EVENTS CALENDAR

Don't miss this stellar lineup of musicians at the opening night of the 2025 International Jazz Festival on Nanaimo's downtown waterfront!

This stunning concert event captures every detail you would expect from a high-level full production rock show! Lead guitarist Len Osanick powerfully embodies the essence of Angus Young while vocalist Kim Kahl transforms himself into Brian Johnson hitting every note and nuance of this revered frontman. Their show includes a powerhouse band, real cannons, a bell hoisted from the ceiling, stunning lighting and a literal wall of amplifiers.

Glimpse into the lives of Indigenous creatives who are making waves in our community! Featuring comic artist Gord Hill (Kwakwaka’wakw), visual artist Sonny Assu (Ligwiłda’xw of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations), land-based educator Nikki Wilkinson (Irish, Scottish and Red River Métis), and award-winning poet Brandi Bird (Salteaux / Cree / Metis), this special edition of Making Waves is organized and hosted by our Indigenous Engagement Coordinator bailey macabre (nêhiyaw). Enjoy a drink and some popcorn while you listen to a round of inspirational lightning talks. Doors open at 6:30pm

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival is proud to present Holly Cole’s Dark Moon Tour as our 2025 Fall Festival Headliner. Holly Cole is a renowned Canadian/International jazz singer who began her career in 1989 with the release of her 4-song EP ‘Christmas Blues’ under indie label Alert Music, followed by her debut album ‘Girl Talk’ in 1990. In 1992, she signed with Blue Note’s Manhattan imprint and released ‘Blame It on My Youth’ which achieved Platinum + sales in Canada, over 200,000 copies internationally, and based on the success of the single “Calling You”, a number 1 charted single and album in Japan. The next album based on her hit rendition of Johnny Nash’s, “I Can See Clearly Now” and its accompanying video cemented her success internationally setting up her following release, the critically acclaimed, Temptation, an album made up of material exclusively written by Tom Waits, one of Holly favourite songwriters. With 12 albums to her name, Cole has achieved multi-platinum sales and received numerous awards, including 2 Juno Awards (out of 8 nominations) and 2 Gemini Awards. She has also won 2 Japanese Grand Prix Gold Disc Awards and the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival, joining the ranks of Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall and Etta James. In 2014, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University. In 2019, Holly Cole reunited the original Holly Cole Trio, with David Pitch on bass and Aaron Davis on piano, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. They performed at the cabaret Lion d'Or in Montreal, and these special shows were recorded and became the 2021 album ‘Montreal’. For Christmas 2022, Cole released a remastered compilation combining her holiday releases from 1989 and 2001, titled anew ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside and I Have the Christmas Blues’. ‘Dark Moon’ is available via Rumpus Room/Universal Music Canada. www.hollycole.com

Metta Grove is a visionary art concert with roots in guided meditation, psychedelic experience, and community connections. Merging the essence of meditative sound journeys, music concerts, cinematic films, and mesmerizing psychedelic visuals, this concert is a multimedia symphony that elicits nourishing relaxation, wonder, and euphoria. Simon Haiduk is a multimedia artist working with several visual art and sonic mediums with themes that emphasize nature and spiritual energy. With over fifteen years of thematic creativity, he has found a synthesis of his expressions, fusing them into a cinematic audiovisual concert. This concert features uplifting music and animated visionary art that will transport you to another realm.  You can sit back and relax into this experience that will enliven your senses, leaving you calm and clear. Simon will also give a live presentation with insights about his creative inspiration, tools, process and integration of plant medicines.  His partner, Jane Calm a somatic therapeutic counsellor, will give a presentation on everyone’s access to inherited psychic abilities. Tickets, trailers, testimonials, and more info at: https://simonhaiduk.com/pages/mettagrove Concert open to ages 7+, recommended for 19+

"Synchronicity Four" is a Canadian tribute band celebrating the music of the legendary popular singing group, The Police. Expanding on the traditional power trio format, Synchronicity Four has added the vocal stylings of Taylor Kate Manns and Tina Jones as well James Darling on Keyboards. Lee Worden’s immensely long professional resume is truly impressive. Lee will be covering guitar and vocal parts. Pierre Komen is on bass and vocals. The group is centered around the brilliant musical talent of Bill Hicks on drums and vocals. Stuart Copeland was Bill’s biggest influence and this is the secret ingredient that makes this project pop. The working relationship of the core group dates back to the 80s itself. The thrash and passion of punk added to the jazz and reggae influence are attributes we hold dear to our hearts. It’s an honour to draw from their extensive collection of smash hits and play them live. We are truly excited.

