Entertainment

From left to right, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” cast members Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, Josh Andres Rivera, Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer and Jason Schwartzman and singer Olivia Rodrigo pose together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatre. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

‘Hunger Games’ prequel tops box office

Film comes 8 years after original series was released

From left to right, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” cast members Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, Josh Andres Rivera, Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer and Jason Schwartzman and singer Olivia Rodrigo pose together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatre. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated with a welcome message for American singer Taylor Swift, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Taylor Swift postpones Rio show, citing heat after fan dies during concert

Cause of fan’s death has not been announced

The Christ the Redeemer statue is illuminated with a welcome message for American singer Taylor Swift, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
Teresa Waterland drops off a copy of her self-published book, ‘The Magical Adventures of Quizzle and Pinky Palm,’ in a little neighbourhood library in Nanaimo. (Submitted photo)

Nanaimo author drops off copies of unique fairy tales in little libraries

Teresa Waterland’s ‘The Magical Adventures of Quizzle and Pinky Palm’ features empathetic characters

Teresa Waterland drops off a copy of her self-published book, ‘The Magical Adventures of Quizzle and Pinky Palm,’ in a little neighbourhood library in Nanaimo. (Submitted photo)
Lynda Lombardi holds up a photo of her deceased son Michael, who she said inspires every piece she creates. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)

Mother-son duo paint picture of resilience and joy in Victoria exhibit

After losing one of her sons, Lynda Lombardi was inspired by her family to heal through art and pursue a lifelong dream

Lynda Lombardi holds up a photo of her deceased son Michael, who she said inspires every piece she creates. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)
Spiritbox has been nominated for a Grammy. (Spiritbox/Facebook)

B.C.-based metal band Spiritbox nominated for a Grammy

Band’s single Jaded was nominated for best metal performance

Spiritbox has been nominated for a Grammy. (Spiritbox/Facebook)
Charlotte Palmer will don the many hats of her entertainment career as she performs ‘The Invisible Woman isn’t invisible…’ at the Unitarian Hall in Nanaimo on Nov. 16. (Photo via https://charlottepalmer.uk/)

U.K. actor using comedy to spotlight ‘invisible’ women during Island tour

Charlotte Palmer staging shows in Nanaimo, Victoria, Qualicum Beach, Tofino, Duncan and Port Alberni

Charlotte Palmer will don the many hats of her entertainment career as she performs ‘The Invisible Woman isn’t invisible…’ at the Unitarian Hall in Nanaimo on Nov. 16. (Photo via https://charlottepalmer.uk/)
Alastair Knowles, left, and Aaron Malkin during a performance of ‘O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy,’ which will be staged at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre Nov. 18. (Submitted photo)

British duo’s interactive holiday show ‘O Christmas Tea’ back on the Island

Sidney, Duncan, Courtenay, Victoria and Nanaimo all getting visits from James and Jamesy

Alastair Knowles, left, and Aaron Malkin during a performance of ‘O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy,’ which will be staged at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre Nov. 18. (Submitted photo)
Prince performs at the Forum, Feb. 18, 1985, in Inglewood, Calif. Fans of Prince, who was known nearly as much for his extravagant wardrobe as for his chart-topping hits, will have a chance to bid on some of the late musician’s sartorial splendor in an online auction running through Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing, File)

Prince’s puffy ‘Purple Rain’ shirt and other pieces from late singer’s wardrobe go up for auction

Fans of Prince, who was known nearly as much for his extravagant…

Prince performs at the Forum, Feb. 18, 1985, in Inglewood, Calif. Fans of Prince, who was known nearly as much for his extravagant wardrobe as for his chart-topping hits, will have a chance to bid on some of the late musician’s sartorial splendor in an online auction running through Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing, File)
Geddy Lee’s memoir, “My Effin’ Life,” is an engrossing tale of a “classic underachiever” who became a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame vocalist, bassist, and keyboard player. It’s a great read for anyone interested in the brilliant prog-rock trio or the music scene from the 1970s onward. (File photo by The Associated Press)

Canadian rock royalty Geddy Lee shares a Rush of insight in ‘My Effin’ Life’

REVIEW: Autobiography from singer and bassist from one of Canada’s biggest bands an effin’ good read

Geddy Lee’s memoir, “My Effin’ Life,” is an engrossing tale of a “classic underachiever” who became a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame vocalist, bassist, and keyboard player. It’s a great read for anyone interested in the brilliant prog-rock trio or the music scene from the 1970s onward. (File photo by The Associated Press)
In August 2022 part of the upcoming Apple+ TV series <em>Monarch: Legacy of Monsters</em> was filmed east of Cache Creek, and will feature in the show’s third episode, airing on Nov. 24. (Photo credit: Apple+/YouTube)

