Top 10 Exciting Shows to see at the Vancouver Fringe Festival

Vancouver Fringe Festival Generic

Runs September 5th to 15th, 2024

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and this event promises to be big. Just where one can find the cake will depend on what they announce for parties. And for those at Terminal City from September 5th to 15th, Granville Island will be abuzz with lots of fun events for all to enjoy!

Where possible, we have included a review or two as these shows also played at the Victoria Fringe Theatre show too!

B The Wiz Presents
A Storytelling Hip-Hop Experience

B The Wiz Presents A Storytelling Hip-Hop ExperienceHip-Hop artist B The Wiz uses his storytelling ability to create music with a positive message. The Thunder Bay MC has been working organizing hip-hop shows since 2015. When checking out a B The Wiz performance, you can expect to see smiles, laughter and appreciation from the artist. Conversing with the crowd and feeling the energy in the room, B The Wiz will perform songs that can carry messages and teachings that he has learnt throughout his life.

Beginning his journey with street art before creating music, B The Wiz believes it’s important to hold reverence for the elements of Hip-Hop.

False Tour of False Creek

False Tour of False CreekThe False Creek Ferries Players are proud to present their False Tour of False Creek. Get misinformed by a Completely Believable and Not-At-All-Full-Of-Baloney skipper as you set sail around the harbour on a comfortable, silent, electric boat. Sights include Science World, the world’s largest Tesla Coil, the False Creek Ray Gun, and a skyline of non-Euclidean madness.

A maximum of twelve seats are available for each trip. Reality itself is liable to warp as facts are bent, twisted, and finally made to walk the plank. We solemnly guarantee that this tour will be untrue, phoney, and entirely made-up.

When Fern Flowers Bloom

When Fern Flowers Bloom(for a review, please visit our sister site’s post here)

When Fern Flowers Bloom is a tale of love, loss, and transitions told through traditional Latvian folklore, poetry, and symbolism. Nāve, the Goddess of Death, has just received word that Fall is coming but struggles to follow through with her responsibility when she discovers that the time has also come for her lover Jāņis, the incarnation of Summer and its Solstice celebration. Over the course of one last intimate date night, we see how each character processes and finally accepts their fate by either holding on to their traditions or creating new ones.

The Law of Gravity

The Law of Gravity

Dom has had a rough go of things so far. At fourteen, he has the hardened look of someone who’s had to fight for everything. Fred has just moved to Not-The-City, a new place to try to disappear. But he didn’t expect to actually make friends. He just hopes he’s accepted for how he looks. When Dom and Fred meet on a hill overlooking a bridge that connects Not-The-City to The City, a place where anyone can be anything they want, the two find a refuge in one another and make a pact: they’ll cross the bridge at the end of the school year. They’ll be free. What could happen by then? Who will they be? And will the bridge even let them cross?

Hot Dog!

Devon More Music Hot Dog!Devon More Music presents an outdoor art-rock show… for the dogs! Canines and their human companions can enjoy Devon’s infectious originals alongside curious cover songs in the open air – under the cover of Granville Island’s Picnic Pavilion. This show aims to turn the old adage “never work with children or animals” on its head, and prove that anything is paw-sible! All well-socialized dogs and humans, big or small, young or old are welcome to join in the pet-a-palooza. Parade your pet and earn tasty treats for tremendous tricks (provided by the Granville Island Pet Treatery). Have a ball with Devon’s Doggy Dance Party. Regardless of how ruff your day is going, this is sure to be a chance to unleash yourself and raise the woof!

