City Square Stage 2026
City Square Stage 2026 musical concerts brought to you by the DCFS and various sponsors where they are predominately danceable evenings at 8:30pm except on Wednesdays 7:30pm / 8:30pm (2 ‘listening’ ‘folk’ concerts on Wednesdays)
Fri. June 26th
8:30pm BC Fiddle Orchestra
includes talented and enthusiastic young fiddlers under the mentorship of BC fiddler extraordinaire Daniel Lapp who has been mentoring young fiddlers from all over BC under this banner since 1994 allowing them to submerge and perform music from around the world - 3rd time at this festival
Sat. June 27th
8:30pm Melafrique
3 piece Afro-fusion band formed in Edmonton, Canada in 2016 performing a variety of genres: Jazz, R&B, Reggae, Neo-soul; in combination with different African styles of music. Their hopes are to inspire the world with good music, and through music, express their identities as African people, Caribbean people and musicians. They will also be at the Victoria Ska Fest
Sun. June 28th
8:30pm Boney Fields funk/blues trumpet player out of Chicago, now living in the interior of BC, comes to the Island to do the Queen’s Blues Jam in Nanaimo for the afternoon then comes to Duncan to blow us away with a very tight band
Mon. June 29th
8:30pm Caribbean Dance Party
6 piece back up band for Wesli will be giving up an evening of joyful dance music in the City Square-yes, a Caribbean Dance Party in downtown Duncan
Tues. June 30th
8:30pm Blackberry Wood
- motley crew of guitar, horns and accordion led by Music Waste’s originator, Kris Wood, will keep the night’s fun energy with a sound best described as ‘bar mitzvah meets barn dance’ -performed many times at the 39 Days of July, never bringing the same show twice
Wed. July 1st
8:30pm Brandon Isaak and the Mood Swings
- three-time winner in the 2026 Inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards, Brandon Isaac leaves crowds at his shows with a smile on their face and a need to come back for more - a Yukon-born songwriter performs a mixture of thoughtful, humorous, spiritual and catchy memorable songs, always delivered with world class guitar, harmonica and gravelly vocals.
Thurs. July 2nd
8:30pm Nadine States & Co
a Vancouver based singer and actress known for her soulful voice, she has been singing her whole life and is often featured in the Vancouver blues band Incognito – she brings a trio with her and you bring your dancin’ shoes
Fri. July 3rd
8:30pm Apex Breaks - they lay down heavy funk with hints of hip-hop, soul, rock, dub and a big slopping plate of psychedelia-made up of some of Victoria's best musicians from a variety of beloved projects -when on the stage they radiate joy and fun as they indulge the audience in their shared love of music and the bonds of musical community."
Sat. July 4th
8:30pm Marimba Musuva
Marimba at its finest, our local group knows how to bring it on full steam- dance floor full from the beginning for those wishing to dance away their cares and woes
Sun. July 5th
8:30pm Ethan Askey & the Elevators -original rock, rhythm and blues music from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Ethan was the harmonica mentor at the Hornby Blues Camp 2026 – again, good nite to bring your dancing shoes
Wed. July 8th
7:30pm David Essig - a veteran of the Canadian folk scene, having played every major festival in Canada over the years, (including performing at this year’s Islands Folk Festival) he remains relevant in his present day writings not just resting on his laurels
8:30pm the music of Joni Mitchell with Danielle Lebeau Petersen - - she brings fresh air to the songs we all grew up on, paying homage as much as a tribute to some very fine and iconic tunes – her concert at the Duncan Showroom had Bob Wiseman (of Blue Rodeo fame) who watched the live stream send off the video to his close friend, Joni’s daughter, with very high recommendations
Thurs. July 9th
8:30pm Rubber Tire Peep Show - a Canadian musical collective whose eclectic sound spans decades and genres. Their blend of jam-band dynamics, country-blues sensibility, and a keyboard-driven rock and roll spirit has earned them a dedicated following nationwide.
Fri. July 10th -
7:30pm -GDBC - one of BC’s finest collection of Vancouver musicians performing the music of the Greatful Dead for almost 3 hours- note the early start – there will be a 15 minute intermission where a special treat will happen (possible sighting of Funkanometry)
Sat. July 11th
8:30pm- Rainshadow Al
7 piece band out of Victoria, roots reggae/Santana / funky times, with double female duty on vocals that have proven to Duncan audiences that their mission is get you to dance (if only in your chairs)
Sun. July 12th
8:30pm -Ann Vriend and friends - hailed by NOW Magazine as a musician who "turns soul on its head, belting out delicate introspection in the form of fire” -known primarily for her incredibly powerful and dynamic vocals she is actually first and foremost a songwriter, and her many awards spanning her career are almost exclusively in that category - she is also a two-time Maple Blues Award songwriting recipient; an Edmonton Music Award and Alberta Centennial Award recipient; winner of the “RnB Single Of the Year” Award at the Edmonton Music Awards; a "Keyboardist of the Year" nominee at Maple Blues Awards; and has sold more than 30,000 albums off-the-stage in her under-the-radar yet critically acclaimed international career
Mon. July 13th
8:30pm -The Steadies- they aren’t invited to the party—they ARE the party - but even more than that, their feel-good music and positive vibe brings people together of all ages, races and genders mixing dance-rock with funk, pop and reggae influences, this unique award-winning Canadian group created their own signature sound they’ve dubbed, ‘island rock.’
