DESCRIPTION:
Victoria was the third stop on a four event tour of BC and Alberta.

Working with Motown band The Chantrelles meant a hunt for obscure instruments - and 70 people to play them - in a recently repurposed train yard.

The re-instrumentation was by far the most complex we'd ever tried, and the band were the perfect glue to hold everyone together while Chance's voice -- which has to be heard live to be believed -- sailed over top like a magic cloud made of honey, spice and good times.

Before the event, most of the team had never seen tubular bells or tympanis before, and we had no idea where to find them. With more than a little help from Public Record's creator Tony Yacower and songwriter Vince Vaccaro, a collection of less-than-commonplace instruments were found and delivered to the Roundhouse at Bayview Place -- a community development that mixes with the charm of the rail yards to create the kind of place that I wished I lived in.

Two other pieces of the puzzle still needed working on -- people and beer.

Dean and Daniela from We Are Local, a guide that shows out-of-towners the best places to eat, drink and shop, introduced Playground to every friend and business owner they knew. And they know a lot of people. The good people of Victoria then spread the word further and the night filled up.

For beer, Victoria is blessed. Much like Vancouver, there are a number of incredible craft breweries, but sitting top of the pile for providing great beer and supporting great music are the fine folks at Phillips Brewery. Blue Buck is one of my favorite go-tos, and if you're looking for something different try their Ginger Beer. If you don't like Phillips, we probably can't be friends.

And none of this would have happened without the generous help and support from our friends at TELUS Optik Local, who made it possible for us to take this crazy show on the road.