IMPLOSION EXPLOSION
With: St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Charlotte Day Wilson, Sampa the Great, Andy Shauf and more
Where: Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., 2010 Government St.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $70 daily ($125 for a two-day pass) from showpass.com
Why: The third and final installment of the summer-long series at Phillips Brewing comes to a close with two days of varied programming, with local (The Bankes Brothers, Carmanah), national ( Charlotte Day Wilson, Andy Shauf), and international (St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Sampa the Great) acts on tap. With 10 acts participating, there’s something for everyone here, from hip-hop and folk to soul and indie rock making its way to the stage. The series has been averaging 3,000 fans daily, so expect a strong showing as this excellent series wraps with two days of open-air outdoor programming.
FREE-B FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
When: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13, 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why: A pair of outdoor movie screenings — which will go ahead rain or shine — are on tap this weekend as part of the Free-B Film Festival in Beacon Hill Park, with Bill Murray (in What About Bob?) and The Beatles (A Hard Day’s Night) taking centre stage. The event remains perennially popular as it allows guests to skimp on concession spending and bring their own food and beverages and blankets, resulting in a drive-in style atmosphere. French short films La Dent (Friday) and La Maison du Hérisson (Saturday) will precede each screening.
WILLIE NILE
With: The Stephen Stanley Band and Chris Bennett
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
When: Friday, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 from marywinspear.ca or 250-656-0275
Why: New York underground legend Willie Nile, 74, is the type of performer whose considerable talent and experience doesn’t quite match his modest popularity, despite reams of positive press and countless high-placed supporters. Bruce Springsteen is a fan and friend, and Nile has recorded or performed with everyone from Roger McGuinn and Ringo Starr to Elvis Costello and Ian Hunter. His show in Sidney would be a better fit for a down and dirty rock club (if Victoria had one) but fans should consider themselves lucky he’s playing here (and in Nanaimo on Saturday) in the first place.
