April 19 - Concert news for the summer

Good morning !

After a dozen or so years of feeling like possibly the only person in this city to not indulge in yoga, I have taken the plunge. Even bought some yoga pants.

Wish me luck, balance, and flexibility!

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ☀️ 16 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 13 / 8

Sunday: ⛅ 12 / 3

7-day forecast

NEWS

Phillips Backyard and Rifflandia announce lineups

Here’s a little pre-taste of summer for live music lovers.

Phillips Backyard has announced its lineup for both its July and August weekends, while Rifflandia has released the names of its Day 1 performers. 

Among those taking the stage at Phillips Backyard’s Tilt weekend in July are South African-Canadian country artist Orville Peck. Noah Cyrus, Miley’s sister, also is on the bill. Black Pumas, Earl Sweatshirt, and Jungle will feature among the Reverb weekend performers in Aug.

This year, halving into a weeklong event, Rifflandia’s Friday performers will include Canadian DJ Rezz and Ja Rule. The lineup for its Sat. and Sun. shows will be announced next month. 

Both festivals feature a range of genres, with varied lineups catering to different music tastes. Both will take place in the Rock Bay vicinity—on home turf for Phillips, but a first for Rifflandia after years at RAP.

Read more about the lineups for Phillips Backyard and Rifflandia here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

City Nature Challenge: How many plants and animals can you find in the CRD? [April 26-29] 

Sooke crosswalk improvement: Provide input on new ways to enhance pedestrian safety.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Island First Nation hopes the sun shines on its modern shellfishing strategy

The history of Indigenous shellfish harvesting on the Island is extensive, dating back thousands of years. But as global demand grows and shellfish populations dwindle, communities in the South Island are looking to make changes to restore some balance.

The T’Sou-ke First Nation is modernizing its shellfish harvesting with the latest technology. Using a newly solar-powered work platform, the First Nation is growing its aquaculture project and aims to make it economically and ecologically sustainable.

Their tenure in Sooke Basin can produce more than 3M oysters, helping the First Nation tap into a multi-million dollar North American market. Thanks to the use of innovative technology, its operations are becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly, producing premium oyster products for domestic and international markets.

Fun fact: Proprietor Henry E. Levy opened the Arcade Oyster Saloon in Victoria in 1864 at 1316 Government. It closed in 1906.

Read the full story on modern oyster harvesting in The Westshore.

TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

What’s the best seafood spot in the city?

Have your say on the best seafood, the best pizza, the best bakery, the best burger, and so much more. Check out the finalists and vote!

⭐️ Capital Picks

💲Want a chance to win $100 at Country Grocer? Take Victoria's 2024 Vital Signs short-form citizen survey today. Double your chances to win by completing the long-form version!*

🍽️ Chorizo & Co. is closing: The tapas restaurant and bar at 807 Fort has sold its business after five and a half years. Its last day will be May 18.

🩰 Dance Victoria presents Ballets Jazz Montréal (BJM) in Essence, a triple bill by all-female choreographers at the Royal Theatre on April 26 and 27. Get your tickets today!*

🌊 High Ground Hike today: Tsunami safety. [Royal Roads]

📷 These photos are killer: Orca delight. [CHEK]

🎤 Want to know how a play gets created? Gregor Craigie interviews artists and community experts involved in The Lehman Trilogy. Learn more.*

📸 Mount Baker and the Saanich Peninsula by Doug Clement. [Photo]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

First Nations art stolen from a home in Gordon Head
Saanich Police describe it as a “large collection” valued at more than $60K. It includes pieces created by First Nations artist Calvin Moreberg, and Inuit carvings taken on April 2. [Saanich Police]

STR rules kick in May 1: 10 Island communities opt in
Tofino has been joined by nine communities with a population of less than 10K that want to limit the number of short-term rentals to plug the extensive long-term demand. Beginning next month, STR owners caught breaking the ban can be fined $500 to $5K a day. [CHEK]

Why you’ll be seeing low-flying choppers in the sky soon 
It’s part of FortisBC’s yearly inspection of high-pressure gas lines. Beginning April 26 and running to mid-June, the aerial inspection will be held over the CRD and 22 other regional districts across the province. [Victoria News]

Feds may build housing on CFB Esquimalt lands
This week’s federal budget proposes the feds “build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada.” Up to 1,400 homes may be built and a further 2,500 renovated on DND bases. The Trudeau government says Canadians shouldn’t spend more than 30% of their incomes on housing. [Victoria Buzz]

BC climate activist Zain Haq’s deportation to move ahead
The motion to stay Haq’s removal from Canada was dismissed on Tue., so the climate activist must leave the country by April 22—Earth Day. Haq is being deported for issues with his student visa. He and his lawyer argue Canada’s Border Services Agency (CBSA) focused more on his climate activism than his SFU standing, which they insist to be good. Haq and his wife Sophia Papp will be hosting zoom meetings today to call on Federal Minister Marc Miller to use his discretion to keep Haq in BC. Read Haq’s story in Capital Daily.

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🗓️ Things to do

⚰️ Speaking of Death. This free and fun event is intended to provide information to feel informed and empowered about end-of-life planning. Caffe Fantastico in Quadra Village. May 2. 6:30-8pm. [Info]

🎭 Epidermis Circus: This puppet cabaret will be performed at The Metro Studio Theatre as part of the Incoming Festival. Today & Tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🍺 Hoyne Around the World: Hoyne Brewing Co. will host a beer pairing at The Empress’s Bengal Lounge. Today. 7-10pm. [Info]

🌿 Invasive species removal: Help remove invasive periwinkle and other introduced species at Ayum Creek, tomorrow 10am-1pm. With tools, gloves, and snacks provided, but bring your own gear if you have. [Info]

🎤 Shaggy 2 Dope: The American rapper will perform at Capital Ballroom. Today. Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. [Info]

🎹 Ryan Oliver Soul Jazz Quartet: The saxophonist will be joined by guitarist Mark Crawford, organist Dr. Tony Genge, and drummer Kelby MacNayr. Hermann’s Jazz Club. Today. Doors 5:30pm. Show 7pm. [Info]

🎭 Less + More: As a part of Incoming Festival, Dustin Harvey will give an interdisciplinary performance at Intrepid Studio based on past audience feedback. Today & Tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Spongy moth spraying starts soon; A one-bedroom rental increase; CRD biosolids company denies products harmed Texas farm; And more. [Apr. 18] 

Missing teen found, VicPD confirms.

Victoria OCP update: Join this online session to learn about the Official Community Plan and share your opinions. [Vic’s Future]

Chamber of Commerce safety panel timely after spate of stabbings. [Capital Daily]

Pair of quakes west of the Island on Wed. [CTV]

Keep dogs leashed at PKOLS: It's ground-nesting season for birds such as the dark-eyed junco.

Pacific chorus frog egg mass photographed in Clayoquot Sound. [Photo]

That’s it!

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