Tues. July 14th
8:30pm - the Melawmen Collective - contemporary Indigenous fusion woven together with elements of hip hop, rock/folk, righteous rhymes and rich harmonies, carried through with experience, manifestation, and visions of intergenerational stories of pain and healing- they bring a uniqueness to their sound like no other, drawing in a wide variety of listeners through sharing their own journeys of life through their musical evolution together. – from Lillooet area
Wed. July 15th
7:30pm -Tennyson King - blending western indie-folk with traditional influences, he creates music that bridges cultures with warmth, honesty and a spirit of connection-performing in English, Mandarin and Cantonese he builds his sound around rhythmic guitar, kick drum and traditional instruments like the zhongruan- crafting a live show that feels both intimate and expansive
8:30pm -Martin Kerr from Edmonton, Martin sings what you're thinking- a folk troubadour for the post-truth age, his songs are connecting with millions of listeners around the world blending the urgent issues of the day with deeply personal stories, in nostalgic and honest folk arrangements that invite you to sing along.
Thurs. July 16th
8:30pm - Connie Kaldor -a musical force for over four decades, Connie continues to captivate audiences with her stage presence, humour, and deep emotional insight –a pioneer in women’s music and one of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters, Kaldor is a three-time JUNO Award winner, a member of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of countless accolades including a recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the Woodstock Folk Festival.
Fri. July 17th
8:30pm - Relics ‘ the music of Pink Floyd experience – they pay homage to the most iconic progressive rock band of the 60's and 70's, focusing primarily on the years 1967-1975. ’Pink Floyd, the iconic English rock band, formed in London in 1965 was one of the first British psychedelic groups, distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, and philosophical lyrics-they became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, cited by some as the greatest progressive rock band of all time.
Sat. July 18th
8:30pm - TNT- an ACDC Tribute Band made up of Pro musicians from Vancouver/Victoria touring up and down Vancouver Island for over 10 years, they have amassed a large loyal following and put on an exciting energetic Rock Show from the Bon Scott era that will leave you wanting more.
Sun. July 19th
8:30pm - Rick Taylor and friends blues, jazz, country, rock, roots, world, and contemporary music all influenced Rick's early years on the club and festival circuits and he established himself firmly in the 1970’s southern Ontario roots - guitar player on Willie P Bennett’s first two LP’s, he has gone on to make himself well known on the blues circuit throughout Ontario (also performing at the Queen’s Sunday afternoon blues jam before his concert on City Square Stage)
Mon. July 20th Rotary
8:30pm - Kaeley Jade Band - an Edmonton based Metis artist that has been sculpted by icy waters, warm summer breezes and sweeping prairie skies-whether thru gently textured acoustic ballads or ripping band cuts, Kaeley’s powerful voice and vivid imagery captures the depths of life’s most challenging moments with sincerity and precision- touring as a five-piece band
Tues. July 21st
8:30pm - DIVKA- comprised of bandurist (esoteric Ukrainian harp) Alina Kuzma, and violist (not a violin) Zoë Ëoz. they perform primarily Eastern European folk songs about badass women in all their glory - creating a musical landscape that is both haunting and invigorating, blending their deep-rooted knowledge of traditional music with contemporary oomph -their performances are a celebration of femme power and a testament to the enduring strength and creativity of women throughout the ages
Wed. July 22nd
7:30pm - Ty Kochs- the type of artist who can seamlessly blend genres; crooner, blues. musical theatre, classical and every rock song you can think of- his repertoire includes over 50 covers and a dozen originals- 3rd time back at the festival
8:30pm - Blue Moon Marquee - they write and perform original compositions carving a path thru blues, jazz, jump jive, folk, country, swing and Indigenous soul with an authentic spirit, their sound does not idle easily in one certain category- it stomps and struts thru the wilds, conjuring a blend where Howlin’ Wolf tangos with Django, Earnest Tubb shoots firecrackers with Cab Calloway and Memphis Minnie throws dice with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins –multi nominated and awarded for their endeavours, they are a highlight of the 39 Days of July 2026
Thurs. July 23rd
8:30pm - Camille &the Guilty Bird Band -while there are some impressive harmonic stretches which could put her vocals in the league of the likes of Stevie Nicks, the real appeal in Camille Miller’s distinctive sound is the magnetic accessibility- featuring on stage some of Nanaimo’s outstanding musicians, Rick Salt,Tina Jones,Joel Spillette and Mark Bottomley- also performing this year at the 42nd Islands Folk Festival on July 24-26th at Providence Farm
Fri. July 24th
8:30pm - Paul Black Trio blues based rock, acoustic soul and a touch of funk- based out of Victoria he has been nominated for a Canadian Blues Award in 2025 and continues to rock the world in his own fashion
Sat. July 25th
8:30pm - Nicholas Campbell - at 21 years old, Nicholas Campbell has already earned the buzz of being “the real deal.” -like a young wolf raised in the honky-tonks and record shops of Peterborough, he picked up a guitar at ten—and by eleven, he was not just playing, but commanding the stage. Backed by his band, The Two Metre Cheaters, Campbell is rallying rockabilly from its classic roots into something that feels scorchingly alive.
