Friday night’s at the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium are looking to be the new hot spot for hangouts.
This Friday will be their second Jingle Jam, a holiday gathering of musical guests.
The evening will begin with a music presentation from Story Theatre Company, based in Victoria. They will present a Christmas play they wrote called The Magical Christmas of Old Mrs. James. The play will be half an hour with Colleen Eccleston and friends.
“We’re going to present that first off and then there will be some other musicians join Colleen, and we’re going to do a Jingle Jam,” said John Carswell, co-owner of Empourium.
Right from the start, he and his wife and co-owner Alice Bacon, wanted to create a gathering space for the community for all kinds of things.
And music, he said, is something that’s near and dear to their hearts, as they’ve both been involved in the arts and music community for many years in the past.
“Of course, it’s been a year and five months since we’ve opened up and just learning how a cafe works has been a real lesson for us,” said Carswell.
They began the Friday night series in the fall, trying to build a friday night music culture in Brentwood. It’s also a way for them to showcase local musicians.
“I think what makes it great aside from being something that they can do in their own community is that it is family-friendly, so even though we are licensed, families can attend. Parents can bring their kids,” he said, adding that they try and make it an all inclusive kind of thing.
Jingle Jam will take place Dec. 16 at Empourium beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. It’s recommended they be purchased ahead of time at Empourium as seating is limited to 30.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go as a cash donation to the Sidney Lions Food Bank.
The music series will continue into the new year on Jan. 13 with more local talent.
For more information call 778-351-0178 or visit empourium.ca.
