The entertainment scene is heating up for the hottest time of the summer at the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton.
“I have a lot of big shows slated for July,” conceded Patricia Berry, the events manager and booking agent for the pub.”I have some Juno and Maple Blues award winners coming.”
Since taking over the post, she’s made it her mission to book acts you would rarely see in a similar-sized venue. “I am looking to greatly increase the amount of music we bring in,” Berry noted back in April.
She’s going above and beyond to do exactly that. Patrons will notice ‘Osborne Bay Pub Presents’ and ‘The Musician’s Music Venue’ as part of the pub’s branding.
Berry is making a huge effort to get the word out not only to Cowichan Valley music fans, but people from around the Island.
“We are going to get a huge music scene going here,” she professed. “Super excited.”
The dog days of summer will be anything but at the pub with a dynamite weekend doubleheader.
Oliver Swain, a Juno Award nominee, hits the stage Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Swain is held in high regard in acoustic and folk music styles for his astonishing instrumental and vocal abilities.
He strays towards the whimsical, the spiritual, and the socially conscious side of what he refers to as “chamber folk odyssey,” and it’s these beguiling and provocative elements that make him unique as an artist and songwriter.
Tickets are $10 at the door.
Saturday, July 14 features Russell Marsland at 8 p.m. He’s a multiple award-winning guitar virtuoso and vocalist who’s been a powerful presence on the Vancouver music scene for more than 30 years.
In 1978, Marsland co-founded Vancouver’s Rhythm & Blues All Stars. The band played its first gig opening for Long John Baldry.
Since then, he’s performed with hundreds of artists, and shared the stage with the likes of the Allman Brothers, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, James Brown, War, Ray Charles and Steppenwolf to name just a few.
Tickets for Marsland & The Chosen Few are $25 apiece and a shuttle service is available by calling 250-324-2245.
The South Island Rhythm Kings take centre stage Saturday, July 21 at 8 p.m., with the father and son team of (Lazy) Mike Mallon on vocals and harmonica and Carson Mallon on guitar and vocals.
They put a fresh spin on traditional down-home blues, with Ricky Renouf laying it down on the stand-up bass, rock steady drummer Nick Dokter and Dan Dube on keys. The dynamic team produces a high-energy engaging show every time.
Tickets are $15.
Ange Hehr, an amazing vocalist, rounds out the month Saturday, July 28 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Hehr is a powerful performer of popular songs and a Canadian Idol at 23 years old.
Backed by her incredible band, she’s a house favorite in Victoria’s top bars for some serious dancing music.
Berry hinted there’s a lot more in store later in the summer.
“I have two fantastic bands booked so far for August,” she noted.
Berry added the regular Pat’s House of Jazz Sunday afternoon jazz shows will be relaunched in September.
