Salish Coast Music Festival
Join Us on August 31-September 14, 2025
Multiple venues in Parksville and Qualicum Beach
6 Days, 5 Venues, 8 Concerts
Starting August 31 in Oceanside!
Launched in 2024, the Salish Coast Music Festival is a celebration of music and storytelling spanning two weekends in the seaside communities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville.
Featuring some of Vancouver Island's top performers playing a variety of genres at both indoor and outdoor venues, the festival promises something for everyone.
To find out more about our 2025 artists or to check them out on video, click on the images or buttons below.
Tower of Song
Poet and song writer Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) inspired scores of musicians world-wide, including three of Vancouver Island’s most beloved artists. Oliver Swain spent a dozen years in some of North America's most loved roots bands (Outlaw Social, The Duhks, The Bills) before going solo.
Glenna Garramone's talent and creativity won her invitations to a wide variety of venues and Victoria's Folk Fest, BC Festival of the Arts, and the Victoria Independent Music Awards. Glenna directs an indie-pop-rock community choir and is keyboard player with the band Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long.
Adrian Dolan is multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger. Classically trained on piano, violin and viola, Adrian also began pursuing traditional music on fiddle and accordion in his early teens. For 22 years, he has been a fixture in the roots band, The Bills.
Boogie Blues Dance
Two smokin’ bands for the price of one! Auntie Kate hits the stage like a barely controlled force of nature, rocking and kicking out a powerful blues routine honed in the clubs of Western Canada. Originally from Saltspring Island, but calling Victoria, or anywhere she is performing, home, she is a charismatic singer with a style all her own.
Lazy Mike Mallon's music style is good rockin' music deeply rooted in traditional blues. He's known for his harmonica playing and soulful vocals, which bring a unique take on classic blues themes. With his band, Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets, Lazy Mike performs a mix of original compositions and covers of blues legends like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Malakai, Mitchell & Coombs
In this free outdoor event, get to know a few of the minstrels in your midst!
Described as a musical prodigy, Malakai started his festival career at the age of 10. He recently showcased at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal. His first EP, Malakai - Live at the Duncan Showroom is now on streaming platforms.
One of Steve Mitchell’s projects, “Seagrass; Incidental Ukulele Music for the Salish Sea”, is the inspiration and soundtrack for the “Call It Home” project. Steve’s notable undertakings also include the Cosmic American Music Revue with artists Sue Medley, Doug Cox, and Mick Sherlock.
Kerri Coombs has lived and performed with multiple groups across Canada, the UK and Ireland. Her recently released pandemic album, the Songbirds, explores themes of resilience and regeneration in challenging times.
Jack Garton Dream Band
Jack Garton’s show is a blend of folk and roots, steeped heavily in the rockabilly and doo-wop that were his first musical loves.
“Jack Garton’s music and presentation defies folk labels and categories. He delivers Freakin’ Free Flowing Fun Folk music! Jack is above all else an exceptional entertainer and an audience connector. He can go from insightful and vulnerable to astounding in the blink of an accordion or trumpet note or a leap from the audience to the stage.”
– Stu Muir, Artistic Director – New Moon Folk Club
Trad & True Celtic Culture
Pierre Schryer is one of Canada’s leading traditional fiddlers. A recipient of numerous titles and awards, his ability knows no bounds, covering styles from Irish, Scottish, Québecois, and Cape Breton to Canadian Old Time, American Swing and more.
Adam Dobres is a highly accomplished guitarist with a natural ability to embody any style of music. His love of the electric and acoustic guitar has taken him around the globe, performing throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Danielle Enblom is a dancer, fiddler, and dance anthropologist who grew up steeped in Irish music and dance, and has family connections to Métis and Quebecois dance and fiddle traditions.
Rock the Plaza
DJ Connor and
the James Vickers Blues / Rock Band
presented by
the Parksville Downtown Business Association
Join us for a family dance party featuring Parksville's favourite youth disc jockey bringing together kids of all ages – one dance floor at a time. DJ Connor loves making waves in the Parksville/Qualicum area with his infectious energy and impressive DJ skills. Spinning upbeat pop, he keeps the dance floors packed.
Guitar prodigy James Vickers and his band have been on the rise since the Nanaimo Blues Festival in 2022, touring and playing the blues straight from the soul. The JVB with Sarah Varro, Carson Maertz, and Rick Becker is just back from a tour of Indigenous communities and is gearing up for a busy festival season ahead.