IKONS OF ROCK was founded in Winnipeg, Canada. All the musicians engaged in the tour are Canadian, but they are now corporately based in Las Vegas, although most still reside in Canada. They can’t wait to tour Canada and revisit places they haven’t seen for some time. Several performers are proud to be past members of great Western Canadian classic rockers Harlequin, Kenny Shields, and Streetheart. Their performance is impeccable. They cover hits of many classic artists in full costume and impersonation. Hit after hit portrays artists from the entire classic rock genre, including Alice Cooper, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Tom Petty, Heart, Kiss, Cher, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Ozzy Osbourne, and more. Each performance is designed uniquely for each venue; no two shows are the same. They have earned rave reviews all over North America for their impeccable ability to impersonate rock stars musically and visually—all in one ultimate performance! They perform in spectacular costumes, with an array of special effects and significant audience interaction. It’s impeccable. They look like them, talk like them, walk like them, and most importantly, sing like them, with over-the-top theatrics. Ikons has an outstanding cast of male and female performers to ensure an all-encompassing, authentic 70s, 80s, and 90s classic arena rock show experience. From these humble beginnings they have gone on to share concert stages across America with; The Beach Boys, Whitesnake, Starship, Cheap Trick, Night Ranger, Rick Springfield, The Guess Who, Blue Oyster Cult, Winger, Sebastian Bach, David Lee Roth, Slaughter, Great White, Warrant, Bret Michaels, Dee Snider, Ratt and many other notable groups.

The buzz is real – and it’s coming your way! This isn’t just a show, but an ABBA-charged celebration unlike anything you’ve experienced before. SOS - The ABBA Experience takes the Port Theatre by storm on September 16, 2025, and you do not want to miss it! From the second the lights go up, it’s non-stop energy, iconic hits, stunning costumes, and the kind of connection that turns an evening out into an unforgettable memory. And the best part? You’re part of it. Sing. Dance. Celebrate. This is a night where the audience helps create the magic. Don’t take our word for it — just ask the fans who’ve called it: ✨ “a blast from start to finish!” ✨ “one of the best shows we have attended in a long time!” ✨ “we laughed, we cried, and we sang and danced all night!” So grab your tickets, grab your people, and get ready to feel the music, the nostalgia, and the joy of SOS - The ABBA Experience!

Born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, BRENT BUTT discovered early that being funny was a good way to get attention. Brent honed his comedy in school and at the age of 20 moved to the city to pursue a career in stand-up. Within months he was headlining top clubs in Toronto, and within a couple years he was touring internationally and appearing at major festivals. His television specials quickly secured his reputation as one of the funniest people in the country, but he was also busy creating his own TV series – a sitcom called CORNER GAS. It became an instant hit with unprecedented ratings and numerous accolades including an International Emmy Award nomination, and was named "Funniest Show on TV" by TV Guide readers. Canada’s favourite comedy is now shown in over 26 countries including the US. The final episode of the series was “the highest (rated) on record for a Canadian scripted series since it began keeping track in 1994” Brent’s follow-up series HICCUPS ran for two seasons. In 2013 Brent was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to community and country. That same year Brent’s first feature film entitled NO CLUE and directed by Carl Bessai was released. Brent wrote, starred in and produced the film under his Sparrow Media banner. The highly anticipated feature film return to Dog River with CORNER GAS: THE MOVIE saw the entire beloved cast reunited to the delight of rabid fans and new fans alike and the movie would go on to receive a special Golden Screen Award at the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards. Re-imagined by creator and star Brent Butt, an all-new animated version of the iconic comedy franchise entitled CORNER GAS: ANIMATED debuted in 2018. The animated series immediately became the #1 rated show in the history of Canada’s The Comedy Network and a popular main stay on streamer CRAVE TV. So successful in fact, the animated series is now also streaming in the United States on Amazon’s free streaming service IMDB TV and a French language version has been launched. Brent and the series have won multiple Canadian Screen Awards and Leo Awards including Best Animated Program, Best Performance and Best Animation Writing so far. The fourth and final season of CORNER GAS: ANIMATED is now available. Most recently Brent’s first novel HUGE debuted to great fanfare immediately becoming the #1 Fiction Bestseller in Canada and it remains on the Top Ten list to date. With Brent performing, writing, executive producing, and even directing, there is little doubt the future holds many untold achievements for one of Canada’s brightest stars.

