Much Music

Top-notch music heard most days of the week

 

Musical talent from all genres can be found on Salt Spring, with a line-up of renowned instrumentalists, singers and songwriters living and performing here.

Locals enjoy the community spirit of well-known celebrities Bill Henderson and Valdy as they perform regularly at the Salt Spring Folk Club, fall fair and local fundraisers.

Famous rocker Randy Bachman of The Guess Who fame also resides on the island. He’s been known to give concerts to fundraise for the island’s new indoor pool, or drop in to join his son Tal Bachman, drummer Matt Johnson of 54-40 and Tom Hooper of the former Grapes of Wrath band to play at Moby’s Pub.

Harry Manx is another famous local, with demand for his eclectic blues/mantra stylings taking him across the world on tour. But he always finds time for a concert or two on Salt Spring each year, including one at the quaint Tree House Cafe in Ganges, which fills the town with live music every night from late May through Labour Day.

In the jazz idiom, saxophonist Monik Nordine runs Swing Shift, a local community swing band, and heads up the newly formed Salt Spring Jazz Society, which organizes a summer jazz festival (June 22-23) and concerts throughout the year.

Amazing local talent merges with internationally acclaimed guests at the ArtSpring summer festival series, which features artists from all over the world. Cellist Paula Kiffner always participates in the chamber music concert of that series, which includes top-notch classical musicians who have a connection to Salt Spring. This year’s festival, Way Cool Summer Nights, runs from June 29 to August 29.

Jamie RT is gaining fame across North America for her "fiddola" playing and two CDs she has recently released. She also runs an August 20-24 fiddle camp and the faculty showcase performance event (August 19) of that week should not be missed.

Every Wednesday through summer months, All Saints church on Park Drive hosts Music & Munch — a series of free recitals, followed by an optional lunch.

With choirs, a concert band, and numerous folk, jazz and pop soloists and ensembles, there’s music for everyone to enjoy on Salt Spring. Check out the What’s On section in the Driftwood on Wednesdays or the Driftwood’ TGIF Friday edition for a list of performances taking place during your visit.