Critics' Picks: Kenobi Quartet; All Together Now; Kalabante

MUSIC

What: The Kenobi Quartet and the Modal Nodes Tribute Band
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
When: Friday, July 6, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20 at eventbrite.ca
Why: Those who know their Star Wars minutiae will get a kick out of this theme-party fundraiser for the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre. There’s no shortage of Star Wars-themed elements to the event, but a red-hot collective operating as The Kenobi Quartet — the stage name for Nick La Riviere (trombone), Phil Newns (keyboards), Matt Pease (drums and Ryan Tandy (bass) on this night — is the big draw. The group will play songs made famous in the 1977 blockbuster by the “cantina band,” Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes. Victoria street performer Darth Fiddler will also make an appearance, as will burlesque performers (at least one of whom will be dressed as Princess Leia circa Return of the Jedi, let’s assume).

MUSIC

What: All Together Now!
Where: Copper Owl, 1900 Douglas St.
When: Tuesday, July 10, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $7 at the door
Why: Marc Jenkins, who directs several Victoria vocal ensembles, including The Choir and The Chorus, will shepherd his other project to the stage Tuesday with a modern-day Canadian classic as its soundtrack. By the end of the evening, participants in open choir All Together Now! will know the ins and outs of The Tragically Hip’s Wheat Kings, four minutes of national pride that should keep the Canada Day vibes flowing well into next week. No experience is necessary and no music reading is required.

DANCE

What: Kalabante with the Victoria Percussion Orchestra
Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
When: Sunday, July 8, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $34 at rmts.bc.ca, by phone at 250-386-6121 or in person at the Royal McPherson box office
Why: Popular African acrobatic troupe Kalabante returns to Victoria for the second time this weekend, with 11 dancers from Guinea — some of whom are in their teens — on the bill. Music is also a large part of the performance, as the troupe will be joined by the Victoria Percussion Orchestra, a 20-member community drumming ensemble that plays traditional African instruments.