Jon Bennett: AMERICAN’T

Jon Bennett- AMERICAN’TAfter nomadically touring the world for the last 10 years, Renowned Australian comedic storyteller, Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab) finally has a home: The US of A. Or does he? COVID forced him back to his childhood home in the outback of Australia with his conservative, religious family for the next year and a half. After jumping through every hoop imaginable, Jon was finally able to leave Australia and come to the USA. Only to be arrested at the airport upon landing. This is THAT story.

seaMAN

2 Sleepy RatGuys SeaMAN Promotional CardYARGH! Join the saltiest sea captain ever on a “30min scenic boat tour” This queer nautical comedy is like the deranged love child of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse and Gilligan’s Island. This show is a whirlwind of revenge-fueled sea-venture combining outrageous physical comedy with a few dark twists and turns. Alternately played by two actors, it’s a one-man-show by two featuring the saltiest sailor to ever set sail on the several seas. Prepare yourself for a hilarious on-stage scenic boat tour that promises fishing, the ocean breeze … and SO much more.

Full Metal Comedy

Full Metal Comedy Full Metal ComedyFull Metal Comedy is a stand up comedy show based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was started by Shawn Cuthand and Danny Knight as a way to get stage time in Saskatchewan. In the prairies you can literally see that there is no stage time for miles and days! The show works like an open mic to encourage new comedians to give it a try, but for the Vancouver Fringe, we’re bringing our best! Shawn Cuthand is a writer/comedian and producer based in Treaty 6 Territory from Little Pine First Nation.

He is a part of The Feather News on APTN Lumi and has been doing stand up for 6 years. Danny Knight is an actor/writer/comedian and director from Muskoday First Nation and is the host of The Feather News on APTN Lumi. Ryan Moccasin is a writer/comedian and producer from Saskatoon, SK and is the CEO of The Feather News. he is also a novelist with the book “Suicide Empire” in his credits. Cheyenna Sapp will be at the first half of the shows as well. Cheyenna is a stand up comedian/actress/writer from Little Pine First Nation. She plays “Rose” on CTV’s Acting Good and performs all over Canada making communities laugh. Local comedian Sasha Mark will also be helping curate from the local talent pool to provide guest spots and hosting opportunities for the festival.

Camp Goneaway

Ragamuffin Productions Camp Goneaway Promotional CardWhat’s lurking in the lake? Margot and Evie are best friends. When they hear a legendary sea monster is hiding in the depths of their camp waters, they are determined to uncover its secrets. For fans of Gravity Falls and The Babysitters Club Mysteries, this heartfelt campfire jamboree explores the relationship between girlhood and eco-anxiety. This is a new work from award winning company Ragamuffin Productions: June Bug, FRANK.

Proximity: The Space Between Us

Theatre Terrific Proximity- The Space Between UsAmidst the improbability of connections forming around us, “Proximity: The Space Between Us” , co-created by an all-abilities cast, delves into the delicate balance of distance and connection. Through a series of interconnected narratives that open into a realm of infinite possibility, this physical theatre piece embraces the emotional and physical complexities that define our shared humanity, inviting audiences to reflect on the threads that unite and separate us.

Top 10 Picks of the 2024 Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival!

Victoria Fringe Theatre FestivalThe Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival is back in full form! A few acts from afar that didn’t make the lottery last year are here this year, and as for others, now that some acts of nature are behind us, fans of this type of entertainment can enjoy it in full force!

From the Press Release:

Dance, comedy, drama, spoken word, kids programming, or late-night cabarets, try a bit of everything this summer at the Fringe! This event will feature local, national and international artists again this summer as the Fringe returns for 12 days of indie theatre at 5 traditional venues and 4 unconventional venues across the city. We are excited to be back with live events and shows, including the Fringe Eve Preview and FringeKids Fest and a nightly Fringe Club bringing post-show vibes, libations, and pop-up programming throughout the festival. We can’t wait for you to try out all Fringe has to offer and join us for our 38th year of Fringe fun.

Last year, we introduced a bunch of new and exciting elements to the Victoria Fringe, and we’re excited to continue them forward into this year’s festival. Unconventional Venue shows are once again featured at the 2024 Victoria Fringe: four off-site, site-specific venues provided by the artists, highlighting non-traditional theatre experiences involving walking/moving shows, outdoor shows, and even a familiar neighbourhood coffee shop.

What we offer are a look at ten shows that I feel are must-sees and the links go to Intrepid Theatre’s website so tickets can be gought in advance. Presented in no particular order are:

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10 Well Known Haunted Pubs and Restaurants in Victoria, BC, 2023 Edition

Scarey Victoria BCAlthough it hasn’t been ten years since my prior post about what are the most haunted restaurants in Victoria, BC, a lot has changed. Some have closed and for operations that have taken over the space, is it still haunted? The new managers aren’t saying, but I’m curious!

Most of the ghosts one may encounter aren’t malicious, but due to the nature of how we react when encountering something paranormal, to be fearful is a natural reaction! Also, there’s no such thing as real life ghostbusters and the best paranormal investigators can do is tell the wayward spirit that it’s best to move on and hope it does so. The stuff you see on television where folks are attacked are very rare, and in my opinion, mostly embellished. The stuff you see on the tube (or streaming) leans more on entertainment than anything else!

But for anyone looking for a supernatural experience, presented here is a list of operations reputed to have some kind of paranormal activity. To note, the operations located near Bastion Sqaure and Market Square perhaps has more ghosts per block than any other area! The 👻 rating is on the scale of out of ten for a chance of an encounter. The food review score is not included in this guide as they all offer fairly tasty delights, for any budget! Some I’ve reviewed before in this blog’s long history of being active. Links are provided where possible. Listed in no particular order are:

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An All Hallow’s Eve Guide to Victoria, BC’s Best Events

For anyone planning their Halloween week somewhat late, we got a guide for you, as published on our sister site, Otakunoculture.com! Coming soon is a guide to haunted eateries. While it’s doubtful that you’ll get a supernatural encounter, maybe if you tip your waitress well, she may have a tale to tell that hasn’t been told yet from the fine folks of Ghostly Walks.

Esquimalt Ribfest 2023 Report and Picture Gallery

2023 Esquimalt Ribfest - 00Location: Bullen Park
1140 Lyall St
Victoria, BC

Date: Early September, following Labour Day weekend.

ES: Just how often one goes to Esquimalt’s Ribfest depends on whom you like as your go-to ribber. The staple ribbers like Boss Hogg’s will be there, and for new operations, Grizzly BBQ and Smoke Dem Bones stood out. When I’m going to a ribfest, I expect to find tons of beef, not pork! And when it’s in short supply on the last day, I can either adjust when I head down or consider “if only I’m in the mood.” 

Regarding the latter operation, Dem Bones’ brisket on its own was ok. It’s nothing to rave about when they didn’t get the buns out to defrost in time for Sunday’s early crowd and forgot to slather on the sauce in my order. After more than a decade of feeding this municipality, I think it’s time to reconsider why attending is a must. Thankfully, the addition of the Colossal Onion is a bit of a game changer, but not by much.

DK: Looking back at Ed’s 2021 review of us there, I see the highlights and lowlights of this event haven’t changed much. Colossal Onion continues to be a must-eat item for fair food fanboys such as ourselves. Ribbers without LAX-style lineups continue to be underwhelming. I think the event is, after 10 years in Esquimalt, still worth attending as a fun way to get out and contribute to a meaningful community fundraiser. As a foodie event, however, the excitement of its first year has worn off significantly.

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Top Picks from the 2023 Victoria Fringe to Check Out!

Victoria Fringe Festival 2023 PosterThe annual Victoria Fringe Festival is here, and what I offer is my nerd’s guide on what to see. As the show has officially started today, not everything will be offered from the get go. The fun really begins Friday, and as it stretches from one weekend to another, there’s plenty to see and do. And without further adieu, these are my top picks in no particular order. The links go to show dates and how to purchase tickets.

Dave and Jon’s Mixtape

Dave and Jon's MixtapeAug 24 05:00 pm Aug 25 08:15 pm Aug 26 02:15 pm Aug 27 03:45 pm Sep 02 04:30 pm Dave and Jon are talented Improv artists, and by combining that with music, this show will no doubt be interesting to see. Just what kind of curves can be thrown at them depends on whether they can combine Ozzy with Pee Wee Herman, and anything else audiences can throw at them.

https://www.djmixtape.ca/

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