The sights and sounds of music, tradition and history will be on display at the Bay Street Armoury from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th. Music lovers and musicians young and old, from novice to accomplished as well as music instructors are invited to attend The Bay Street Music Project. This is an opportunity to engage with a variety of musicians, music organizations, and suppliers.
There will be information booths and activities for youth. Participants include; The Victoria Conservatory of Music, The Royal Canadian College of Organists, and Music for Veterans along with music retailers. There will be performances of musicians from the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery, The Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums, the Chief and Petty Officers Band, renowned organist Steve Benson, and more. Click here to view the performance schedule.
This admission free event is under the auspices of The Victoria Military Music Festival Society. “For three decades, the Victoria Military Music Society has brought inspirational music performances to Victoria,” said Roger McGuire, Chairman of the VMMFS. “This event is different. It is an opportunity for the public to meet and engage with the musicians here in our community. It allows young people with an interest in music to learn about a world of performance possibilities they might not have considered.”
An added feature of the event, Veterans Affairs Canada will host a Open Mic “An Evening of Stories and Song”. The intention of the Open Mic is to provide Veterans with a casual alternative to the traditional commemorative ceremony and to recognize the important role music plays in the healing process and in bringing people together. Veterans, current serving members, and their guests are invited to an enjoy an entertaining evening where they will have the opportunity to share stories and songs or simply enjoy the music of others.
As space is limited, we are asking all who wish to join to please acquire a free ticket through Eventbrite.
The Bay Street Armoury is home to the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s). The museums will be open and there will be historical instruments on display such as the bagpipes of Piper James Richardson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his brave actions in the First World War. The pipes were recovered from the mud of no man’s land.
There is no charge for admittance and there will be a food truck on site outside the armoury door.