Banyan Tree Folk
Gardiner Hall
2070 Granite St.
Victoria BC
(Oak Bay)
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Admission
See event
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First Half: 7:30 PM
Open Mic:
sign up with Host and perform a ten-minute-set;

Half-time Break: Tea, coffee and assorted goodies available

Second Half:
9:00 PM
Feature Act
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Do you like to play?
Want to perform at
'Open Mic'?
Click here to


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BANYAN TREE Folk
About Us

Banyan Tree Folk History:

In 2008, Patty Castle and Ray France had a common vision: a music venue that was youth driven and featured local traditional, folk, bluegrass and roots music. They joined forces to create Banyan Tree Folk. The first event was held on January 2009 and featured Fish & Bird and The Sweet Lowdown. In February 2009 they introduced the open mic portion of the evening to showcase local up-and-coming talent. Ray and Patty are grateful for the support of all the volunteers, Oak Bay United and the folk and bluegrass communities.

Our Mission Statement

A celebration of new roots, folk and traditional music in Victoria, B.C. Our goal is to build community by providing a venue for new performers and an opportunity for young folk musicians to network. We work toward the advancement, promotion and preservation of traditional and contemporary Canadian West Coast Folk Music.
Roots and Branches

The Banyan Tree is presented by the Victoria Folk Music Society and Oak Bay United. These groups see their role as creating a comfortable environment for young people to develop their musical skills. Driven by our passion for folk music, we wish to provide support and mentorship to encourage traditional music to take root in young people. Through the skills and confidence gained by participating in Banyan Tree open stages and concerts, we ensure a thriving tradition of west coast folk music for the future.

Thanks for supporting this promising community event!

How It began: The real "First Concert"

When asked about how it all began, Ray France replied:

"The band BARLEY WIK kicked off the first Banyan Tree event... this was a new concept event by Oak Bay United Church and it established the basic Banyan Tree operating model. The Banyan Tree name/logo was intentionally left off the poster as the event was planned to test interest in the venue concept...

The first Banyan Tree event was a huge success but OBUC burned out in the process... if Patty and the VFMS had not partnered with me and OBUC after the first event then the Banyan Tree would most likely have died. A big load of credit goes to Patty, Jim Selk and the VFMS for stepping in to develop the program towards young adults and thereby maintain The Banyan Tree, for all to enjoy...

I'm grateful that the United Church of Canada is organized to allow it's neighbourhood churches the freedom to assist any identified need. I'm also grateful that the congregation of Oak Bay United wants to be actively connected within the whole neighbourhood, provide support that's relevant to the needs of Victoria's young Folk-Roots community and provide enjoyable entertainment at the same time..."
-Ray
 
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