Ever wondered what it would be like to experience a concert in a garden as a worm? I might be the first person in my family to ever utter that sentence, but I’m in luck because Rocktographers got to experience what this might be like. Winnipeg’s Begonia brought “The Fantasy Life” tour to Capital Ballroom and even with the show happening two days before Halloween, everyone who attended were dressed up as tiny critters. The Victoria stop for this tour also featured fellow Winnipeg artist, FONTINE and between the two, there was a lot of award-winning talent gracing the stage. Speaking of the stage, bands that are looking to create an immersive experience should look towards this tour as inspiration. There were worms with eyes that would light up and change colours, stuffed animals sitting on speakers, a grass patch where the artists would stand, and so much more. It didn’t stop on the stage either, if you stepped away to go to the merch booth, you would find a TV that looked like it was unearthed from a garden, which to my understanding is a callback to some of Begonia’s music videos. Overall, the visual experience of the night was next level. That said, how were the sounds of the evening?
It’s been a successful year for FONTINE. Not even a month before this performance, Capital Ballroom was the location for this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards, where FONTINE took home both Indigenous Artist of the Year and Rock Artist of the Year awards. FONTINE was not in Victoria to attend the awards but seeing her perform on the stage just a few weeks later was perfect timing. Her performance also made us understand how she took home the two awards, because let me tell you; there’s a star in the Prairies. The harmonizing between her and her bandmates alone had me floating like that SpongeBob listening to his iPod meme. Majority of the set came from FONTINE’s latest full-length album, Good Buddy and the set started with the title-track of said album. I should also note that while this was slotted as an opening slot, it was very much a co-headlining performance. FONTINE performed for about 45 minutes, and it was perfect the whole way through. After I posted on my Instagram Story about her performance, so many friends messaged me saying how they were sad that they missed this set. Hopefully with how successful this performance was, it won’t be the last time we see FONTINE in town.
Closing out the night, JUNO & WCMA-award winning singer Begonia made her official Victoria debut, doing what she does best; blessing the room with her beautiful voice. On top of the two new trophies in her cabinet, Begonia was also shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and the inaugural Meridian Prize. That’s a lot to celebrate this year, so the anticipation for her performance was strong. Her set opened with a public service announcement, where she explained how this was room was a safe space for all and that anyone who partakes in hateful rhetoric or actions should leave the venue. This start was really appreciated because in a world where it feels like there’s more bad than good, at least there was a space for those to feel safe. From there, we went right into the music. While most of the set featured music from her 2025 album, Fantasy Life, we did get a few gems from some previous albums including Heaven from 2023’s Powder Blue and Cold Fire from 2019’s Fear. For Begonia fans and those just getting acquainted with her music; this was the full experience. Unfortunately, I did find that her vocals were quite low for the beginning of the set. Normally, this would not be too big of an issue, but with Capital Ballroom’s common issue of no one being quiet for a performance, this made the experience a bit rough in the beginning. Nevertheless, it got figured out in the end. Speaking of the end, Begonia performed a two-song encore. The encore featured her 2016 track, Hot Dog Stand, and finished with her 2017 track, Juniper. The whole performance highlighted just how talented Begonia is and I hope this won’t be the last time the soulful singer blesses Victoria.
Usually, I like to end these reviews on a good note, especially since the talent of the night deserves it. That said, we need to talk once again about the noise in venues. I get it, you are with your friends who you may have not seen in awhile, but let’s be honest; during a live performance is not the time to start yelling to your friend at the top of your lungs about your day. Everyone in that room paid for a ticket to be there, and the roar of multiple conversations is last thing they want to hear while their favourite song is playing. To be frank folks, we need to do better. This also isn’t localized solely at Capital Ballroom, people chatting loudly during performances happens at venues all around town. I get that it’s common, but that doesn’t make it right. Maybe this is the “old man, yelling at kids on the lawn” coming out in me, but this is a hill I’ll die on. Please, respectfully: stop talking.