Godzilla roams B.C. Southern Interior in new Apple+ TV series

Part of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ was filmed east of Cache Creek in 2022

In August 2022 part of the upcoming Apple+ TV series <em>Monarch: Legacy of Monsters</em> was filmed east of Cache Creek, and will feature in the show’s third episode, airing on Nov. 24. (Photo credit: Apple+/YouTube)
FILE - Jon Batiste performs during the Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 17, 2023. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)

Jon Batiste announces first North American headlining tour

Singer will stop in Montreal and Toronto

FILE - Jon Batiste performs during the Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 17, 2023. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
The Federation of BC Writers is offering a writing intensive, from Nov. 20-25.

Federation of BC Writers offering a series of writing workshops

After receiving enthusiastic feedback for its first online writing intensive in July,…

  • Nov 12, 2023
The Federation of BC Writers is offering a writing intensive, from Nov. 20-25.
Allison Russell performs during the Americana Honors & Awards show Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Zaleski

Canadian content plentiful as this year’s Grammy nominees released

Drake’s 4 nominations headline list that includes Joni Mitchell and Allison Russell

Allison Russell performs during the Americana Honors & Awards show Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Zaleski
Kelowna’s Laura Draycott (right) won the Ms. Senior World 50 title in Biloxi, Mississippi on Nov. 4, 2023. (Ms. Senior World Pageants/Facebook)

59 and fabulous: Kelowna woman wins Ms. Senior World 50

Laura Draycott was the only Canadian to compete for the title

  • Nov 10, 2023
Kelowna’s Laura Draycott (right) won the Ms. Senior World 50 title in Biloxi, Mississippi on Nov. 4, 2023. (Ms. Senior World Pageants/Facebook)
Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour,” May 5, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The wait to buy tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2024 concert dates in Vancouver is finally over, with online sales scheduled to start Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, George Walker IV

Wedding fine, but Taylor Swift anniversary makes Wildest Dreams come true

Lucky fan celebrating successfully claiming tickets to the hottest show in B.C.

Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour,” May 5, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The wait to buy tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2024 concert dates in Vancouver is finally over, with online sales scheduled to start Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, George Walker IV
Paul Stanley of KISS at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (Contributed photo: Jacob Zinn)

PHOTOS: KISS goes out with a bang in ‘End of the Road’ show in Vancouver

Demon, Starchild and the others entertained a thrilled crowd at Rogers Arena Wednesday

Paul Stanley of KISS at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (Contributed photo: Jacob Zinn)
Lily Bird, left to right, Dylan Gelula, Jessica Clement and Nicholas Cage arrive on the red carpet to promote the film 'Dream Scenario' at the Toronto International Film Festival, in Toronto, on Saturday, September 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

REVIEW: Dream Scenario a funny, sad, scary meditation on fame

Mundane, schlubby, average Nicholas Cage taps into his inner drabness for sharp comedy

Lily Bird, left to right, Dylan Gelula, Jessica Clement and Nicholas Cage arrive on the red carpet to promote the film 'Dream Scenario' at the Toronto International Film Festival, in Toronto, on Saturday, September 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Edie Daponte on stage with her band, Joey Smith on bass, and Damian Graham on drums at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay in 2022. (Courtesy of Patrick Emery)

Greater Victoria Remembrance Day musical honours Second World War singers

Vera Lynn, Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich will be portrayed

Edie Daponte on stage with her band, Joey Smith on bass, and Damian Graham on drums at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay in 2022. (Courtesy of Patrick Emery)
FILE - Patrick Dempsey poses for photographers upon arrival for the premiere of the film “Ferrari” during the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Aug. 31, 2023, in Venice, Italy. On Tuesday, Nov, 7, People magazine named Dempsey as its Sexiest Man Alive. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File)

Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine

He’s not just “McDreamy” anymore — Patrick Dempsey is now also People…

FILE - Patrick Dempsey poses for photographers upon arrival for the premiere of the film “Ferrari” during the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival, Aug. 31, 2023, in Venice, Italy. On Tuesday, Nov, 7, People magazine named Dempsey as its Sexiest Man Alive. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - Signage for the 51st annual CMA Awards appears in lights at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The CMA Awards are back Wednesday to honor the top artists in country music, with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wallen among the performers. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Lainey Wilson tops nominee list as country music salutes best and brightest

CMA Awards will pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett during a show hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning

FILE - Signage for the 51st annual CMA Awards appears in lights at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The CMA Awards are back Wednesday to honor the top artists in country music, with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wallen among the performers. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)