BLUES
What: Esquimalt Ribfest
Where: Bullen Park, 527 Fraser St.
When: Sept. 10-12
Admission: Free
Why: People come for the sticky, smokey, and sweet ribs, but the music program is a full one at Ribfest, with nearly 10 hours of local blues and rock bands on stage through the weekend. Brett-Smith Daniels (Friday), BadMoon Riders (Saturday), and the Paul Black Band (Sunday) are the headliners, but you’ll find everything from acts who specialize in up-tempo offerings to tributes to David Bowie, The Cult, and Johnny Cash elsewhere on the bill. Ribfest proves that music doesn’t have to be secondary, even when the food is award-winning.
CLASSICAL
What: 2021 Pacific Baroque Festival
Where: Alix Goolden Hall and Christ Church Cathedral
When: Through Sept. 13
Tickets: pacbaroque.com
Why: A series of in-person concerts performed by some of the top early music performers in the province make up the 2021 Pacific Baroque Festival, which runs through Sept. 13 at Alix Goolden Performance Hall and Christ Church Cathedral. Co-presented by the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Christ Church Cathedral Victoria and Early Music Vancouver, the program of hour-long performances includes Italian Passion: Monteverdi, Corelli and More (Sept. 9), German Depth: Telemann, Buxtehude and More (Sept. 10), French Elegance: Couperin, Marais and More (Sept. 11), and Choral Evensong: Purcell and Buxtehude (Sept. 13). The events will be staged with reduced capacity and distanced seating, to ensure the festival meets provincial health requirements.
BLUES
What: Sunday Blues Services with the Deb Rhymer Band
Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Sunday, Sept. 12, 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why: The city’s longstanding blues jam launched Aug. 29 with a bang, according to organizers, who turned away patrons due to demand. The popular jam (which is open to amateurs) was hosted at V-Lounge until the pandemic arrived, but Hermann’s has stepped in and provides a nice fit for the proceedings. Blues stalwart Deb Rhymer is the amiable host, whose band provides the foundation. Musicians need to contact Rhymer if they’d like to participate, as spots fill up quickly.
