The Saanich Fair, presented by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, takes place Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 on Stelly’s Cross Road. Entertainment on the Thrifty Foods Community Stage is free with paid admission to the fair. Tickets are $15 per adult, $ 10 for youth and can be purchased at saanichfair.ca.
ASTON MARTINI: Saturday, Aug. 31, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Iggy Pop. Black Keys. David Bowie. The Tragically Hip. These are just a few of the bands you'll hear covered at an Aston Martini show.
This band reimagines iconic rock, post-punk and alternative songs, with elegant rebellion and relentless groove, as guitarist Clive Scott describes it. "Our shows are tight, high energy and super danceable."
Their enthusiasm for their craft and the beloved songs they play have made the band a popular pick for club settings, corporate events and private parties.
Formed in 2023, Aston Martini was created when existing players from a different band, Caught in the Act, came together. With the addition of Chris Lawry, a "vocal chameleon and high-energy frontman," as Scott said, this energetic and edgier band was complete.
Other members include John Hawkins on bass and backing vocals, Scott Rees on guitar and keyboard, Gavin Winter on drums and Clive Scott on guitar.
FLEETWOOD MAGIC: Saturday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. Sunday, September 1, at 8 p.m.
There's something magically enduring about the music of Fleetwood Mac.
From timeless classics like Rhiannon, Dreams, You Make Loving Fun, Say You Love Me, The Chain, and Go Your Own Way, it's hard to imagine what the musical landscape would be like if this iconic band never existed.
Luckily, Fleetwood Magic is here to keep the good times and chart-topping tunes rolling. And, they do it in a way that has earned the respect of thousands of fans.
The band is known to perform the hits authentically while representing the original sound, personae and mystique of Fleetwood Mac – down to the vintage costumes and on-stage character.
"All members of the band were spot on! Close your eyes for a moment during the show and remember where you were when you first heard the magic of Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood Magic is a well-rehearsed group of talented super fans who celebrate both the music and the band itself inviting the crowd along for the journey!" said Trevor McDonald, host of Then & Now on Star 98.3 FM in a review.
The band consists of lifelong, talented musicians (some who have toured internationally), and an award-winning multi-instrumentalist and studio engineer/musical director
JON & ROY: Sunday, September 1, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Emerging in 2003 while attending the University of Victoria, Jon and Roy have carved a unique niche in the indie folk scene. With their signature blend of acoustic melodies, heartfelt lyrics and West Coast sound, the duo has become a beloved staple in the Canadian music landscape.
Jon Middleton (vocals, guitar) and Roy Vizer (drums, percussion) draw inspiration from folk rock, reggae and blues, crafting a chill, easy-listening sound that's made them a welcome addition to many festivals and stages around the world.
Since forming, the pair has released several albums, with some of their hit singles amassing millions of views on Spotify. Every Night, from 2014's By My Side, is arguably their most well-known song with over 20 million plays on the streaming service. Nothing But Everything from 2017's The Road Ahead is Golden is close behind with over 18 million, showing this band's ability to reach a wide audience.
Outside of Jon and Roy, Middleton has explored solo projects, and is notably half of the well-known musical duo Ocie Elliott, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. These endeavours have allowed the band to continually evolve and bring fresh perspectives to their music.
For the Saanich Fair, Jon and Roy will perform with a full band. They'll have plenty of new material from their latest seven-song EP, Restore, released on April 4 of this year.
STREETHEART: Sunday, September 1, at 8 p.m.
Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Streetheart is a Juno award-winning Rock & Roll band that's been thrilling audiences across Canada since 1976.
The band got off to a great start when in 1980, it won the Juno Award for Most Promising Group of the Year. Today, two of the original founding members, Daryl Gutheil and Ken 'Spider' Sinnaeve, are still in the band, bringing as great a show to the stage as ever.
In 2019, the band re-established themselves following a two-year hiatus to honour the passing of lead vocalist Kenny Shields. They've since come back strong, receiving rave reviews from coast to coast with longtime alumnus Jeff Neill, Paul McNair and Chris Sutherland filling out the rest of the band.
Frontman McNair has become a fan favourite known for his engaging onstage persona and top-notch vocals. His respect for the legacy of Streetheart has endeared him to even the most hardcore of Streetheart fans.
While this band has had too many chart-topping hits to list, some notable mentions include Action, Under My Thumb, Here Comes the Night and Hollywood.
Considering that Streetheart has toured with legends like Rush, Chilliwack, Blue Oyster Cult, AC/DC and Kansas, it's little wonder that the band continues to deliver highly entertaining shows and draw crowds.
