COMMUNITY
Astronomy Nights at UVic
Head to UVic on Wednesday evenings and join the Department of Physics and Astronomy for an astronomical perspective on the skies. Take a peek through a fully automated telescope in the Climenhaga Observatory or (weather permitting) look through smaller telescopes on the roof. This educational evening won’t cost a penny (unless you drive) and is a fun activity you can invite anyone to.
Oct-April, 8-10 p.m., May-Aug, 9-10 p.m., Wednesdays
Bob Wright Centre, 5th floor, UVic 3800 Finnerty Rd.
Admission: Free
For more information visit uvic.ca/science/physics/public/ and click on “Astronomy Open House”
Ice skating at the Empress
The Fairmont Empress Hotel has temporarily transformed their front lawn into a skating rink for the holiday season. The event has been put on by new Empress owners Nat and Flora Bosa as an early gift to Victoria residents and visitors. Skating equipment is available for rent.
Oct. 31- Jan. 15, 2015
Public skate: 5-9 p.m. on weekdays, noon-12 p.m. on weekends
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government St.
Admission: $10, $5 kids 10 and under; rentals $5 per pair
For more information visit fairmont.com/empress
That’s in-Seine: Collections by Moonlight
Explore what lies on the ocean floor and join researchers from the Royal B.C. Museum and the Victoria Natural History Society for an aquatic evening. Using a seine, you will discover over 20 marine species like fish, crabs, and shrimp. This event occurs at night, so dress warmly and bring a headlamp.
Nov. 22, 8-10 p.m.
Willows Beach, Dalhousie St.
Admission: Free
For more information visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Bear Wear
Head to Hotel Grand Pacific to kick off the holiday season for a good cause. Bear Wear features holiday-inspired teddy bears dressed up by local people and businesses. They are on display in the lobby; stroll through the bear-decorated hallway and vote for your favourite. This seasonal fundraiser gives to a good cause and supports kids in need.
Nov. 25- Jan. 04, noon-12 p.m.
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
Admission: Free ($2 suggested donation)
For more information visit childrenshealthvi.org
MUSIC
The Black Hen Travelling Roadshow Revue
Check out this blues ensemble featuring Steve Dawson, Big Dave McLean, and Canada’s 2013 Blues Vocalist of the Year, Jim Byrne. The trio comes together to promote the release of their three new albums coming out on the Black Hen imprint. Playing tracks from new albums alongside well-known classics, you won’t want to miss these bluesy gents.
Nov. 21, 7:30-10:30 p.m., doors at 7 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 924 Douglas St.
Admission: $20, $25 at the door
Tickets available at Lyle’s Place, Ivy’s Bookshop, Long & McQuade or online at beaconridgeproductions.com
Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra opens its 29th season presenting pieces from classical greats Beethoven, Bizet, Enescu, and Smetana. The series features Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture” from his “heroic” middle period and Smetana’s mythical symphonic poem, “Má Vlast: Vltava” (The Moldau), a love letter to his Bohemian homeland and the river that runs through it. Treat your ears to an afternoon of classical bests while expanding your general music knowledge.
Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m.
Farquhar Auditorium UVic, 3800 Finnerty Rd.
Admission: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 students
For tickets visit tickets.uvic.ca or call 250-721-8480
Sequoia Women’s Ensemble
Join the Sequoia Women’s Ensemble as they present, “Here Comes Sequoia- A Capella music from the Beatles to Bartok.” These lively, lovely ladies will use only their vocal pipes for an entire afternoon, performing classical and contemporary works.
Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill X Rd.
Admission by donation
