Victoria Fiddle Society (VFS)

09/02/2026

Don’t miss it – this Friday, September 4th at our NEW LOCATION Braefoot Park Centre, 1359 McKenzie Ave.

Lots of room, lots of parking and, want to play a bit faster? We’ve got a separate room for you!

Looking forward to having the talented Miriam Sonstenes leading the Jam, it’ll be a great time!

Renew your membership now and avoid the rush at the Jam. Your membership runs from September to June, covers Jam fees and includes a discount at Tapestry Music for sheet music, among other bonuses.

e-Transfer to [email protected] or, at the Jam with credit or debit card, cash (exact amount appreciated) or cheque.
Membership Dues: Single: $30; Family $60.

Date: Friday, September 4th, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm; Doors open at 6:45 We will have a short break, any concession snacks are welcome
Cost: Members no charge; Drop In $5 (your membership is due now!)
NEW LOCATION: Braefoot Park Centre, 1359 McKenzie Ave

The VFS will be playing at the Saanich Fair (Westfield Stage) on
Monday, Sept 7th from 11:00-12:30.
Drop by, have a visit and enjoy some familiar tunes!
Hope to see you there!

VIctoria Fiddle Society Email us at: [email protected]

Many of the tunes we play are in Calvin Cairns’ Conservatory Fiddle Tunes Red, Green or Blue Books. We sell the books at the Jams for $20 each (without CD), or you can get them at Tapestry Music or…

08/21/2026

September 4th Jam – New Location & Important Updates!

We have a NEW JAM LOCATION (more space!) at Braefoot Park Centre, 1359 McKenzie Ave. There will be 2 rooms: a large one for the main jam and a small one for a small group (

05/25/2026

Fiddle Jam - Friday, June 5, 2026
Join us on Friday, June 5 – our last Jam till September!
We’re lucky to have the incredible Cohan Lyne hosting us again.
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Doors open at 6:45 pm
Cost: Members no charge; Drop In $5
Where: Wheeley Hall in the Esquimalt United
Church Building (500 Admirals Road).
Enter off Lyall Street.
Intermission snacks are welcome!
…………….
Set List
The Rakes of Mallow (Red Bk p 4) Key of G
Elegant Dancer (Keith’s Vol 1 p 19**) Key of C
Swingin’ on a Gate (Green Bk p 64) Key of G
Sheebeg and Sheemore (Green Bk p 32) Key of D
Cattle Point Jig (Keith’s Vol 2 p 9**) Key of A
Sally Gardens (Green Bk p 17) Key of D
Ger the Rigger (Red Bk p 52) Key of A
The London Hornpipe (Green Bk p 72) Key of A
Ashokan Farewell (VFS Website) Key of D
Mason's Apron (Green Bk p 53) Key of A
Crooked Stovepipe (Green Bk p 29) Key of G
Westphalia Waltz (Green Bk p 66) Key of G
Tobin’s Favorite (Green Bk p 26) Key of D
Trip to Pender (Keith’s Vol 2 p 50**) Key of Am
Staten Island Hornpipe (Red Bk p 37) Key of D
**tunes by Keith Malcolm (Elegant Dancer, Trip to Pender & Cattle Point Jig)

04/21/2026

Fiddle Jam - Friday, May 1st
…with the amazing Cohan Lyne hosting!
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Doors open at 6:45 pm
Cost: Members no charge; Drop In $5
Where: Wheeley Hall in the Esquimalt United
Church Building (500 Admirals Road).
Enter off Lyall Street.
Intermission snacks are welcome!
…………….
Set List –
Mairi’s Wedding (Red Bk, p 4) Key of G
Scotland the Brave * Key of D
Angus Campbell (Green Bk, p 41) Key of A
Red Haired Boy (Green Bk, p 58) Key of A
Sapphire Waltz * Key of G
Road to Boston (Red Bk, p 14) Key of D
Redwing (Green Bk, p 29) Key of G
Harvest Home (Red Bk, p 37) Key of D
Boys of Bluehill (Green Bk, p 44) Key of D
Westphalia Waltz (Green Bk, p 66) Key of G
Swallowtail Jig (Red Bk, p 22) Key of Em
Bill Dundon’s Jig * Key of G
To the Ladies (Green Bk, p 25) Key of A
Silver & Gold Two-step * Key of D
Joys of Quebec (Red Bk, p 34) Key of A
Reel de Montreal (Red Bk, p 25) Key of G
Whiskey before Breakfast (Green Bk, p 31) Key of D
St. Anne’s Reel (Green Bk, p 55, or a more common melody version * ) Key of D
Fiddle Bill (Canada’s Fiddling Day Two-step) (VFS Website) Key of G
* email [email protected] for music

