As the weather begins to cool down, things are heating up on the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre stage for the month of October with an eclectic mix of events. You can see everything from tributes to Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers, to cool intimate cabaret concerts, comedy, strippers and a night of cinema.
On Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m., the CPAC stage turns into a circus of sorts with One Fell Swoop Circus: By A Thread. Attendees will watch performers manoeuvre their bodies in incredible ways using long spools of white rope that run through pulley sheaves and wrap around their bodies. Regular priced tickets are $48, $40 for seniors, $30 for children and students or a special rate of $130 for families.
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On Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., The Comic Strippers take it off. The Comic Strippers, made up of a cast of some of Canada’s best improvisational comedians, will be showing a little skin to make you grin. This fictitious male stripper troupe are bringing more improv, comedy, sexy and hilarious dance moves in their one night only show that is 100 per cent unscripted. Tickets are $54 each, or a discounted rate of $9 when booked with groups of six or more.
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On Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., come experience the beauty of Beethoven as the Cowichan Symphony Society kicks off their first concert of the season. Special guest and Shawnigan Lake School alumnus Jon KImura Parker will be accompanying the Victoria Symphony Orchestra as the concert's solo pianist as they bring Beethoven's 'Emperor' Concerto No. 5 to life. Look for the full article in the Citizen. Adult tickets for this concert are $70.
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Mamma Mia! ABRA Cadabra brings the magic and music of ABBA to the CPAC stage on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m., with their tribute to the sensational Swedish pop group. Originally from B.C., ABRA Cadabra has been travelling the world for more than 20 years as they bring ABBA's sound to audiences of all ages and cultures. Featuring a live band and dancers. So 'Take a Chance' and spend a little 'Money, Money, Money' for a night out you won't soon forget. Ticket are $69.
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Change is never easy. On Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Menopause The Musical comes to the CPAC stage to celebrate women and the changes they experience in a hilarious way. This parody, set to classic tunes from the '60s, '70s, and '80s tells the story of four women at a lingerie sale who have nothing in common but a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. Tickets for this production, which has received worldwide acclaim, range from $59 to $81.
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On Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., an explosion of entertainment comes to the CPAC stage with Love Bomb. Love Bomb is an electric rock concert that is wrapped within a mystery play featuring original music and profound performances as it takes an unflinching look at the realities of sex trafficking in Canada. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and above, tickets for this production will be by donation in support of the Warmland Womens' Support Services Society.
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Those craving comedy will want to appease their appetite with Alex Mackenzie's Hungry for Laughs comedy tour that returns to the CPAC stage on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This event will showcase two Canadian comedy giants, one of the quickest rising stars in Australian comedy, plus a world-class magician. Audience members are sure to bust a gut as the performers bust out their best tricks and material in a show that blends comedy and illusion. Tickets are $59.95.
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The rumour is true. Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute show is coming to the CPAC stage on Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. This tribute show that hails from Los Angeles will have music lovers 'hypnotized as they they recreate the youthful sounds of Fleetwood Mac spanning the years of 1975 to 1979. Tickets are $60.
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Give the kids a special Halloween treat early and get your mid week off on a good foot. JUNO award winning children's entertainer Norman Foote leads local elementary school students in a spooky singalong for his Halloween Howl that comes to the CPAC stage on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this family friendly event are $20, $10 for students and children, or $50 per family.
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From Oct. 18 to 20 come and see some of your favourite local musicians play a professional stage as the Cabaret Concert Series comes back to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, as attendees get to feel like they are a part of the show with seating on stage.
On Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. let the good times roll as the James Vickers Band and Nico Felipe Suitor of Nanaimo share the stage with new to the valley singer/songwriter Neavv for a night of great music. Come back the next day on Oct. 19, for more good musical vibes with the sounds of Smokestacks, Steph Macpherson, and Neil Trett.
The final day of the series promises an afternoon of musical delight starting at 2 p.m. with valley and 39 Days of July favourites such as Reuben Shepherd, Too Far Gone, Stephanie Cutler, and Malakai. Single tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for children. Take in the entire three-day series for $60 for adults or $33 for children.
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On Oct. 23 get those cool cabaret feels again with another intimate concert featuring on-stage seating as Tonye Aganaba serves up her sounds of soul, Neo-folk, funk, hip-hop and R&B. Aganaba has been described as a passionate and political interdisciplinary artist and musician with a dynamic and fluid style that evokes a vulnerability we all hunger for. Tickets are $38, $32 for seniors, and just $20 for students.
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On Oct. 24 the intimate cabaret-style concert feeling continues with poet, singer/songwriter and finger-style guitarist Brian Gore, who will be accompanied by virtuoso guitarist and pianist Itamar Erez. Together this captivating couplet will serve up a collection of lyrical songs, piano compositions, solo instrumental guitar and duets. Tickets are $38, $32 for seniors, or $20 for students.
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On Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy one more kick at the cabaret this month with an intimate performance from Okanagan Valley's Josh and Bex. This dreamy folk-noir duo who have opened for famous folk acts such as The Bahamas and The Paper Kites have been charming west coast audiences for years with their dynamic alternative folk fusion and their heartwarming harmonies. Tickets are $35, $30 for seniors, or $20 for students.
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On Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., wind down the month on a high note with The Doobie Brother's Experience. 'Minute by minute' music lovers will be blown away by this tribute band that serves up more than 235 years of collective professional experience. If you love to 'Listen to the Music' then Doobie Brothers devotees will love this tribute group's renditions of classics such as 'Black Water', 'Dark Eyed Cajun Woman', and 'Jesus Is Just Alright'. Tickets are $55.50.
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On Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., close out the month with a little cinema as Reel Alternatives presents Evil Does Not Exist. Written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi this drama tells the story of Takumi and his daughter Hana who live in Mizubiki Village, which is near Tokyo. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a camping site near Takumi’s house that offers residents a comfortable escape to nature. Tickets are $17 and all proceeds go directly to Cowichan Hospice to ensure that hospice services are available to both individual and families living in the valley when they need them.
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To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James St. in Duncan.