Storywomen Plus
Fall Mischief and Other Stories of Passion
StoryWomen Plus is a group of three professional storytellers plus a professional pianist who have been delighting audiences with stories and music. The stories revolve around a specific theme, but are unique both in content and style of telling. They include fictional creations, true stories of inspirational women, and humorous personal tales—and the music (which ranges from Claude Debussy’s “Arabesque” to Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther”) adds flavour and panache.
You can expect to be entertained and inspired by StoryWomen Plus—to laugh, to be moved, and to ultimately feel more connected to those around you.
Call It Home: This Isle of Ours
Call It Home is a musical homage to Vancouver Island life and history performed by a talented collective of musicians, who will share settler and Indigenous perspectives on our shared home.
John McLachlan sings of time and place. Seagrass (Steve Mitchell and Tom Neville) expresses a love of the Salish Coast through instrumental composition. Kerri Coombs explores history in song. Patrick Aleck, a knowledge keeper of the Stz'uminus First Nation, shares traditional drumming and song.
Mick Sherlock, creator of the project, is a highly respected concert presenter, session musician, songwriter, and poet.
Concert Schedule
All-inclusive Festival Pass
(only 40 available)
See all 8 concerts and save!
August 31st to September 14th
5 venues in Parksville & Qualicum Beach
Festival Pass: $99
Tower of Song
Poet and song writer Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) inspired scores of musicians world-wide, including three of Vancouver Island’s most beloved artists. Oliver Swain spent a dozen years in some of North America's most loved roots bands (Outlaw Social, The Duhks, The Bills) before going solo.
Glenna Garramone's talent and creativity won her invitations to a wide variety of venues and Victoria's Folk Fest, BC Festival of the Arts, and the Victoria Independent Music Awards. Glenna directs an indie-pop-rock community choir and is keyboard player with the band Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long.
Adrian Dolan is multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger. Classically trained on piano, violin and viola, Adrian also began pursuing traditional music on fiddle and accordion in his early teens. For 22 years, he has been a fixture in the roots band, The Bills.
Tower of Song
Leonard Cohen Tribute with Oliver Swain
Glenna Garramone & Adrian Dolan
Sunday, August 31th at 7:00 PM
Knox United Church
345 Pym Street, Parksville
Ticket Price: $35
Tower of Song
Poet and song writer Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) inspired scores of musicians world-wide, including three of Vancouver Island’s most beloved artists. Oliver Swain spent a dozen years in some of North America's most loved roots bands (Outlaw Social, The Duhks, The Bills) before going solo.
Glenna Garramone's talent and creativity won her invitations to a wide variety of venues and Victoria's Folk Fest, BC Festival of the Arts, and the Victoria Independent Music Awards. Glenna directs an indie-pop-rock community choir and is keyboard player with the band Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long.
Adrian Dolan is multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger. Classically trained on piano, violin and viola, Adrian also began pursuing traditional music on fiddle and accordion in his early teens. For 22 years, he has been a fixture in the roots band, The Bills.
Boogie Blues Dance
Two smokin’ bands for the price of one! Auntie Kate hits the stage like a barely controlled force of nature, rocking and kicking out a powerful blues routine honed in the clubs of Western Canada. Originally from Saltspring Island, but calling Victoria, or anywhere she is performing, home, she is a charismatic singer with a style all her own.
Lazy Mike Mallon's music style is good rockin' music deeply rooted in traditional blues. He's known for his harmonica playing and soulful vocals, which bring a unique take on classic blues themes. With his band, Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets, Lazy Mike performs a mix of original compositions and covers of blues legends like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Boogie Blues Dance
Auntie Kate & the Uncles of Funk
Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets
Friday, September 5th at 7:00 PM
Qualicum Beach Community Hall
644 Memorial Ave
Ticket Price: $30
Boogie Blues Dance
Two smokin’ bands for the price of one! Auntie Kate hits the stage like a barely controlled force of nature, rocking and kicking out a powerful blues routine honed in the clubs of Western Canada. Originally from Saltspring Island, but calling Victoria, or anywhere she is performing, home, she is a charismatic singer with a style all her own.
Lazy Mike Mallon's music style is good rockin' music deeply rooted in traditional blues. He's known for his harmonica playing and soulful vocals, which bring a unique take on classic blues themes. With his band, Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets, Lazy Mike performs a mix of original compositions and covers of blues legends like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Malakai, Mitchell & Coombs
In this free outdoor event, get to know a few of the minstrels in your midst!
