February kicks off in fine form, and fashion with another month of great acts and events at the Duncan Showroom.
READ MORE: Plenty of talent to grace Duncan Showroom stage in January
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On Feb. 1, Longevity John has a unique comeback in store with Marketplace. Brothers Chris and Josh Hergesheimer brought this politically driven, activist and anti-capitalist acoustic folk project to life in East Vancouver 33 years ago. It’s been more than two decades since this duo’s last album and final show, this 2024 rocking reboot will see Chris Hergesheimer and his 17-year-old son Solomon Hergesheimer perform as a pair from Marketplace’s catalogue of original music at 7:30 p.m. and highlight the fact that the timeless themes of resistance and activism remain, and the calls to action to ‘speak up and speak out loud’ live on. A $20 donation is suggested for this event.
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Lance Lapointe will surely bring the night alive on Feb. 2. This concert was rescheduled from Jan. 18 when Mother Nature had other plans. Lapointe, who is known all over as the consummate sideman, brings his songwriting skills and original music to the Showroom stage at 7:30 p.m. A $20 donation is suggested for this event.
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On. Feb. 3, The Relics bring an epic experience to the Showroom stage with the early era of Pink Floyd. Classic rock lovers will certainly smile as the Relics pay tribute to Roger Waters and the rest of the boys. Take in this show at 7:30 p.m. for just $25.
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On. Feb. 5, the Duncan Showroom gives music lovers something to dance about with Tamar Llana and the Ventanas. This six-piece world-class ensemble based out of Toronto, fronted by powerhouse vocalist and dancer Tamar Llana, will raise the Showroom roof as they re-imagine Mediterranean melodies and flamenco grooves, while mixing contemporary interpretations of ancient ballads with original compositions — drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as the Silk Road Ensemble, Paco de Lucía, and Yasmin Levy. Tickets for this show beginning at 7:30 p.m. are $25 in advance at https://www.ventanasmusic.com or $30 at the door.
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Life is not a dress rehearsal — so bring your talents to the showroom for their Dress Rehearsal Tuesday on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Artistic amateurs, as well as part-time and professional and musicians are invited to step to the stage for this open mic and share their gift in front of a live audience. There is a $5 entrance fee, and all performances will be live-streamed to YouTube, and Facebook. There will be two more chances this month for singers and musicians to brings their skills to the stage for Dress Rehearsal Tuesday on Feb. 13, and 20.
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On Feb. 8 experience ‘Songwriters in the Round’ at 7:30 p.m. This monthly musical series will feature local singers Stephanie Cutler, Trevor Price and Beverley McKeen as they showcase their own material ‘in the round.’ A donation of $15 to $20 is suggested for this evening of exceptional local entertainment.
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Country and folk music enthusiasts will want to make their way down to the Duncan Showroom for 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 at all costs for an intimate concert with Allen Dobb and the release of his new album Alone Together, which drops worldwide the same day.
The Victoria-based singer-songwriter returns to the music scene after a decade-long hiatus from recording and performing. Dobb’s first single off his new album, and the first original song he penned in years, ‘All Costs’, dropped on Oct. 13 of last year and was followed up with his second single ‘Here and Now’ which was released on Nov. 24. Both songs have already made there way onto playlists across the globe.
Dobb’s new album is a skillfully crafted collection of 10 folk and Americana-style songs drawn from characters, stories, and landscapes that are part of Dobb’s experience working as a range management specialist in the Interior of British Columbia. Alone Together was produced by his brother and long-time collaborator Cameron Dobb, who will head up a band playing keyboards, lap steel and guitars, along with Scott White on upright bass, and Katrina Kadoski on vocals, acoustic guitar and banjo. Dobb’s will not only be showcasing his new tunes, but will be rocking some reinterpretations from his three previous solo albums Horses and Hills, Bottomland and Rosetown. Tickets for this night of entertainment are $30.
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Hip Hop, hooray! Raise your hands and wave them like you just don’t care on Feb. 10. for Wes Pz’s Birthday Bash Hip-Hop Show. Wes Paul (Pz) and Knovel QB Mac show off their wicked wordsmith and beat making skills for a bangin’ time beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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Longevity John keeps the love going on Feb. 15 as he presents a tribute to the music of Willie P Bennett with ‘A Blue Valentine’ at 7:30 p.m. Various musicians will hit the stage to perform memorable Willie P Bennett tunes of their choice — ensuring the effectiveness of his songwriting lives on. Admission is by donation.
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On Feb. 16, Longevity John brings Tai Williams back to the stage at 7:30 p.m. This young singer-songwriter will be sharing the evening with fellow local talents Charlotte and Reuben. Tickets are $20.
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On Feb. 17, enjoy the sounds of West Coast folk roots Americana singer -songwriter Brian denHertog at 7:30 p.m., who will be accompanied by multi-instrumentalist wife Jill Russel. Tickets are $20.
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On Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. get lost in the ancient art of storytelling as members of the Victoria Storytellers’ Guild, Nanaimo’s The Around Town Tellers and the Mid-Island Storytellers, based out of Qualicum Beach and Parksville, entertain with the telling of tales. There are two 45-minute sets with a short intermission in between. This event takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month — a donation of $15 to $20 is suggested.
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The Duncan Showroom jazzes it up on Feb. 23 with Big Hank’s Blue Plate Combo stepping to the stage at 7:30 p.m. What they are serving up is sure to satisfy as Hank Lionhart of Uncle Wigglies fame and fellow players Terry Medd and Steve Ranta dish up a night of great entertainment. A donation of $25 is suggested.
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On Feb. 25 spend the afternoon with Lady O and the Omen beginning at 3 p.m. Lady O is all about that bass — the stand-up bass that she plays in “magnificent” fashion that is. Lady O is also a singer and songwriter and will take jazz aficionados on a journey of musical exploration with the talents of the Omen at her side. Tickets are $25.
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To cap off the month of music r.mason blends soulful songwriting with exploratory moods to cook up a project high in tension, desperation, vulnerability and the desire to fit every note, every texture, in its rightful place, says a press release for their show. Lead singer and instrumentalist Rebecca Barritt has been writing songs since she learned to carry a tune at the tender age of four. With her band-mates Jonathan Blokmanis on guitar, Aaron Blair on bass, and Miles Fuller they will immerse listeners in the soul and depth of their soundscapes. Tickets are $25.
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The Duncan Showroom is located at 131 Station St. Tickets for all events can be purchased in person, or by visiting showroomproductions.ca