A Benefit Concert Series · Victoria, BC

Welcome to Victoria

Two evenings of music, generosity, and community — raising our voices so one family can find safety and a new home.

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Music with a purpose

Every ticket, every bid, and every gift goes toward privately sponsoring a refugee family fleeing war and persecution — helping them rebuild their lives in peace and security here in Victoria.

Our first deadline $42,450 by July 31, 2026
Raised so farGoal to keep the application moving

Beyond this deadline, we aim to reach at least $60,000 to support the family when they arrive.

Save the Dates

Two Concerts, One Mission

Jazz & Song Sunday, June 28 · 7:00 pm · Doors 6:00 pm

An Evening of Jazz

VenueBroadview United Church
3703 St. Aidan’s Street, Victoria
AdmissionBy donation at the door
FeaturingA Silent Auction

Pablo Cardenas and his Band • Leif Bradshaw • Diane Pancel

Pablo Cardenas at the piano

Pablo Cardenas & His Band

Cuban Pianist · Composer

One of the finest Cuban pianists of his generation, Pablo plays with enthusiasm, skill and finesse across Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, fusion, modern jazz and classical styles. A regular at Hermann’s Jazz Club, he has performed at festivals from Havana to the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and loves creating projects that bring musicians together for good causes. pablocardenaspiano.wordpress.com

Diane Pancel

Diane Pancel

Cabaret Star · Recording Artist

Multi-award-winning recording artist and international cabaret star, known as the “queen of patter” for her gift of connecting with an audience. She has shared stages with David Foster, Nelly Furtado, LeAnn Rimes and the Victoria Symphony, and was recently nominated for two International Portuguese Music Awards. dianepancelmusic.com

Leif Bradshaw singing

Leif Bradshaw

Vocalist · Multi-Instrumentalist

Leif has already made quite a name for himself — he plays five instruments (piano, trumpet, viola, cello and percussion), acts, and composes. But what he’s really known for is his voice: a cross between Gregory Porter and Kurt Elling. A show not to be missed.

★ Plus a Silent Auction — bid on wonderful items and give a little extra to the cause.
World & Folk Wednesday, July 22 · 7:00 pm · Doors 6:00 pm

A World of Music

VenueSt. Philip’s Church
2928 Eastdowne Road, Victoria
AdmissionBy donation at the door
FeaturingA Silent Auction

Steluța • Iraj (with Douglas Hensley) • Jordie & Habbous

A rich potpourri of Balkan and Eastern European folk, Persian classical, and Arab pop and folk — a journey across continents in one evening.

Steluta quartet

Steluța

Balkan & Eastern European Folk Quartet

Steluța (“little star” in Romanian) is a Victoria-based quartet playing a constellation of styles — from Balkan and Eastern European folk dances to Celtic touches and distinctive originals with a splash of classical. Featuring Martina Peladeau, Kate Rhodes, Douglas Hensley and Alex Olson. Watch them live →

Iraj ensemble

Iraj

Persian Classical Music from Iran

Named for a small village in the heart of Iran’s Central Desert where the musicians first came together, Iraj carries forward the spirit of community and mentorship. The ensemble features ney, tar, setar and vocals — with special guest Douglas Hensley on oud.

Douglas Hensley

Douglas Hensley

Guitar, Oud & Lute

Trained as a classical guitarist at the San Francisco Conservatory and a student of prominent lutenists and Persian masters, Douglas performs on guitar, lute, oud, setar and more with ensembles including the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria. He teaches at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Jordie & Habbous

Arab Pop & Folk

A heartfelt set of Arab pop and folk songs — music that carries the warmth of home and ties the evening directly to the family this concert series hopes to welcome.

★ Plus a Silent Auction — bid on wonderful items and give a little extra to the cause.

Why We’re Singing

A family seeking safety

A member of one of our local congregations came to Canada in 2016 as a refugee, after fleeing the war in Syria. Canada offered safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild. Now, with the help of our community, she is trying to give her sister’s family that same opportunity.

Her sister left Syria with her three daughters carrying only a few bags, leaving a lifetime of memories behind. They escaped to Lebanon hoping it would be temporary, but life in exile has brought uncertainty, financial hardship, and constant worry. After years of waiting and repeated rejections, a private sponsorship spot finally opened in May 2026 — and a group from St. Philip’s, St. Barnabas, and Broadview United Church came together to make it happen.

“This sponsorship is more than paperwork — it is a chance for children to grow up without fear, for parents to live with dignity, and for a family torn apart by war to finally have hope again.”

The sponsorship group must raise $42,450 by July 31, 2026 for the application to keep moving forward, and at least $60,000 in all to support the family once they arrive. With your help — and a little music — we can do this.

🔒 Please note: for the family’s safety and the protection of loved ones still abroad, names and identifying details are being kept anonymous. Thank you for understanding, and for your compassion.