MUSIC
What: Nick La Riviere and the Best Laid Plans
Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Saturday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30)
Tickets: $25 from hermannsjazz.com
Why: This event will be livestreamed, which is good news for those not yet comfortable returning to full-capacity concerts. But jazz and blues fans who have the ability to do so will definitely want to see Nick La Riviere and the Best Laid Plans live in concert Saturday at Hermann’s Jazz Club. La Riviere, one of the top musicians and bandleaders in the city, has renamed and redesigned his former group (The Nick La Riviere Band) and has new music to debut. With a line-up that includes the group’s namesake on trombone and vocals, Miguel Valdes on trumpet, Barrie Sorensen on sax, Kelly Fawcett on guitar, Chris Van Sickle on keys and vocals, Louis Rudner on bass, and Alex Campbell on drums, this ranks as a can’t-miss concert.
MUSIC
What: Elise Boulanger
Where: The Port Theatre, 125 Front St.
When: Thursday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $27 ($15 for students) from https://tickets.porttheatre.com
Why: A captivating performer whose sonic amalgam hints at chamber music and indie folk in equal measure, Elise Boulanger is definitely one to watch. The Nanaimo performer has a wide, dynamic range, and she uses her ability to bounce between ornate and epic to great effect. Boulanger has been active on the road in recent weeks and will visit The Port Theatre tonight for the latest installment in the theatre’s Discovery Series, which shines a spotlight on local talents on the rise. Boulanger and her bandmates Anatol McGinnis (cello), Natasha Hoskins (percussion), and Paul Sadlemyer (violin) are certainly deserving of such a showcase. A livestream is also available at porttheatre.com.
ART
What: Weird Kid: Jeff Hallbauer
Where: Deluge Contemporary Art, 636 Yates St.
When: Nov. 5 through Dec. 4
Information: 250-385-3327; deluge.ca
Why: Colour that pops off the canvas is the most readily accessible aspect of Jeff Hallbauer’s work, but there’s subtext beneath the abstract circles and lines. Deluge Contemporary Art is presenting Hallbauer’s first Victoria exhibition starting this week, and what the Vancouver artist has on offer is duly impressive. A graduate of Emily Carr University, he builds on a pop art foundation of shapes and sizes not unlike those of psychedelic poster artist Victor Moscoso. The result in a mixture of orbs, Eames, and multi-dimensional colorama.
