While seasons change the great amount of talent to grace the Duncan Showroom stage never does. Longevity John has so much good entertainment lined up this Halloween season; it's scary.
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On Oct. 2 at 7 p.m., sink into the ancient art of storytelling with the Island Storytellers. These tale tellers are from the Victoria Storytellers’ Guild, The Around Town Tellers from Nanaimo, and the Mid-Island Storytellers, based out of Qualicum Beach, and Parksville. Maybe there will even be some ghost stories. There will be two 45-minute sets with a short break in between; a donation of $15 to $20 is suggested.
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On Oct. 3 at 7 p.m., Longevity John proves that one doesn't need liquid courage to sing their heart out with the Showroom's popular 'Sober Karaoke'. Singers can sign up once the doors open at 6:30 p.m., performances will be broadcast live to both YouTube and Facebook. The cover charge is $5.
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Escape all the black and orange for a night this month, and settle in with the blues as Nanaimo's James Vickers Band takes the Showroom stage on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. This 16-year-old musical force to be reckoned with is already making waves on the scene with his great band, great tunes, and marvellous vibe. Tickets are $20 at the door.
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On Oct. 5 from 1 to 5 p.m., Longevity John hosts one event for the books with Freight and Salvage — a virtual concert of former feminist activist and performer Holly Near. Live streamed to the Showroom with a discussion before and after, attendees are encouraged to bring a donation and a lunch.
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Life is not a dress rehearsal, so bring your talents to the stage on Oct. 7 for The Showroom’s ‘Dress Rehearsal Tuesday’, also known as their weekly open-mic night. It gets underway at 7:30 p.m. There will be another two open-mic nights scheduled for the same time later this month on Oct. 14, and 21.
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On Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m, see award-winning songwriter, classically trained pianist, composer, choral arranger, music director, teacher, and performer Kate MacColl take the Showroom stage as she continues to win over new fans like she did at this past summer's 39 Days of July festival. Tickets are $25.
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On Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m, the Porter Brothers, with special guests The Rad mammals, will have you howling like a wolf as they bring their sound to the Showroom stage. Typically a trio, The Rad Mammals will perform as a duo with Reid Williams, and Allan Cameron. Tickets are $20.
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On Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m., it's into the mystic as Starchild and the Mystiques take music lovers on a magical journey of spiritual delight as they combine the sounds of a harp along with technology, and heavy intricate bass rhythms accompaniment with some reggae influenced guitar work and vocals. They also gained many new fans at their 40th Day of July performance this past August. Tickets are $20 and $25.
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On Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m., the boys are back with a brand new season of the Eugene and Billie Show as Eugene Smith, and co host Bill Levity continue to provide great music and stage banter along with interviews and even more music from their invited guests. Always a fun time had by all, donations will be accepted to be part of the live studio audience. The dynamic duo returns to the stage on Oct. 28.
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On Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m., gather up your circle of friends for 'Songwriters in the Round', a monthly fun evening where three singer/songwriters will trade off five to six songs as the ensuing banter and transparency of a musician's life comes to the forefront. This month's performers are Paul Black, Rockland Moran and Don Wilke, with a blues feel to the night. A donation of $20 is suggested.
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Music lovers will want to move mountains to hear the music of Hill 60 on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The five-piece acoustic band that serves up new grass and countrified originals features a guitar, mandolin, and stand-up bass with the two of its female members delivering powerful vocals. Hill 60, a huge hit at this summer's 39 Days of July and Wine Down Wednesdays music festival, will be doing some recording that night for a future 'live off the floor' release. Tickets are $20.
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No need to wait until March to get your Irish feels as the Showroom presents Irish singer songwriter Mary Murphy alongside guitarist Paul Keim on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. After receiving rave reviews at this past summer’s Islands Folk Festival the dynamic duo return to Duncan with an intimate in-person filmed concert. The thank you pre-booking price is $10 or $15 at the door. Seating is limited so book now to guarantee your spot at www.marymurphy.ca.
“This little Irish singer/songwriter is the real deal," said Longevity John. "I have had her here to perform a few times to sold out shows. Do yourself a flavour and go to her website. You will see how easy it is to fall in love with this gem."
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On Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. treat yourself to the musical trick of the trio of Danger Box, Red Lenses, and The Grundles as they make a stop at the Showroom as part of their mini island Halloween tour of awesome punk. Tickets are $20.
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On Oct. 24, it's time to howl as The Rad Mammals return to the Showroom stage, this time joined by duo Local Lovers. Both acts will take attendees on a rocking journey with their sounds of alternative, indie and roots rock serving up some great originals. A donation of $15 to $20 is suggested.
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On Oct. 26 uplift your mood with the sounds of down-under. Acclaimed Melbourne indie-folk artist Didirri brings his soul-stirring song crafting to the Showroom stage at 7:30 p.m, as part of his first-ever headline tour this fall following the release of his album Caught In The Act. This is one act that Cowichan concert goers will want to catch and experience Didirri's vivid storytelling and anthem style performances though his poetic lyricism and introspective approach.
He has earned his reputation as one of Australia's most compelling performers with his indie folk and rock sound, characterized by soaring melodies and raw human connection, which has already resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. Connect with venue for show prices.
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On Oct. 28, following the Eugene and Billie Show it is time to go with the FLOW with Bill Levity as he hosts 'For the Love of Words.'
Celebrating its 17th year, FLOW is a monthly invitation for all writers and poets to bring their inner thoughts and favourite words to the stage in front of a live audience. Each performer will be given five minutes to read their works. Admission is $5 for all performers, and $7 for audience members.
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On Oct. 29, settle into the Showroom with some blues royalty. Lynne Hanson, who has earned the nickname 'Canada’s Queen of Americana' though her bluesy voice, high-energy, roots-driven performances and poetic lyrics which has drawn comparisons to Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Folk fans will not wan to miss out hearing this two-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner who has released 10 albums and two poetry books over her 18-year musical career. Tickets are $25.
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Have a hair-raising time this Halloween with The Poubelles and Victoria's own five-piece band Karen and The Managers as they take the Showroom stage on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
The Poubelles will surely hook people in with their sounds of pop-rock; heavy on the rock, drawing influences from the New Wave of the '80s and the gritty, alternative sound of the '90s with a twist all their own. Halloween musical treats will include songs about heartbreak, and hopefulness with plenty of fuzz guitar while Karen and the Managers serve up the sweet sounds of classic covers. Tickets are $20.
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The Duncan Showroom is located in the heart of downtown Duncan at 131 Station St. Tickets for all shows and events at the Showroom can be purchased in person or by visiting showroomproductions.ca.
