Nanaimo’s best bands!

One of Canada’s best-kept secrets is that Nanaimo has one of the greatest music scenes in the world! Benefitting from a music program at Vancouver Island University that draws some of the most incredible musical talent from all over the country and beyond, Nanaimo is chock-full of bands with incredible musicianship, vision, and soul!

While you’re here, be sure to look out for some of these incredible musicians.
 

TOP MEN

Top Men have an unusual origin story; they were formed when some of VIU’s jazz students admitted to each other how much they love Daft Punk. Those students then went on to start crafting their own live dance music, bringing top-flight musical training and talent to life! Known for their over the top stage shows (one show featured a 15-foot-tall dinosaur prancing across the stage), Top Men are one of the most beloved acts on Vancouver Island.
 

KENDALL PATRICK AND THE HEADLESS BETTYS

Kendall Patrick is a songwriter whose crystal clear voice delivers her deeply emotive lyrics with both delicacy and power. Her music is utterly beguiling, romantic, and heartfelt. WARNING: you may fall in love before you leave the show is over.
 

THE BODY POLITIC

Like your music a little harder? Nanaimo’s The Body Politic have been making metal and turning heads for nearly a decade now. Regularly featured in magazines like The Alternative Press, The Body Politics tight grooves and crushing rhythms hurt so good. Not for the faint-hearted.
 

FINE

“Fine” is such an ambiguous turn. As the answer to a question like “how are you?” it can either mean “okay” or “terrible,” and often the person responding doesn’t know exactly where they’re at. Fine embody that ambivalence, attacking the 21^st Century with youth and revolution through front-person Max Pittet’s deeply frustrated but still playful approach. Fine isn’t just fine; they’re great.
 

WIDE EYED

Wide Eyed is the brainchild of lead guitarist and singer Max Fraser. Featuring deep washes of incredible guitar tones, a Wide Eyed show is an absolutely stunning experience – one that borders on physical. Their psychedelic sound is as profound as it is moving, and they’re poised to take the world by storm. Watch out.

Of course, to know these bands you have to keep your eyes open and your ear to the ground, checking out posters and flyers around town and seeing what’s going on. To do that, you need to be in the heart of the action. Book a room at the Best Western Dorchester Inn and explore – you’ll definitely find something incredible!