Described as a musical prodigy, Malakai started his festival career at the age of 10. He recently showcased at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal. His first EP, Malakai - Live at the Duncan Showroom is now on streaming platforms.
One of Steve Mitchell’s projects, “Seagrass; Incidental Ukulele Music for the Salish Sea”, is the inspiration and soundtrack for the “Call It Home” project. Steve’s notable undertakings also include the Cosmic American Music Revue with artists Sue Medley, Doug Cox, and Mick Sherlock.
Kerri Coombs has lived and performed with multiple groups across Canada, the UK and Ireland. Her recently released pandemic album, the Songbirds, explores themes of resilience and regeneration in challenging times.
Malakai, Mitchell & Coombs
One Stage
Two Generations of Songwriters
Saturday, September 6th at 2:00 PM
Heard Square
130 West 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach
FREE
Malakai, Mitchell & Coombs
In this free outdoor event, get to know a few of the minstrels in your midst!
Described as a musical prodigy, Malakai started his festival career at the age of 10. He recently showcased at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal. His first EP, Malakai - Live at the Duncan Showroom is now on streaming platforms.
One of Steve Mitchell’s projects, “Seagrass; Incidental Ukulele Music for the Salish Sea”, is the inspiration and soundtrack for the “Call It Home” project. Steve’s notable undertakings also include the Cosmic American Music Revue with artists Sue Medley, Doug Cox, and Mick Sherlock.
Kerri Coombs has lived and performed with multiple groups across Canada, the UK and Ireland. Her recently released pandemic album, the Songbirds, explores themes of resilience and regeneration in challenging times.
Jack Garton Dream Band
Jack Garton’s show is a blend of folk and roots, steeped heavily in the rockabilly and doo-wop that were his first musical loves.
“Jack Garton’s music and presentation defies folk labels and categories. He delivers Freakin’ Free Flowing Fun Folk music! Jack is above all else an exceptional entertainer and an audience connector. He can go from insightful and vulnerable to astounding in the blink of an accordion or trumpet note or a leap from the audience to the stage.”
– Stu Muir, Artistic Director – New Moon Folk Club
Jack Garton Dream Band
Folk / Roots music
Free flowing and fun
Saturday, September 6th at 7:00 PM
Qualicum Beach Community Hall
644 Memorial Ave
Ticket Price: $30
Jack Garton Dream Band
Jack Garton’s show is a blend of folk and roots, steeped heavily in the rockabilly and doo-wop that were his first musical loves.
“Jack Garton’s music and presentation defies folk labels and categories. He delivers Freakin’ Free Flowing Fun Folk music! Jack is above all else an exceptional entertainer and an audience connector. He can go from insightful and vulnerable to astounding in the blink of an accordion or trumpet note or a leap from the audience to the stage.”
– Stu Muir, Artistic Director – New Moon Folk Club
Trad & True Celtic Culture
Pierre Schryer is one of Canada’s leading traditional fiddlers. A recipient of numerous titles and awards, his ability knows no bounds, covering styles from Irish, Scottish, Québecois, and Cape Breton to Canadian Old Time, American Swing and more.
Adam Dobres is a highly accomplished guitarist with a natural ability to embody any style of music. His love of the electric and acoustic guitar has taken him around the globe, performing throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Danielle Enblom is a dancer, fiddler, and dance anthropologist who grew up steeped in Irish music and dance, and has family connections to Métis and Quebecois dance and fiddle traditions.
Trad & True Celtic Culture
Pierre Schryer, Adam Dobres
& Danielle Enblom
Friday, September 12th at 7:00 PM
Qualicum Beach Community Hall
644 Memorial Ave
Ticket Price: $30
Trad & True Celtic Culture
Pierre Schryer is one of Canada’s leading traditional fiddlers. A recipient of numerous titles and awards, his ability knows no bounds, covering styles from Irish, Scottish, Québecois, and Cape Breton to Canadian Old Time, American Swing and more.
Adam Dobres is a highly accomplished guitarist with a natural ability to embody any style of music. His love of the electric and acoustic guitar has taken him around the globe, performing throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Danielle Enblom is a dancer, fiddler, and dance anthropologist who grew up steeped in Irish music and dance, and has family connections to Métis and Quebecois dance and fiddle traditions.
Rock the Plaza
DJ Connor and
the James Vickers Blues / Rock Band
presented by
the Parksville Downtown Business Association
Join us for a family dance party featuring Parksville's favourite youth disc jockey bringing together kids of all ages – one dance floor at a time. DJ Connor loves making waves in the Parksville/Qualicum area with his infectious energy and impressive DJ skills. Spinning upbeat pop, he keeps the dance floors packed.
Guitar prodigy James Vickers and his band have been on the rise since the Nanaimo Blues Festival in 2022, touring and playing the blues straight from the soul. The JVB with Sarah Varro, Carson Maertz, and Rick Becker is just back from a tour of Indigenous communities and is gearing up for a busy festival season ahead.
Rock the Plaza
presented by
the Parksville Downtown Business Association
DJ Connor
James Vickers Blues & Rock Band
Saturday September 13th 4:30 - 8:30 PM
Memorial Plaza
140 Memorial Avenue, Parksville
FREE
Rock the Plaza
DJ Connor and
the James Vickers Blues / Rock Band
presented by
the Parksville Downtown Business Association
Join us for a family dance party featuring Parksville's favourite youth disc jockey bringing together kids of all ages – one dance floor at a time. DJ Connor loves making waves in the Parksville/Qualicum area with his infectious energy and impressive DJ skills. Spinning upbeat pop, he keeps the dance floors packed.
Guitar prodigy James Vickers and his band have been on the rise since the Nanaimo Blues Festival in 2022, touring and playing the blues straight from the soul. The JVB with Sarah Varro, Carson Maertz, and Rick Becker is just back from a tour of Indigenous communities and is gearing up for a busy festival season ahead.
Storywomen Plus
Fall Mischief and Other Stories of Passion
StoryWomen Plus is a group of three professional storytellers plus a professional pianist who have been delighting audiences with stories and music. The stories revolve around a specific theme, but are unique both in content and style of telling. They include fictional creations, true stories of inspirational women, and humorous personal tales—and the music (which ranges from Claude Debussy’s “Arabesque” to Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther”) adds flavour and panache.
You can expect to be entertained and inspired by StoryWomen Plus—to laugh, to be moved, and to ultimately feel more connected to those around you.
Fall Mischief
& Other Stories of Passion
StoryWomen Plus tell all through story & music
Saturday September 13th at 2:00 PM
Berwick Qualicum Beach Theatre
120 First Avenue West
Ticket Price: $30
Storywomen Plus
Fall Mischief and Other Stories of Passion
StoryWomen Plus is a group of three professional storytellers plus a professional pianist who have been delighting audiences with stories and music. The stories revolve around a specific theme, but are unique both in content and style of telling. They include fictional creations, true stories of inspirational women, and humorous personal tales—and the music (which ranges from Claude Debussy’s “Arabesque” to Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther”) adds flavour and panache.
You can expect to be entertained and inspired by StoryWomen Plus—to laugh, to be moved, and to ultimately feel more connected to those around you.
Call It Home: This Isle of Ours
Call It Home is a musical homage to Vancouver Island life and history performed by a talented collective of musicians, who will share settler and Indigenous perspectives on our shared home.
John McLachlan sings of time and place. Seagrass (Steve Mitchell and Tom Neville) expresses a love of the Salish Coast through instrumental composition. Kerri Coombs explores history in song. Patrick Aleck, a knowledge keeper of the Stz'uminus First Nation, shares traditional drumming and song.
Mick Sherlock, creator of the project, is a highly respected concert presenter, session musician, songwriter, and poet.
Call it Home: This Isle of Ours
Homage to the Salish Coast
song and spoken word
Sunday September 14th at 7:00 PM
Knox United Church
345 Pym Street, Parksville
Ticket Price: $35
Call It Home: This Isle of Ours
Call It Home is a musical homage to Vancouver Island life and history performed by a talented collective of musicians, who will share settler and Indigenous perspectives on our shared home.
John McLachlan sings of time and place. Seagrass (Steve Mitchell and Tom Neville) expresses a love of the Salish Coast through instrumental composition. Kerri Coombs explores history in song. Patrick Aleck, a knowledge keeper of the Stz'uminus First Nation, shares traditional drumming and song.
Mick Sherlock, creator of the project, is a highly respected concert presenter, session musician, songwriter, and poet.