ART
MARIMEKKO, WITH LOVE EXHIBITION
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, check out the Finnish textile and clothing design company who revolutionized prints. These lively, ground-breaking prints were pioneered by fashion designers in the ‘60s and ‘70s and are still recognizable today. Bringing together both art and design, the exhibit blends cultures of fashion between Canada, Finland, and other parts of the world.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss St.
Admission: $13, $11 for seniors and students, 5 and under free
For more information on opening hours, visit aggv.ca
COMMUNITY
VICTORIA HEALTH WELLNESS & SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
Keep your attitude healthy by learning about total body wellness. This yearly festival, held at the Victoria Conference Centre, teaches you how to keep a healthy body and mind. Find a wide range of ideas, techniques, and products built from local and international communities. With an updated name and brand, this festival is approachable and inclusive for all.
Feb. 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St.
Admission: $6 early bird, $8 day of, children 12 and under free
For online tickets and more information visit healthandwellnessfestival.ca
LOVEWINS FILM PREMIERE
Journey around the world with Sidney-based filmmaker Grant Faint as he uncovers the many iterations of love. Faint filmed his latest movie LOVEWINS in six years across 16 countries. He asks the same question to every interviewee, “What has love meant in your life?” Faint is raising money and awareness for Ebola patients in Sierra Leone with a local charity, Friends of Taiama. Support a cause and open your heart to giving and receiving love.
Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
MacLaurin Building, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd.
Admission: $15
Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting faint@shaw.ca
NAUGHTY NIGHT SHIFT: WILD ROMANCE AT THE RBCM
Don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day this year? Head to the adults-only night at the Royal BC Museum and learn about mating rituals of the animal kingdom. Listen to scientists talk about sex and learn about sensitive spots and pheromones. SpeakEasy, an improv-poetry duo, will perform spoken-word pieces on the naughty side of nature as well as a hip-hop performance interpreting love and sex by Dance Messenger Madoka. The evening ends with an IMAX screening of Isabella Rossellini’s film Green Porno.
Feb. 14, 8–11 p.m. 19+, photo ID required
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville St.
Admission: $30, 10 per cent discount for members
Tickets available online at royalbcmuseum.ca or at the Royal BC Museum box office
OPEN WORLD READINGS AND IDEAS: TOMASZ ROZYCKI
Join host Tomasz Rozycki as part of the literary series, Open World Readings and Ideas, in affiliation with the UVic Department of Writing Orion Series in Fine Arts. An interview with Victoria writer Tim Lilburn will follow as well as books, beer, and wine.
Feb. 17, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Open Space Contemporary Arts Society, 510 Fort St.
Admission by donation
For more information visit openspace.ca
MUSIC
TWO BLUESMAN ROCK THE UPPER DECK
The Victoria Blues Society presents Arsen Shomakhov and Bill Johnson live for the Saturday Night Live Juke Joint show. On the first Saturday of each month, head to the Upper Deck Sports Lounge and check out some local Vancouver and Victoria talent. It’s rare to see two blues extraordinaires in such an intimate setting—be sure to check it out.
Feb. 7, 8 p.m, Doors at 7 p.m.
Upper Deck Sports Lounge, 220 Gorge Road East
Admission: $15
Tickets available at Upper Deck and at the door
LONESOME TORIE AND THE HAPPY FRIENDS
Pining for some old school country tunes? Join Lonesome Torie and the Happy Friends for a melancholy evening featuring covers of Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, and more. Cosy Father and Moose Antler join Lonesome Torie and Happy Endings with enchanting melodies.
Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Cavity Curiosity Shop, 556 Pandora Ave.
Admission: sliding scale $5–10
Tickets available at the door
VICTORIA DJANGO FESTIVAL
This gypsy and jazz music festival is back again with all the punch and pizzazz you were missing. Two nights of music will take place at White Eagle Hall and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Additionally, a Djangocamp workshop will be held at Larsen Music featuring Django Festival headliners.
Feb. 13–14
White Eagle Hall, 90 Dock St. and Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 680 Courtney St.
Admission: $25 Fri., $35 Sat., $50 for weekend pass, $75 for Djangocamp
Register for Djangocamp through Larsen Music at 250-389-1988; space is limited
Tickets available at Lyle’s Place, Ditch Records, Hoyne Brewery, and Larsen Music
For more information, visit the Facebook event page
