Victoria Blues Society

November 21, 2025. Victoria Blues Society presents a Bluestravaganza featuring 5 great bands!

The Victoria Blues Society (VBS) offers an annual scholarship to the Hornby Island Blues Camp through the John Fisher Memorial Fund. The 2026 Hornby Island Blues Camp runs May 3-8 To be eligible for this program you must be: Available during the camp dates May 3-8, 2026 19 years of age or older Live in the Greater Victoria region Have not received a VBS scholarship previously Are an aspiring blues musician, singer or songwriter Although having access to a vehicle is preferable, it is possible to attend the camp without one. You will be responsible for getting to and from Hornby Island. The classes are held at various locations throughout the island, it is not possible to walk or bike and get to the locations on time, and get back to the Seabreeze lodge for meals. For students without a car however, in the past other students have given each other rides to and from locations, and it has not been an issue. The website for the camp is: https://www.hornby-blues.bc.ca The website is currently not updated, but will be updated soon. Information on the instructors and course outlines can be found there, as well as the link for registering. You will not be able to register until the specified date. There is also a link to accommodations on Hornby Island. Students are expected to choose one instructor for their “major” class in the morning, but afternoon “minor” classes can be any of the other instructors, and minor classes can be changed with instructors approval once camp has started. Instruments covered are: guitar, both electric and acoustic, bass, drums, piano, harmonica, vocals and songwriting. The VBS scholarship includes the cost of tuition and an additional amount to assist with accommodation. Students are responsible for any additional accommodation costs, and incidental expenses, such as drinks at concerts. Tuition includes, daily instruction, lunch and dinner, and evening concerts. VBS scholarships are financial only, and VBS is not responsible for any other aspects of the camp. Hornby Island Blues Society are the operators of the camp. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements for transportation to Hornby Island, supply themselves with instrument(s) and practice amplifier if needed. If this is of interest to you, please provide VBS with your full name, address, age and contact information, what instrument(s) you play and a brief note why you want to attend the camp. Please email: victoriabluessociety@gmail.com . The camp fills up quickly, so do not delay if interested. Deadline for applications will be December 31, 2025.

Wicket Hall is now called Studio 919. Sunday Blues Services with the Deb Rhymer Band is at the same location, Studio 919 Strathcona Hotel. What you need to know!!! Same incredible blues jam from 4 to 730 pm. Doors still open at 3 pm. Still $5.00 cover and free for jammers. Still FREE parking in the City Parking lot next to the hotel, enter the parkade behind the Strathcona Hotel on Broughton or Courtenay St. Same 50/50 draw at 6 pm every week. Some changes to note: There is an elevator for those who have mobility challenges. There are drink specials and a food menu available every week. There are TWO dance floors. The venue is much larger so we can accommodate more people.

VBS Board Member Ruth Chan has archived a huge collection of videos from blues jams gone by. Check out her youtube channel.