Sun. July 26th
8:30pm - James Vickers Band - from Vancouver Island and at 16 years old he has already made quite the mark as a well tempered yet mean blues/rock guitarist and with his stellar band mates he is here to impress you- and that he will do-
Mon. July 27th Rotary 2
8:30pm - The Vaudevillian- known for their commitment to their signature 1930s ragtime sound, members Norah Spades and Jitterbug James keep a range of unique tools in their arsenal, such as: spoons, washboards, resonator guitars and banjos, that move crowds all over Canada and the US. - thru their expressive storytelling, and eccentric demeanour, they are incredibly memorable performers -2nd year at this year’s Islands Folk Festival (42nd edition) we were able to have them also at the 39 Days of July 2026
Tues. July 28th
8:30pm -Daring Greatly- originally from Calgary and now based out of San Diego the band was formed in 2014 by brothers Patrick and Liam Croome alongside longtime friend Bray Tario- their sound blends classic rock, Americana, soul and country, grounded in strong melodies, honest lyrics and three part harmonies- 3rd time to the 39 Days of July
Wed. July 29th CPAC
7:30pm - Redwood Twins – identical twins who spent time in Shawnigan Lake growing up have moved to Nashville to continue their journey of sibling harmonies and original songwriting- they will also be performing at SunFest 2026 an identical twin duo blending Canadian roots with mo an identical twin duo blending Canadian roots with modern folk and Americana
8:30pm - Steve Poltz -a Canadian- American singer/songwriter and guitarist and humorist– no filter, no seatbelt, no map- a founding member of the indie rock band the Rugburns- collaborated with singer Jewel, including the 1996 single “You Were Meant For Me” that went to number 2 in the US- you do not want to miss the chance to experience Steve Poltz- trust us
Thurs. July 30th
8:30pm - Danika Portz & Steve Mitchell Nashville recording artist and acclaimed songwriter Danika Portz joins forces with Nanaimo/Nashville hit songwriter Steve Mitchell (Travels with Charley, The Paperboys) to bring the magic of Nashville’s legendary songwriter rounds to the Cowichan Valley and when Portz and Mitchell lock eyes and get swept up into one of their epic and euphoric choruses, all bets are off. The duo, who have amassed a catalogue of over 150 songs together since meeting in the early Twenty Teens- promises to be an intimate, story-driven performance where songs and storytelling intertwine in the spirit of Nashville’s iconic Music Row.
Fri. July 31st
8:30pm - Funky Lowdown -as their name says, they are a funky lowdown bunch of guys who take us a musical journey that makes it hard for you to stay in your seat- always a huge hit when performing at the 39 Days of July- Island based, you might want these guys to perform at your own private function
Sat. Aug. 1st
8:30pm - Swang Thang a high-energy Victoria-based quintet serving up red-hot vintage swing, deep-groove blues, swagger, and soul rooted in vintage rhythms -their sound crackles with echoes of B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Louis Jordan, and Muddy Waters, reimagined through a fresh, infectious lens that feels both timeless and electric - beloved by blues aficionados and first-time listeners alike, SWANG THANG! brings a contagious energy to every stage, delivering foot-tapping grooves, swinging rhythms, and unforgettable live performances that leave audiences buzzing long after the final note
Sun. Aug.2nd
8:30pm - Nigel Mack and the Blues Attack - Chicago blues triple threat (slide guitar/harmonica and vocals) Nigel delivers a high energy show that fuses blues classics with the punch of contemporary original blues- seamlessly switching between instruments he is proficient at them all – having moved from Saskatoon in Chicago in 2003 he has performed at many of the famous North American blues joints over the years and is here to rock out our City Square Stage series, bring your dancing shoes