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I was always more of a punk rocker than a raver, but the common ethos of inclusion, do-it-yourself ethics and community is something that resonated with me when I spoke with Erin Kelly yesterday about a new monthly electronic music night in Nanaimo.

Common is both the name of the new event, which takes place this Saturday at Verra Creatives at 21 Nichol St., but also the aspirational name for a new venue that Kelly hopes to launch that will provide electronic music artists and fans a space outside of the club scene.

She said she wants to provide something different where people can engage in art, music and dance with an emphasis on living in the moment instead of taking videos of themselves for social media. 

You can read my story about Common below before you go out and hit the dance floor this weekend.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Sweetman

Correction: In Monday’s Nanaimo This Week newsletter, the city-funded shower program was reported as being at the Curling Club, it is in fact at the nearby Caledonia Park facility. Also, the motion on development cost charges that was deferred was to reduce development cost charges for non-profits by 75 per cent.

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“Local. Lots of entertainment. Easy read. Done well."

— Bon Clarke, from our newsletter survey

A Common space for electronic music in Nanaimo

New monthly electronic music night in Nanaimo to showcase Island DJs this weekend.

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

Let us know by submitting it on our website.

🎵 Listen 🎤

Thursday, March 26 

• 6 p.m.: Mark Crissinger will play a solo show at Royal Canadian Legion Mt Benson Branch 256.

Friday, March 27 

• 5 p.m.: Gorilla flip, Danger Box, Truent, Chronic Fatigue and more will play an all-ages show, with adult supervision for minors, at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20 or $25 at the door.

• 7:30 p.m.: Dan Hare’s bands Night Moves and Centerfield will play hits by Bob Seger, John Fogerty and CCR in American Rock Legends at The Port Theatre. Tickets cost $59.

• 9:30 p.m.: DJ Budget Money will spin all your favourites this Friday night at The Nanaimo Bar. Tickets cost $10.

Saturday, March 28 

• 5:30 p.m.: Junk, One Man Army, Melophobia and Greenhorse will play a youth alternative, Indie and punk show at The Globe Live Studio. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost $10

• 6:30 p.m.: The Soul Shakers will play original music and classic soul, Motown, R&B and blues at The Queens. Tickets cost $15.

• 7 p.m.: Mark Crissinger Band will play at the Moose Lodge #1052. Tickets cost $15 for members or $20 for guests.

• 7:30 p.m. Get your prog rock on with Infinity RUSH - The RUSH Experience at The Port Theatre. Tickets cost $45 to $68.

• 9 p.m.: A Nostalgia Event featuring DJ Soul and DJ Michael Gordon playing all your rare grooves, reggae and R&B will take place at The Nanaimo Bar. Tickets cost $10. 

• 10 p.m.: Zenith & Transitional Alien will play a 19+ alternative and indie rock show at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $10
  

🎭 View 🖼️

Sunday, March 29 

• 3 p.m.: Piano heisters Nico and Patrick are on the big screen in the film, The 88th Key, inspired by their original show at The Port Theatre. They join forces with a computer whiz/hacker and a mysterious agent to attempt to liberate the mythical last key of the piano. See how many places you recognize in Nanaimo. Tickets cost $36.

Wednesday, April 1 

• 5:30 pm. Harbour Dance Studios’ April Showcase will be held at The Port Theatre. Tickets cost $35.
  

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Thursday, March 26 

• 7 p.m.: Author Monique Gray Smith, in conversation with Michelle Benjamin, will discuss her new book Sharing the Light: stories & reflections at the Gabriola Island Library.

Friday, March 27 

• 5:30 p.m.: Dragon Teen Lock-In. Youth aged 12 to 18 can head to the Nanaimo North Library after closing for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon with dragon-related crafts, gaming, pizza and fun! 

• 6 p.m.: SPCA Nanaimo Fundraiser. Join the BC SPCA Nanaimo & District Community Animal Centre for an unforgettable evening of creativity and community as Paint With Kelsie returns for another Sip & Paint Night! Enjoy a glass of wine, connect with friends and leave with a masterpiece of your making.

• 7 p.m.: Themed Trivia Night: DAWSON'S CREEK Edition at The Queen's. Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Saturday, March 28 

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Nanaimo Flea Market @ Beban Park’s Centennial Building. Come see a variety of vendors offering great deals on new and used items including clothing, toys, tools, books, collectors items, vintage items, baked goods, jewelry, crafts, fabric and much more. Admission is free.

• 10 a.m.: The Oceanside Chess Club’s 2025 Mid-Island Chess Championship will be held at Beban Park. Spots are limited — don’t wait to secure your seat at the board! 

Monday, March 30 

• 2:30 p.m.: The Builders' Club at the Nanaimo Wellington library will have LEGO® bricks, MagnaTiles and more for fun and creative hands-on play. Ages 3+ welcome. 

Tuesday, March 31 

• 10 a.m.: Knitters of all ages and abilities can go to the Nanaimo North Library for a drop in knitting circle. Bring your own projects, supplies, questions and expertise!

• 3:30 p.m.: Interested in playing chess, but don’t know how? Or perhaps you are an expert and you’re looking for others to play against? The Youth Chess Club for teens and tweens at the Nanaimo North LIbrary will have teen volunteers on hand to teach the basics and/or play against you. Organized by teen volunteer Kedar, who has participated in the Canadian National Youth Championship.

Wednesday, April 1 

• 10 a.m.: Shut Up & Write. All writers are welcome to join this very dedicated group of local authors, poets and beginner writers at the Gabriola Island Library. 

• 3 p.m.: Nanaimo Farmers' Market - Island Roots takes place every Wednesday in Beban Park. Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps and specialty goods from the region’s best farmers and artisans. 3:30 p.m.: Use LEGO® to create a masterpiece at the Nanaimo North Library’s

• LEGO® Club. Each month features a different theme and creations will be displayed in the Nanaimo North Library branch so everyone can see them! Ages 5-12, drop-in, no registration required.
  

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