Highland Games – Canadian Fiddling Day – Musicians Wanted!
Saturday, May 16
11:00am
Topaz Park, Victoria
Join the VFS once again this year as we bring some lively tunes to the Highland Games, with the incredible Cohan Lyne leading the charge – all instruments and levels of play are welcome! We’ll be playing the May Jam set list (see above), so lots of familiar tunes.
Free entrance to the Games for those registered. So register now by emailing
[email protected] with Highland Games in the subject line.

04/09/2026

It’s not too late - sign up now!
A rare opportunity to attend a workshop for Rhythm/Chord and Melody Instruments. Not to mention having the amazing band VINTA leading the workshop!
The workshop is this Sunday afternoon 2:00-4:00, April 12th at the Cordova Bay 55+ Centre, 5238 Cordova Bay Rd (lots of parking).
To register, email to [email protected]
………………………………
There will be 3 concurrent sessions: 2 for fiddle and other instruments (Intermediate/Advanced), and 1 for rhythm/chord players.
Each session will run for 45 minutes, then the two fiddle/other instrument groups will switch for the 2nd 45-minute session. The rhythm/chord players session will run for the full 90 mins. The 3 groups will then come together for a 30-minute session where everyone plays together.
Cost for whole workshop: $35 VFS members; $40 non-members.
To register, email to [email protected] (specify either the Fiddle/Other Instruments or Rhythm/Chord sessions and note the instrument you will be playing), along with your payment of either $35 or $40 via etransfer to: [email protected]
……………………
Also, don’t miss their:
House Concert – April 13 7:30pm in Ten Mile Point email [email protected] to register (see poster for details)
Dance – April 14 7:00-10:00pm at Encore Victoria, 1415 Broad St Tickets
Check them out!!

Vinta, Canada-based chamber folk quartet playing traditional and original instrumental music on fiddles, clarinet, accordion, upright bass. Exciting music for concerts, festivals, and balfolk dances.

04/02/2026

WORKSHOP - Fiddle & Rhythm/Chord
Sunday, April 12 2:00-4:00
$35 VFS members; $40 non-members
Cordova Bay 55+ Centre, 5238 Cordova Bay Rd, Victoria BC
The VFS is hosting a French Balfolk Fiddle (and other instruments) & Rhythm/Chord Workshop with the band Vinta on Sunday afternoon 2:00-4:00, April 12th.
The workshop is open to everyone - VFS members and non-members, and all instruments.

Vinta is a fantastic band from Ontario who will be visiting Victoria for the workshop, a House Concert and a Balfolk Dance on April 14th. Check them out here: https://www.vintamusic.com/

The workshop will be made up of three concurrent sessions: two for fiddle and other instruments (Intermediate/Advanced), and one for rhythm/chord players.

Each session will run for 45 minutes, then the two fiddle/other instrument groups will switch for the 2nd 45-minute session. The rhythm/chord players session will run for the full 90 mins. The 3 groups will then come together for a 30-minute session where everyone plays together.

Cost for whole workshop: $35 VFS members; $40 non-members.

Workshop registration: email [email protected]
(specify either the Fiddle/Other Instruments or Rhythm/Chord sessions and note the instrument you will be playing), along with your payment of either $35 or $40 via etransfer to: [email protected]

Vinta, Canada-based chamber folk quartet playing traditional and original instrumental music on fiddles, clarinet, accordion, upright bass. Exciting music for concerts, festivals, and balfolk dances.

04/02/2026

Don’t forget - Fiddle Jam this Friday, April 3rd
The amazing Miriam Sonstenes will be hosting, it will be a great evening of music & fun!
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Doors open at 6:45 pm
Cost: Members no charge; Drop In $5
Where: Wheeley Hall in the Esquimalt United Church Building (500 Admirals Road).
Enter off Lyall Street.