Mariachi Fest
The fifth-annual Mariachi Festival serenades its way to Victoria’s Alix Goolden Hall Fri., May 17 at 7pm.
This year’s gala features music from Cocula (Jalisco, Mexico), Los Arrieros (Texas, U.S.A.), and traditional dancers — all dressed in stunning “charro” suits and decorative hats, while the sounds of guitars, violins, bass and trumpets fill the air.
Tickets are $38.50/33.50 and are available at rmts.bc.ca, 250-386-6121.
More information and complete tour schedule at mariachifestival.ca or 604-338-4064. M
Africa Fest
Celebrate African food, dance, drums, music and culture with the first-annual Africa Fest, taking over Centennial Square Fri., May 17 (6-10pm) and Sat., May 18 (noon-6pm).
With an African and Caribbean food fair, marketplace, song, dance and drumming workshops, fashion show, beauty pageant, music and dance performances, kids’ zone and a culture exhibition featuring African country flags, Africa Fest is sure to be an entertaining and enlightening experience.
Kick it up a notch with Africaribbean Spirit Night (May 18, $15) at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad).
More events and information at vaccsociety.com. M
Meghan Hildebrand: Next Year
This collection of new paintings by nationally-celebrated artist Meghan Hildebrandt explores the idea of what if all the wonderful ideas that people had to make the world a better place came together?
In her iconic "Story Maps", she pieces together imagination and reality, offering the viewer suggestions of narrative to connect as they please.
In this series, Hidebrandt is emphasizing the action of painting to communicate emotion and energy. Enthusiastic brushstrokes and vibrant colours build on the canvas to celebrate new beginnings, growth out of destruction and various other themes.
On at Madrona Gallery (606 View) until May 28