Fleetwood Magic, Canada's Authentic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will perform at The Port Theatre, Nanaimo, BC on Saturday September 20, 2025. Tickets are on sale now! Fleetwood Magic Tribute Show masterfully transports audiences in sound and time through a musical journey performing Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits from the 60’s to the 80’s, authentically recreating the sound, style and mystique of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic line-up. With stunning vintage costumes, precise vocals, period-accurate instrumentation, and captivating on-stage personas, Fleetwood Magic delivers a live experience that reminds fans why Fleetwood Mac remains legendary. Relive timeless classics like “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Say You Love Me,” “The Chain,” “Go Your Own Way.” Listeners have come to realize the ‘Rumours’ are true – Fleetwood Magic does indeed, deliver the magic! Consistently playing sold out shows to audiences across the Vancouver Lower Mainland and Canada, their shows have become a must see event for Fleetwood Mac music fans of all ages! For more information about Fleetwood Magic, please visit: www.fleetwoodmagic.ca

Get ready to experience an exhilarating and electrifying extravaganza as Thunder from Down Under, the world-renowned Australian male revue, announces its highly anticipated return in 2025 with their TEMPTATION TOUR. The sizzling hot international sensation is set to set the stage on fire with their captivating performances and infectious energy, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment for fans across the country. Known for their charismatic personalities, chiseled physiques, and mesmerizing dance routines, Thunder from Down Under has been leaving audiences in awe for years. Their unmatched Australian charm and talent have earned them a dedicated global following, making them one of the most sought-after live shows in the entertainment industry. The 2025 tour promises to be an extraordinary event, featuring a production filled with heart-pounding dance numbers, sensational costumes, and interactive audience engagement. With a mix of classic routines and innovative acts, Thunder from Down Under guarantees a night of excitement and thrill, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The international acclaimed male revue has garnered an impressive array of awards and accolades throughout its illustrious career including Best Male Revue and recently being awarded the Keys to the City in Las Vegas. Celebrating over 2 decades on the Las Vegas strip and sold out shows every night. The Australian sensation that has captivated the entertainment world holds a coveted residency at Las Vegas ‘Excalibur Resort and Casino' and now has a new residency in Nashville at Woolworth Theatre. For an unforgettable night of fun, laughter, and top-notch entertainment, Thunder from Down Under's 2025 Tour is an absolute must-see event. The full tour schedule and ticket purchase information will be available on the official Thunder from Down Under website. Don't miss the chance to witness the electrifying performances of Thunder from Down Under as they make their triumphant return. Get ready to be blown away! Find out more information on The Thunder From Down Under Website

In this feature-length documentary, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond takes an entertaining and insightful look at the portrayal of North American Indigenous people throughout a century of cinema. Featuring hundreds of clips from old classics as well as recent releases, the film traces the evolution of the “Hollywood Indian.” Diamond guides the audience on a journey across America to some of cinema’s most iconic landscapes and conducts candid interviews with celebrities like Clint Eastwood, Robbie Robertson and Jim Jarmusch. The film is a loving look at cinema through the eyes of the people who appeared in its very first flickering images and have survived to tell their stories in their own way. Doors at 6pm16+Run Time: 1hr 28mFree Admission – Donations welcomed. Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase. All proceeds go directly to Indigenous Programming at Nanaimo Art Gallery. Registration is recommended, seating is limited but not guaranteed to be available at the door.

Featuring: BLOW AT HIGH DOUGH with special guests Partial proceeds to be donated to the Sunnybrook Foundation for brain cancer research. After an incredible show to over 700 people at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo back in September and raising $2000 for brain cancer research, we are again bringing some very talented musicians together to celebrate the music of Canada’s favourite – The Tragically Hip! You’ll hear many of the Hip’s hits, and even some b-sides too. Performances by “Blow At High Dough” – a full band tribute to The Hip, and also featuring some special guests!

Join Brian Doerksen live and celebrate his most known songs and stories in a worship concert experience for all ages.

Get ready to be swept away by the timeless melodies of the Beach Boys! Join us for a nostalgic evening filled with their iconic hits and concert favorites. Let’s Go Surfin' is performed by BACKBEAT, Canada's most authentic musical tribute to the 60's. They nail the incredibly intricate Beach Boys harmonies perfectly! All the genius of Brian Wilson’s songwriting and studio wizardry blossoms on stage in a spectacular musical salute to one of the greatest pop groups of all time! All the hits are here! From the energetic “Fun, Fun, Fun” and "Surfin' USA" to the emotional masterpieces like “Don’t Worry, Baby” and "God Only Knows", this show will take you on a musical journey through the sunshine-soaked sounds of California. Feel the sand between your toes and the warmth of the summer sun as you sing along to your favorite Beach Boys classics. Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity to relive the music and the magic of The Beach Boys… in a spectacular tribute of both sight and sound.