Critics' picks

DANCE

What: Ballet Étoile
Where: Muse Winery & Bistro, North Saanich
When: July 6 and 13, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 available onsite or by calling 250-656-2552
Why: Who says ballet should stick to the theatre? For two afternoon presentations, the members of Ballet Étoile will dance on the Ortega Terrace in the natural setting of Muse Winery. The program features the Odalisque Pas de Trois from Le Corsaire, excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the brand new Sinatra Dances. Arrive early for lunch at the bistro, before taking in the show.
— Amy Smart

MUSIC

What: Laura Smith with Beats Workin
Where: Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St.
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30)
Tickets: $25 at Lyle’s Place and laurasmithmusic.bpt.me
Why: It’s not every day Laura Smith plays Victoria — which is a shame. An engaging songwriter with a husky, Marianne Faithfull vibe to her singing, Smith is a must-see live concert attraction. Good news for long-suffering fans: the tour behind Everything Is Moving, her first album in 16 years, will see Smith perform at the Oak Bay United Church on Saturday and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Sooke on Sunday. Don’t miss either date.
— Mike Devlin

CHOIR

What: Kathaumixw International Choir Concert
When: Monday, 7 p.m.
Where: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd.
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 seniors/students, free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult.
Why: How often do you get to hear youth choirs from Slovenia or New Zealand perform live? St. Stanislav’s Youth Choir and Kapiti College Choir sing a double concert at the First Met on Monday. The two ensembles will be returning from the
16th International Choral Kathaumixw, an esteemed five-day festival in Powell River that also features choirs from Russia, the USA and Kenya.
— Amy Smart