Anchors Away Festival gets into the ‘Groovement’

Captain Brad Justason belts out a few notes on his saxophone outside of his home in Belmont Park. Capt Justason is a member of The New Groovement, who will take the stage at Starlight Stadium in Langford on Aug. 27 for the Anchors Away Arts and Music Festival. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer

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His towering six-foot-six-inch tall frame and shiny saxophone make Captain (Capt) Brad Justason  easily recognizable on stage.

He is the only military member in The New Groovement, a band set to take office by ‘funk’ at Langford’s Starlight Stadium during the first-ever Anchors Away Arts and Music Festival on Aug. 27, hosted by CFB Esquimalt.

Capt Brad Justason is a full-time Reservist of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) (RCSU(P)) who teaches music and first aid to area cadets. He is also the baritone saxophonist and singer of the nine-member band that plays a mix of soul, blues and hip-hop.

Their objective is to get people out of their seats.

“The New Groovement’s goal is to bring that high energy that comes with nine instruments and get people dancing,” he said. “I truly enjoy that our music crosses several genres and styles, and we consistently focus on putting on a high-energy show.”

Founded in 2012, The New Groovement has been regular in the local pub and concert scene. Capt Justason says the band has an ‘interesting mix’ of people from all walks of life with different musical tastes. Members include municipal employees, a videographer, a logistics and manufacturing consultant, music teachers, an Indigenous carver and a bartender.

Capt Justason grew up in a non-musical household but took up the saxophone at the age of 12 after the encouragement of his father, a Hull Technician and Instructor at Naval Fleet School (Pacific).

“I was going to give up after my first experience but eventually warmed up to it,” he said. “I gave music another chance after my Dad sold his motorcycle to purchase me my own Baritone Saxophone and I am still playing the same sax 19 years later.”

The New Groovement returned to the road at the Edge of the World Music Festival in Haida Gwaii last summer and more recently led a successful tour with concerts in the Okanagan and Banff over Spring Break. He already looks ahead to the Anchors Away Festival.

“I grew up on the West Shore so it’s exciting to be taking in part in a new musical event here,” he said. “We need these events because traditionally large music festivals are held in downtown Victoria, so I am stoked to tear up the stage in my own town.”

The Anchors Away Arts and Music Festival is an all-inclusive, all-ages event. It will include musical performances by indie rock band Yukon Blonde, The New Groovement, Mister Mojo and his Magic Band, The Fabulous B-Sides Band, a modern dance performance by Passion and Performance, a drag performance with Kendall Gender, Vivian Vanderpuss and friends, and more! The family-friendly event will also feature a bouncy castle and interactive games for children, arts and crafts, food trucks and a licensed beer garden.

For more information and to order tickets, see the Splash Screen for details or scan here: