Garden City Grooves VIII kicks off with the return of one of the most legendarily groovy bands to come out of the west coast – THE BOOM BOOMS. The Boom Booms went on a long hiatus shortly after their last Victoria appearance at Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest XVIII in 2017. After a one off performance a short while ago, the band quickly rediscovered the shared love of performing that made them such a force to begin with. Come experience the pure, unadulterated musical joy of a Boom Booms show as they lay down their tender, groovy, lyrical-melodic music. As the band bounces between funk, soul, reggae, Latin and African influences, their audiences never know where they’re going to be led – but no matter where it is, there’s going to more than a reason to DANCE.

Just like the Boom Booms display a diversity of groove every time they take the stage, the rest of our opening night line up is set to get the dance floor moving with a deep variety of groove. Victoria’s own THE BANKES BROTHERS will be gracing our stage for the first time to gift us with their deeply soulful roots-rock. In just over four years, the Bankes Brothers have established themselves as one the city’s most consistent live acts and we’re excited to see what they’re gonna bring to Garden City Grooves. Also joining us for Night 1 is Vancouver-born singer XHALIDA. A multi-talented artist – singer, songwriter, activist – Xhalida’s music is imbued with vast chasms of feeling and empathy for the world around her, as her smooth grooves wrap around you like a warm blanket. Rounding out the night and keeping things spicy between sets is Fernwood’s Resident DJ and local legend DJ COLDBEEF, who will be bringing his sonic delights to keep our feet moving all night long.

Friday, February 25 @ White Eagle Hall (James Bay)
Doors: 7:30pm
All ages, proof of full vaccination required for entry, Beverage Service for 19+ w/ ID
Tickets available exclusively at ticketweb.ca