To get this year's Garden City Grooves kicked off in triumphant style, we’re paying homage to a shining star of groove – the late, great Amy Winehouse. Throughout her short time on this planet, Amy Winehouse created music that captured the hearts and ears of fans of so many genres – R&B, jazz, soul, reggae, and pop. In short, she embodied the genreless quest for rhythm and groove Garden City Grooves is built on. Her powerful and captivating voice propelled her meteoric rise to the top and our own superstar band.
To celebrate Garden City Grooves 10th Anniversary Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society is proud to present Canada’s own superstar band to represent her legacy. The Capital Collective – led by Phil Hamelin will feature a 14-piece all star band with some of the most talented jazz and ska musicians in Western Canada. The Capital Collective who have made 3 appearances on Victoria’s Annual Ska & Reggae Festival are members from beloved west coast acts such as Lovecoast, Dope Soda, Current Swell, Jon & Roy and Miguelito Valdes. Together they are set to bring to life Winehouse’s most iconic songs with an unbelievably big sound and a west coast flare.
Amy Winehouse was an icon around the globe, so who better to join us for this celebration than Victoria’s own Icons of the Party,
Ranger who are one of the most dedicated and talented upcoming soul acts on the Island will be the guest of honour (replacing Illvis Freshly due to illness).
Ranger are Garden City Grooves illumni appearing on the festival last year and also Shane Ranger the band's leader has played bass in other bands that have also played on Garden City Grooves.
DJ I-Lot of the iconic Victoria squad, Garden City Soul Club. He'll be spinning some of the finest soul, funk and R&B to keep the dance floor hot before and after the bands on this night.