The Saanich Fair is once again set to provide a weekend of fun and laughter for both residents of Greater Victoria and for visitors from all over. Running from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, the Fair annually attracts around 45,000 people, who come for the food, displays, rides and attractions and who leave with smiles and memories that may never fade.
One of the main components of the experience, of course, is the entertainment.
This year, the Saddleback Stage (sponsored by Thrifty Foods) will feature a full schedule of acts to entertain fair-goers with everything from music to chainsaw carving.
Naturally, the main acts take to the free stage in the evening, and this year the shows are not to be missed.
On Saturday (Aug. 30), Jump will present a Van Halen experience with a tribute to the genius of David Lee Roth.
The band is made up of Michael Newman (front man), Andrew Yates (bass), Cody Alexander (guitar) and Eric Sutherland (drums).
“All of the guys are about the same age as Van Halen were in their prime, so it’s an amazing experience to watch them perform,” said Mya Elf, Jump’s manager. “They have the ability to take people back to the music they loved, and we complete the experience with a combination of wardrobe, skits and live video footage of the original band. It’s amazing.”
Still, it’s not just the age of the band or the visuals that really make the experience one to remember.
“These guys are really great musicians, and their sound is true to the guitar solos and solid rhythms that made Van Halen and David Lee Roth famous,” said Elf. “It’s fabulous music and Jump delivers it in a way that is more than a tribute to a past band, it’s an experience in itself.”
It’s an assessment that has seen Jump tour across North America and beyond with concerts in Thailand and Australia.
But there’s more.
On Sunday evening (Aug 31), the stage gives over to The Trews. This Canadian rock band is made up of vocalist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John Angus-MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Theo Mckibbon. Together they’ve garnered six Juno nominations and have received multiple music awards, including Rock Recording of the Year and Best AAA/Alternative Song International Acoustic Music Awards (US).
“We try to turn over every stone in the creative process to find the truest interpretation of an idea for a song,” said McDonald. “You never really know where the creative process is going to go.”
That approach has seen the band release a series of albums to critical acclaim, and in the fall of 2024 had them perform their song “Highway of Heroes” on Juno Beach for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions. That performance garnered the group international attention and cemented the Trews reputation.
“The bands that we have performing at the Saanich Fair are always a big attraction," said fair general manager Bryon Burns. “And having the groups that we’ve got this year taking the Saddleback Stage is just amazing. These are going to be shows that no one should miss.”
The Trews are scheduled for Sunday (Aug. 31) at 8 p.m. on the Saddleback Stage. With multiple Top 10 hits and numerous awards, The Trews are sure to deliver an electrifying show.
