He is back! I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, as things come out of hibernation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this case, it’s the Cowichan Consort Concerto Competition, which went on hiatus for two years.

The competition is open to any young musician 26 and under who lives and studies on Vancouver Island on any instrument, including voice.

Applications must be submitted by October 27, with the competition taking place on November 5.

The winner will perform with the Cowichan Consort Orchestra at the March 11, 2023 concert with Our Youth and will also receive a scholarship to help with their studies. Many winners have gone on to successful music careers, a press release notes.

Nominations and more information, as well as a list of previous winners, are available on the Consort’s website www.cowichanconsort.com

The Consort’s new resident conductor, Nathan Jacklin, will show his assets at the band’s first gig of the season on October 22.

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It just happened, rehearsals for a hit musical Shrek began!

The Cowichan Musical Society, fresh off a successful series of The beauty and the Beast have now gone green for their next show, which will hit the stage in February 2023.

“We have a full roster of cast members for the show, however, we could definitely still use strong male vocals,” the Company said ahead of the first rehearsal. To check if the opportunity is still open, or to volunteer to help build sets and sew costumes or other behind-the-scenes work, contact Irwin Killam at [email protected] or call 250-710- 0010.

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Riot Brewing in Chemainus has a bunch of fun coming up.

On September 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. it’s live music with Bullwinkle. Everyone is invited to come and dance on what is called “yacht rock”.

“Our favorite duo delivers masterfully classic after classic, giving you that peaceful, easy feeling,” a press release read.

Then on September 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. it’s live music again, this time with Woodstick.

“The incredible duo Woodstick are back to rock the living room and your spirit! These talented musicians will blow your mind with their technical prowess and fun renditions of folk and rock classics. A night of great tunes and good times,” reads the communicated.

And finally, kick off October on October 1 with Lawson Kelly from 6-9 p.m.

“Highly energetic local boys Lawson Kelly will bring their signature mashup of alternative country, rock and folk to Riot Brewery! With soulful originals and hard-hitting covers, they’ll have your feet tapping and your mind reeling, and vice versa” , the statement said.

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Abdul Ali, co-founder of Vancouver’s Funny Side Up Productions is hosting a comedy night at the CVI Lounge in Duncan on Sunday, September 25 at 8 p.m.

Ali “immerses his audience in his upbringing as a Middle Eastern Canadian and Filipino. His unique storytelling and charisma have made him a fun time wherever he goes,” reads a press release for the show.

The headliner is James Boyle, originally from Whitehorse, Yukon. He performed at the Yukon Comedy Festival and was featured on the album Just For Laughs Originals North, and now performs throughout Victoria.

The show also features Jeremiah Ukponrefe, a Vancouver-based author and comedian.

“As a comedian, his style is a blend of clever observation with subversive darkness – all executed under a veil of innocence,” the press release reads. He has performed at many fringe festivals and is co-founder of Funny Side Up Productions.

Head over to eventbrite to get them ( https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/comedy-cvi-lounge-tickets-419078724747 ).

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