While many may already be missing the presence of the tents and stage at Charles Hoey Park while the sounds of tremendous talent filled the air for the 39 Days of July, the magic of Longevity John's labour of love will still linger in the evenings until Labour Day.
Wine Down Wednesdays which winds down at the end of August still has two evenings of excellent entertainment in store at City Square. Pump up your hump day on Aug. 21, with Malakai at 6:30 p.m., followed by Jesse Waldman and Marc L'Esperance at 7:30 p.m. with String Fever closing out the evening at 8:30 p.m.
The final same recipe to add some music to the middle of your week comes one last time this month on Aug. 28 with the Moonlight Talkers at 6:30 p.m., followed by Trip’n Me at 7:30 p.m., with Martin Nolan and Terry Boyle bringing down the square at 8:30 p.m.
"The decision to keep presenting live music in the city square into the warm evenings of August came about a few years ago in conjunction with the Old Firehouse Wine Bar’s involvement with their outdoor extended patio and yes, the crowds that have attended will attest to this being a very good concept," said 39 Days of July organizer Longevity John Falkner.
Longevity John gives us many reasons to celebrate community, so why not return to City Square to celebrate Duncan's music man himself on Aug. 31 for his 25th annual 50th birthday party. The good times kick off at 5 p.m., with music from local musicians such as Malakai and Tai Williams to name a few, while Appalachian-style banjo player Kelly Hunt will be making the trip all the way from Louisiana for the first time in five years for John's special day.
"When she found out it was my birthday, she said that she definitely wanted to come play," said Falkner. "It feels really good because I first met her in 2019 in Montreal at the Folk Alliance years ago, and immediately knew there was something special about her. Since, she has become something really special in the United States in her style of music."
Over the years 39 Days of July has more than doubled in it length, yet fans of the festival kept asking Longevity John why not make it longer — so he finally did.
"Our 40th day always takes place on Labour Day Sunday because there are a lot of people who don't leave town, and as the economy gets tighter and tighter more people choose not to leave the valley. So what a great time for them to congregate, listen to live music, and reminisce about how good the summer was."
While talent is still being added to the roster for the "40th" day of July that gets underway at 3 p.m., some acts not to be missed include producer and singer/ songwriter Neavv who is classically trained in pop, and as Longevity John put it she has a voice that cuts to the bone. Neavv take the City Square stage at 6:45 followed by the funky flow of Apex Breaks at 7:30 p.m., and the valley's own Funky Lowdown to bring down the house at 8:30 p.m.
"The last two bands are dance bands, so come on down and shake your booty for the last hurrah of summer," said Falkner.
Now that that John isn't spending his days in the park, things are shaking back up inside the Showroom.
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On Aug. 25, get lost in the art of storytelling at 2 p.m. at Island Storyteller presents. These storytellers gather in various groups up and down the island as they hone their craft of telling tales. These groups include the Victoria Storytellers Guild, Nanaimo’s ‘The Around Town Tellers’ and the Mid-Island Storytellers who are based out of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. There will be two sets of stories lasting 45 minutes with a short break in between. A donation of $15 to $20 is suggested.
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On Aug. 29, step inside the Showroom to experience the vibrant sounds of Salt Spring Island's traditional Métis fiddler Wesley Hardisty, accompanied by Charlie Gannon on guitar. Wesley who is Dene First Nation from the Sahtu Region has performed nationally and internationally from Seattle to Iqaluit with folk and fiddle festivals, Indigenous-focused performances, including multiple tours of the NWT and even performing at 2010 Vancouver Olympics under his belt. Hardisty also two original albums and multiple commissions while his sideman Gannon is recognized as one of the best young guitarists in Victoria, playing a wide range of styles from Celtic to Rock. Come watch these two performers leave it all out on the Showroom stage for a recommended donation of $20.
"Charlie's playing is highly technical yet sensitive, with inventive harmonies and chord voicings he has learned from many years of playing jazz," said Falkner. "He brings new life to the simplest of songs and performs even the most difficult with ease."
Between City Square, and the Showroom there is still much live music to enjoy this month with even more scheduled for the Showroom in September.
"Music heals, and live music heals even better," said Falkner.
