MUSIC
What: Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University: A Beginner’s Guide to Jazz
Where: Zoom
When: Tuesday March 2, 4 p.m.
Tickets: Free via the Victoria Jazz Society website
Why: When the virtual doors to this free class open at 4 p.m. Tuesday, you’d better get clicking, as only 100 spots are available on a first‑come, first-served basis. Expect them to disappear quickly, as this informal introduction to jazz will be hosted by Seton Hawkins, director of public programs and education resources at Jazz at Lincoln Center. No musical knowledge is required. The Victoria Jazz Society presentation is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s multi-show commitment to Victoria. Take advantage while you can.
ART
What: Rain Shadow
Where: Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St., Nanaimo
When: Feb. 26 through April 25
Admission: By donation
Why: The Nanaimo Art Gallery’s new exhibition features work by 10 artists from the Pacific Northwest who have been tasked with exploring shared geographic landscapes. This true multi-media exhibit — with painting, sculpture, video and illustration — includes everything from the vivid abstract painting of Nanaimo’s Jonathan Forrest and magical realism of Nanaimo’s Eliot White Hill Kwulasultun to the inventive Coast Salish art of Lantzville’s lessLIE. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit nanaimogallery.ca.
MUSIC
What: Oliver Swain Presents Hermann’s Hot Club
Where: Hermannsjazz.com
When: Thursday Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
Tickets: By donation
Why: Oliver Swain has been exceptionally busy during the past year, gigging anywhere and everywhere, so another show by the play-everything musician — while worthy of your time — is not necessarily headline news. However, Swain’s livestream performance from Hermann’s Jazz Club tonight is worthy of mention as it comes on the 40th anniversary of the first-ever event under the Hermann’s banner. The club launched its first show on Feb. 25, 1981, at its former Government Street location, so tune in to Swain’s livestream tonight as a show of support for one of the most enduring jazz and blues venues in the country. To donate, visit ArtsOnView.ca/Donate.
