01/03/2026
Check out our January cover story
TURN UP THE HEAT THIS FEBRUARY!
When winter rain sets in, Nanaimo turns tropical
The Vancouver Island Symphony invites you to escape the cold and feel the rhythm at Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival, a three-day celebration of Cuban culture and music, February 12–14, 2026, at the beautiful The Port Theatre.
Curated by VIS Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this vibrant festival brings together world-class Cuban musicians for three electrifying concerts over Family Day Weekend—the perfect antidote to February blues.
Festival Highlights
• Feb 12: Traditional Cuban music & roots
• Feb 13: A night of sizzling Latin jazz
• Feb 14: A joyous finale blending zarzuela, orchestral classics, and popular Cuban styles—son, danzón, cha cha chá & mambo
The orchestra joins the stage for the Saturday afternoon and evening performances, filling the hall with colour, rhythm, and passion inspired by Cuba.