Music Town
This is a real music city. Not only does Nanaimo nurture the likes of David Gogo and Diana Krall, but we also keep a good stock of other musicians in the city at all times.
Sites for great jams are all around, but the most accessible live music is at the licensed venues downtown, or at Vancouver Island University, whose music program thrives on a steady stream of talented students and instructors. There are also numerous restaurants and cocktail lounges that bring in live acts - but only the Queen's has live music every night - at this point, anyway (see more venues below).
Some great Nanaimo musicians (please contact us to suggest others for this list):
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Some local music venues
The Port Theatre is a classy venue that brings in all kinds of acts, from famous pianists to Pink Floyd tribute bands.
The Blues Underground has an accoustic jam on Tuesday nights and an electric one on Thurday nights. Not only are kids and families welcome, the kids are performing with the older folks. Alcohol- and drug-free. (more info)
The Red Martini Grill is a super venue for jazz and blues. Kids are also welcomed there to play music.
The campus (Community) radio station is CHLY 101.7 FM, and here you'll find all kinds of local talent brought out to play.
The Nanaimo Songwriters Circle probably has great connections, too.
Thanks to Cathy Davis for her contributions to this page, including the following:
I started a coffeehouse at the Scout Hut as there was none at that time. It was a marvellous venue with kitchen and lots of space. it was also cheap. I met a lot of musicians there that I still know and play music with. it was a space you could bring your kids and feel safe in, and hear some great tunes.
These days you can get that same feeling from The Nanaimo Folk Club which is held at the German Cultural Club every third Friday. There is an open stage and then a main act. I believe it costs five bucks and is well worth it.
Once upon a time the Palace Hotel was the place for all kinds of music. Many of us giggling musicians got our start there including Michael Patrick, Peter Scheibel and Steve Wizska. Can't forget Little Davey Peters.The Elks and the Cassidy were famous for country jams.
Alpha Barr was the jam hostess at the Cassidy for over 25 years. She still yodels today.
I shouldn't be the one to write this page. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute to this page/section.