On Thursday September 29, Garden City Grooves 2016 begins with a very special tribute to Prince featuring Diamonds and Pearls, Victoria’s only official Prince tribute band at Lucky Bar. Opening the festival in grand style is the newly formed Jonnie 5 Brass Band making their debut performance, and one that will take you on a short trip to New Orleans to revel in their brasstronomical bombast. Also making his Victoria debut is Vancouver electro/funk/pop dynamo Solitaire (Adam Wawonzek) and his three piece band. Solitaire’s performance will be the perfect compliment to Diamonds and Pearls and should make for an incredibly funky and memorable opening night for GCG 2016.

Diamonds and Pearls: Diamonds and Pearls is Victoria’s only official Prince tribute band. Based on an incredible sold out performance at Northern Quarter in July, these five stellar musicians were asked to headline the opening night of Garden City Grooves 2016. They pay homage to the late “Purple One” by digging deep into Prince’s catalogue and including lesser known songs and B-sides in addition to the many hits. Diamonds and Pearls are: Aaron Scoones (guitar/vocals), Peter Jones (keys/vocals/musical director), Adam Dobres (guitar), Peter Dowse (bass), Mike Zurmehly (drums).

Visit gardencitygrooves.com for complete event info.