Jeremy Facknitz’s music is a throwback to when guitar-slingin’ singer-songwriters weren’t afraid to turn it up loud, look you in the eye, and play more than the same four tired chords! Originally from Michigan but now living in Langley-BC, Jeremy was named a Top 24 finalist in the 2020, 2022, and 2025 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition at Kerrville Folk Festival, and his song “Smilin’ at the Future” made him an Empower (Posi) Music Award Winner in 2023.

Jeremy embodies the soul of an old time troubadour, but one bitten by a radioactive rockstar smitten with Jazz and Musical Theatre! John Apice of American Highways says “This is all far above the ordinary…a good time is guaranteed for all!” while John Barlass at At the Barrier writes “Jeremy Facknitz is, indeed, a major talent — and, I can guarantee, like nothing you’ll have ever heard before!” Welcome to the VFMS, Jeremy!

Since the early 1980s, Fraser Union has been singing and playing music that connects with audiences all over B.C. who, like us, love to join in on the choruses! Their songs come from Folk roots but reflect the diversity of our cultures and histories and our contemporary concerns.

The current trio is Barry Truter, Kathy Griffin & Roger Holdstock, who create a harmonic blend for their ever-evolving repertoire while staying true to a passion for meaningful lyrics.

Barry plays guitar, octave-mandolin, and other instruments. Roger plays mandolin and guitar. Kathy, the most recent member of the group, has vast experience singing in many vocal groups, including the award-winning quartet Second Inversion, and plays guitar and percussion.

With five albums of songs, many of which have become anthemic to their audiences, Fraser Union has evolved over the decades but remains focused on the songs and the joys of singing together!

A self-described “community-trained” musician, Benj Rowland approaches Folk music with a deep-rooted reverence for tradition, having honed his instrumental- and performance- skills within the vibrant tapestry of his culturally rich upbringing. Hailing from this musical heritage, Benj’s compositions reflect an amalgamation of various influences such as Celtic, Cajun, Old-Time, and BalFolk.

Surrounded by a captivating ensemble of musical instruments including the bouzouki, tenor-guitar, hurdy-gurdy, accordions, and a foot-keyboard-synthesizer, Benj Rowland creates a mesmerizing sonic experience that beckons audiences to immerse themselves in his unique world of music.

Throughout his career, Benj has shared the stage with a plethora of renowned artists and contributed his musical talents to numerous albums by fellow musicians. After an extensive journey spanning over fifteen years, Benj embarked on a solo career with the release of his 2022 album, “Community Garden”, and has recently ventured into the realms of scoring and live performance for theatre and dance.

Join us tonight for a special concert in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day established in 2021 to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School System.

Tonight’s concert will be hosted by The Anishinaabe Mitchell Sisters & David Scanlan, featuring musical and spoken-word performances by the Sisters, VFMS members Nancy Potvin and Sandee Mitchell, as well as their elder brother Tom Mitchell, Metis singer Hanna Gentes, and other special guests!

The evening is also a fundraiser in support of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) and the 75+ programs and services they provide to over 21,000 off-reserve Indigenous people living in Victoria, as well as their ongoing support for on-reserve citizens in the ten local Nations. The VNFC also kindly welcomes us to meet every Sunday evening in their beautiful Friendship Hall for which we are truly grateful.

Sundays in July, August & September 2026 —