5 things to do in and around Victoria this Monday, June 22nd

We’re back in the office again. Happy Monday, Victoria!

The weather is looking fantastic this time of year, why not hit an outdoor concert or market?

Or if you’d prefer to keep the good vibes from TD JazzFest going, hit up one of the shows happening around town. This Monday features headliner Kokoroko, a septet that you won’t want to miss.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Monday, June 22nd:

Kokoroko at the Royal Theatre for TD Victoria International JazzFest

London UK-based septet Kokoroko first formed in 2014 when Sheila Maurice-Grey trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals and Onome Edgeworth percussion met on an arts trip in Kenya, bonding over their shared tastes in music.

The band, whose name means “be strong” in the Urhobo language of Nigeria, plays a fusion of funk, highlife and Afrobeat.

In 2019, they were named “ones to watch” by The Guardian after their breakthrough song “Abusey Junction” racked up 75 million streams.

Now over a decade into their existence, Kokoroko also consists of Anoushka Nanguy vocals/trombone, Ayo Salawu drums, Duane Atherley bass, Tobi Adenaike-Johnson guitar and Yohan Kebede keyboards.

The musicians of this critically acclaimed ensemble have roots in West Africa but have grown to represent the musical melting point and wide range of tastes emblematic of Londoners in the black diaspora.

Remaining tickets to catch this exciting band perform start at $64.50 and can be purchased here, however there are plenty of bundle discounts available by purchasing through the JazzFest website here.

• Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Monday, June 22nd – 7:30 p.m.

Unboxing the Sound of Love at Paul Philips Hall in Fernwood

Head down to Fernwood for a night of art and music!

Dance, sing, rave—help close the first annual Unboxed by Nature show with a bang!

Organizers says there will be great music with great DJs, and all profits will go to supporting organizations working to combat the Canadian mental health crisis.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can and can be purchased here.

• Where: Paul Philips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road
• When: Monday, June 22nd – 7:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

The Gorge Farmers Market

The Gorge Farmers Market is finally back!

Happening every Monday until September 21st, the Gorge Farmers market will be setting up shop in Gorge Park.

This year, the market is celebrating its fifth season. Local food, live music, a beautiful view of the Gorge Waterway and over 50 vendors.

Get down to Gorge Park and buy local! The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Road
• When: Monday, June 22nd – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Suzie Q and Wes Carroll at Ship Point

Suzie Q is a vocalist that delivers a jazz and blues style with a contemporary touch.

She will be accompanied by guitarist, composer and singer Wes Carroll.

Together, they form a dynamic duo with smooth vocal harmonies.

This concert is part of a series of lunchtime concerts the City will be hosting at Ship Point on Mondays and Tuesdays all summer long from June to Labour Day.

The outdoor concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Monday, June 22nd – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

ShopTalk Comedy Open Mic at the Mint

Do your friends tell you that you should be a comic? Have you ever wanted to try comedy in front of an audience? This is your chance!

Try stand-up or watch comics try brand new material.

Join ShopTalk Comedy for an open mic at the Mint. New comics are welcome, spots are three to five minutes.

Tickets are $5 at the door or online. Purchase yours here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Monday, June 22nd – 7 p.m.