Gregory Scofield is this year’s Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet
Renowned poet Gregory Scofield will be coming to Nanaimo on February 12 and 13 as VIU’s Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet for 2019-20. He is Michif of Cree, Scottish and European-Immigrant descent, and traces his ancestry to the Métis community of Kinosota, Manitoba, and Bacon Ridge. He will discuss, through oral storytelling, the importance of Indigenous literature and … Continued
The Harlem Globetrotters Visit VIU
The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters are set to lace up their kicks for an eventful afternoon at VIU’s own basketball court. On Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Harlem Globetrotters will be performing at the VIU gymnasium, located at 900 fifth street, building 190. For General Admission and Bench Seat ticket holders, the doors open at … Continued
Alumni Spotlight: Elise Boulanger
“Oh, hello,” Elise Boulanger said sheepishly. It was the night of December 14. I was downtown at The Cambie, about to watch Elise perform at the festive Acoustic Night show, when I stumbled upon her in the large, graffitied washroom. She was standing by the sink, brushing her teeth. “Pre-show ritual?” I teased. “Yeah. I … Continued
Free concert series coming to the VIUSU Pub
Starting on January 9, VIU music instructor Hans Verhoeven will be collaborating with Adam Ockey to present live jazz every Thursday at the VIUSU Pub. The event will run from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Verhoeven, along with Music Program alumni Alex Coleman and James Darling, will be performing “elegant, swinging and soulful piano trio … Continued
Little Women: A Movie Review
What we’ve come to expect from Gerwig is attention to detail. From dialogue to costumes, from movement to lighting. There is no shortage of details to pick up on, no overlooking of a single, minute thing. Imperfections are rejoiced, spirits are lifted, and generations can find common ground in the humanity of the film.
Celebrating 15 Years of VISFF
For fifteen years, the VISFF has been showcasing filmmakers from around the globe; but its core mission has always been to promote local talent.
Marginalized Music
CBC Music’s Top 19 Canadian Albums of 2019 came out this December. Four of the featured groups are composed of marginalized musicians who have made their own way without the typical mainstream support: Riit, Rae Spoon, Kimmortal, and Tegan & Sara. Musicians make almost all their revenue from being on tour and performing shows, after … Continued
Unwrapped: Students Showcase Sustainable Alternatives
Nancy Pagé, VIU Graphic Design Professor, posed a question to the students in her third-year Package Studio class: Is product packaging nothing but beautiful garbage? Then, she issued a challenge—redesign an existing product’s packaging so it is more ecologically responsible. Each student chose one product, and their resulting creations are now on display during Unwrapped, … Continued
Backstage with Dark Matter Theatre Group
Dark Matter is a Nanaimo based group—and no, they’re not sponsored by Hoyne Brewing Company—that was originally formed by Brianna Wiens in 2015.
The Age Of Women Has Finally Arrived
Jeff Monson’s first produced play is finally about to rise on Nanaimo’s artistic horizon, after months of anticipation within Harbour City’s art scene. The Age of Women will be Monson’s debut in live theatre, leaving the writer, actors, and ticket holders excited and nervous for the premiere, as the ongoing rumor of the play’s radically themed story … Continued
In the Tall Grass: A Movie Review
This weekend, I took a few hours out my hectic schedule to finally sit down and catch up on some Netflix. In the spirit of Halloween and all things creepy, I searched up “Halloween” to see what I could find. The list was overwhelming, and I hope to cross a few more off my list … Continued
Duncan rapper & VIU alumni perform at The Cambie
This Thursday on October 17, prolific hip-hop artist Switch (Luke Thornton) is bringing his album release tour to The Cambie. His new album, Where Am I, is a reflection of his experiences and draws inspiration from a number of places. “Just everyday life, really,” Switch said. “The past, the future, the people around me and … Continued
VIU Student to Appear in Seasonal Short Story Anthology
Digital media and creative writing student Nicola Kapron is being published in a spooky new indie anthology called Little Girl Lost: Thirteen Tales of Youth Disrupted on October 15. Her piece, titled “Based on a True Story,” will appear alongside 12 other tales. “[The anthology] contains a number of spooky stories, making it a seasonal treat. … Continued
SlugFest: A Preview of what promises to be a spectacular opening to the new season at VIU’s Theatre
Performances will be at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (building 310) through the end of October and into the beginning of November.