Welcome to The Hub Nanaimo, your weekly insider guide to the best of community arts and culture. Did a friend forward this email to you? Subscribe to this newsletter.

This weekend is the third annual skate jam and block party on Victoria Crescent hosted by Primary Skateboards. It’s a great opportunity for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels to take over the street for a steezey session.

I grew up skateboarding and still have a couple of set-ups that I use to cruise around skateparks and small bowls on occasion. It’s a great way to combine creativity with physical activity and I would encourage everyone to bring your boards downtown for a good time. 

Later skaters,

Mick Sweetman

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🔎 Watch for 🔍

Saturday, August 23, 4 p.m: Primary Skateboards presents the 3rd Annual Skateboards Block Party on Victoria Crescent with a skate jam, cash prizes for best tricks, DJs, vendors, a pizza party, flash tattoos and a karaoke afterparty at the Terminal. Photo of Keith Stevenson in 2023 courtesy of Mick Sweetman. 

Got the inside scoop of an event you think should be shared? 

Let us know by sending Mick an email.

🎵 Listen 🎤

Thursday, Aug. 21, 9 p.m.: Rare Earth Magnet and Brothers Of Zen will play shoegaze, grunge pop and good ol’ indie rock at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $10. 

Thursday, Aug. 21, 9:30 p.m.: The Tony Kaye Trio will bring its Hillcountry, Chicago and Texas Blues to The Nanaimo Bar. Tickets cost $10. 

Friday, Aug. 22, noon: John Gogo will perform at Heritage Mews as part of the Old City Quarter’s Sounds of Summer concert series. 

Friday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m.: Americana duo Moonshine Mollys will play at the Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival in Maffeo Sutton Park as part of the City of Nanaimo’s free Concerts in the Park series.

Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.: Boosh and Dead Old Birds will play an all-ages indie-rock and rap show at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $15. 

Friday, Aug. 22, 7:15 p.m.: Blues band Lazy Mike and the Argyle Jets will play at the Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival in Maffeo Sutton Park as part of the City of Nanaimo’s free Concerts in the Park series. 

Friday, Aug. 22, 9 p.m.: Come celebrate the music and legacy of the late Roma swing jazz legend Django Reinhardt at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15. 

Saturday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m.: The first-ever all-ages Globe Fest features Lords Of Apathy, Red Lenses, NIKU, Chronic Fatigue and Danger Box at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20. 

Saturday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.: Country crooner Elise LeBlanc and folk-songstress Rebecca Runions will play a cozy all-ages show at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door. 

Sunday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m.: The Tristones will headline the Sunday Blues Jam at The Queen’s. Tickets cost $10 or are free for blues jammers and minors (with guardian).

🎭 View 🖼️

Thursday, Aug. 21, noon to 6 p.m.: Kim D. Arthouse will showcase her iconic street photography of downtown Nanaimo and Victoria Crescent at Sound Heritage. The event will also feature live music by Clare and Kieran. Admission is free. 

Thursday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m.: Join Germaine Koh in a playful art installation, League Nanaimo,  on Thursday nights during the Commercial Street Night Market as she turns the Nanaimo Art Gallery into an experimental arena where visitors are welcome to jump, throw, dance, run and touch — all actions that are usually frowned upon in art museums. The theme for Aug. 21 is “un-uniform.”

Friday, Aug. 22, noon: Register yourself or bring a group for a lunchtime tour of the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s current exhibition, League Nanaimo. Tickets cost $5 or are free for members.

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 3:30 p.m.: For Palestine Vancouver Island will rally for a two-way arms embargo against Israel at Northfield Road and the Nanaimo Parkway. 

Thursday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m.: Join Nanaimo Science to learn about native vs. invasive species at Maffeo Sutton Park. Free. 

Thursday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m.: The Commercial Street Night Market features artisan vendors, food trucks, musical performances, a vibrant kids’ zone and a new inclusive zone creating a festive family atmosphere.

Friday, Aug. 22, Noon to 8 p.m.: The Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival is in Maffeo Sutton Park.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Nanaimo Recycles Car Trunk Sale will take place in the Vancouver Island University parking lot. Remember to bring your reusable bags!

Saturday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m: Primary Skateboards presents the 3rd Annual Skateboards Block Party on Victoria Crescent with a skate jam, cash prizes for best tricks, DJs, vendors, a pizza party, flash tattoos and a karaoke afterparty at the Terminal. 

Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m.: Using paper and natural materials, make a unique maze inspired by League Nanaimo at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Free for members, $5 for non-members. 

Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m.: Monthly No Limit Hold’em Poker Tournament at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #10. Buy in is $50 (no rebuys). Must register by emailing pokerbranch10@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21.

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