my favourite jazz groups of 2025 is coming to play that night too. They were nominated for a Juno last year and it is a great album. Ostara is made up of Canadian Jazz women, including award winning Jodi Proznick and Amanda Tosoff. Even if jazz isn’t your favourite (or like me you have an aversion to the “American SongBook”) this concert will blow you away. georgiastraightjazz.com
March 7 at 9pm: Daniel Wesley at the Wave
Daniel Wesley is the epitome of “West Coast” music. It’s reggae-roots by a chill real estate agent. Even solo, he has a great stage presence.
March 13 at 7pm: Yegg, Jisei, Death Machine and Butcher at Masonic
I will be jet lagged and exhausted from travel BUT I cannot wait for another great grindcore/death metal show. While Yegg and Butcher only formed in 2023 they are old-school death metal. I have been wanting to see Jisei for awhile, they are described as deathgrindcore for dolls. Death Machine are a fearsome band ready to bring the noise.
orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2129
March 14 at 7pm: Big Little Lions at Fanny Bay Hall
This award winning duo play sweet, catchy, thoughtful songs that blend folk and pop. The band is made up of Helen Austin, a local favourite, and Paul Otten, who hails from somewhere in the States and plays the rhythm section. All shows at the Fanny Bay Hall include pie at intermission!fannybayhall.tickit.ca
March 14 at 7:30pm: Boreal at the Regier Theatre
Boreal’s recent album has just been nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards. This female-led trio blends three very different kinds of voices well. They have figured out how to compliment their differences. oldchurchtheatreshows.com/
March 17 at 7pm: MA Ensemble at Rivercity Players Stage
Those of us who enjoy World music need to attend this concert. This duo is made up of Persian instrumental masters Elham Manouchehri (who plays the atr, setar, shourangis and robab) and Amir Amiri (who plays the santur). Amir Amiri did the score to one of the best films of 2024, Universal Language! MA seeks to create a space where Persian tradition and contemporary expression converge. I am so in. tidemarktheatre.com/
March 18-21: 9 to 5 The Musical at the Sid
The community theatre in this town is actually surprisingly good, and not surprisingly full of drama. If you like Dolly Parton, you’ll probably like this. sidwilliamstheatre.com
March 22 at 7:30: Tina Leon at the Sid
Tina is a Motown inspired singer-songwriter from Montreal. In fact, she’s already collabed with Stevie Wonder under a different stage name. sidwilliamstheatre.com
March 27 at 8pm: Delhi to Dublin at Denman Hall
Here’s another one for World music lovers but this is much more fusion. I do really enjoy this high-energy band but I’m not sure if the ferry sched allows us to get over and back in one day. Otherwise, I would be so down for this too. zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/delhi-2-dublin
March 27 at 9pm: Skiitour at the Wave
I sweat to these guys nearly every gym day. They come every year around this time to help all the ski bums have a memorable apres ski and I am all too happy to tag along. They are upbeat, feel-good house DJs that know how to keep my body moving.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR APRIL
April 10 at 7:30pm: Opera at the Sid
April 11 at 2pm: Georgia Straight Big Band at St. George’s
April 18 at 7:00pm: Christine Tassan et les Imposteures at Willows Point
April 24 at 7:30pm: Daniel Champagne at the Regier Theatre
April 29 at 7:30pm: Martin Harley at the Regier Theatre
THE USUAL MONTHLY INFO AND REMINDERS:
- There are bound to be events that I’ve missed because I didn’t see the poster, read the paper or see the post in time. I’m always happy to receive info from you all!
- There are a few open mic nights around town including my favourite Wednesdays at Gladstones.
- There are numerous bars/pubs that have house or local bands. Some really good ones are Roy’s Towne Pub (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), Gladstone’s (Days vary) and Heritage House (Fridays and Saturdays)
- As always you are welcome to use my Concert Prep Spotify playlist to listen to some of the acts I plan on seeing, but please, support artists by buying tickets to shows and buying their music directly. Jenn’s Concert Prep
- To unsubscribe just shoot me a message asking to be removed. I get it, we all get junk emails/random lists from weirdos and it’s not always appreciated.