Listen Up!!!

Here are the websites of some of the bands, musicians and people I have seen perform while I have been in Winnipeg these past two years.  I have to say, of all the places I have lived (and there have been a few places), I have never lived in a city with such a plethora of musicians, who are so approachable and friendly, who create such a variety of sounds, and who have so many opportunities to perform in such a wide variety of venues, which creates opportunities for people like me to attend concerts.  Quite intense and incredible.  Wish I had more money and time to attend all of the events but alas, I can only attend 4-6 per month.  Poor me.  :)

While not all these musicians are Winnipeg or Manitoba based, they have visited here through various performance theatres or festivals and I have had the pleasure of seeing them.  Click on the name of the band or musician to be directed to their website and enjoy!

Joys Kills Sorrow
A delicious blend of musical skill and a sonorous trickle of vocals.  Just delightful.

From Google Images

Sarah Jarosz
A melange of traditional tunes with folk interpretations.  A person I would like in the corner of my house as my personal live musician as I have a huge crush on her...and I love her music.

Mary Gauthier
In your face sassy and political with a gritty, purposeful voice.

Dry Bones
Blue grass-ish for a lazy, quiet day....or dancing about alone in one's living room...or at a festival.

Dan Mangan
A mix of folk and rock.  Hard to sit still when listening to his works.  Easy to crush on as well.

From Google Images

Natacha Atlas
Electronica keyboards, Arabic sounds, dance beats, sultry lyrics, a good time.  She was born in Belgium, how cool is that!?!

David Francey
Meaningful.  His lyrics are so meaningful and purposeful, I just can't get enough of his music.  Live in concert, he is witty and honest, willing to call attention to inequities as he sees them.

Romi Mayes
Rock and roll coiled together with jazz and blues.  I am taking credit for the title of her last CD as she announced in her concert while live recording ten new songs that she did not have a title, as of yet.  She had just finished playing "Lucky Tonight" and I yelled out, 'how about 'I'm Gettin' Lucky Tonight'?'  She responded, 'that's a good idea, I'll think about it.'  Well she did and the CD is titled, Lucky Tonight.

Ruthie Foster
Her voice is reminiscent of the 1970's old guard of rockin' female musicians but with more rock n sassy.  Her cover of Adele's tune Set Fire to the Rain is hot.

From Google Images

JP Hoe
A musician I was introduced to in Calgary when he opened up for a Jann Arden concert, and here in Winnipeg, we have been re-introduced as he is from here and maintains this city as his home.  A delicious voice with lyrics that avoid cliches and stereotypes.  'Always' is one of his best.

Matt Andersen
He sings with the voices of thirty men, but it all comes out of one man.  Deep.  Billowing.  Incredible.

iron and wine
These musicians play a mean folk tune full of thoughtful words.  Truly songs that you perk up to and remember.

Kim Churchill
It's hard not to have a crush on this young man.  Speedy songs with bursts of instrumental sounds.  Thank you Australia!

Chic Gamine
A group of women that take turns sharing their vocal skills through an eclectic mix of songs.  From rockin' it out to soft French ballads, these musicians keep you wondering what sounds the next song with produce.

blind pilot
Indie folk in the cavern of a barn attic.  Yep.  That good.

From Google Images

MonkeyJunk 
Who calls themselves monkey junk?  These men do and they swamp, boogie and stir your soul until your body follows your feet, that are already dancing.  You can thank me later for this intro.

May you try out a few of these performers and never forget that intimate shows with honest musicians is always better than lights, sparkles and coordinated pre-fab dance moves.  Go local and enjoy!

Winnipeg Jazz Festival

This is my second year volunteering at Jazz Festival in Winnipeg. Four shifts of four hours then I can go to as many shows that I want for free at 6 different venues over 8 days. Not too bad of an exchange in my opinion.

Too be honest, like modern art, jazz, blues, and R&B have taken me years to learn how to appreciate. I was trained as a musician through regimented classical music so the free flowing forms of these genres of music have been more work for me to appreciate. Since I have 2 siblings and 1 in-law who play trombone jazz and blues trios, I have learned to enjoy this music even more. I still don't know how to jam on my flute but rumour has it there are a few open music jam nights in this artsy city and I may head to one of those one of these days.

There is a definite music, art, creative vibe to Winnipeg that I have not experienced as intimately in other cities, probably because I am more involved at this location. As well, I have noticed that the audience not only sees people performing by then often gets to meet, mix and mingle with the artists post-performance in a relaxed setting like a lobby or in the audience. More often than not, I meet the artists before the performance and exchange a few words or see what they may need (I am that friendly volunteer).  :)

Sunday night I enjoyed a Winnipeg classic electronics band Moses Mayes. I saw them for the first time last year and they are adored here in Le Peg. I know now why, they improvise most of their dance worthy tunes, are each incredibly talented and together just smile, laugh and have a great time while performing. This joy in the creation of music floats out into the crowd and the audience is in rapture of their work.

This year when Moses Mayes was on stage, I was inside the art space called The Cube in which the stage is held. I was backstage watching, helping as dancing. What a show! Incredible opportunity! Not sure that would have happened in another city.

Behind the group Moses Mayes and I am backstage 'helping'

The front of The Cube located in Old Market Square

Tonight I am a at club to which I have never been, Juss Jazz, on Portage Avenue. It has just been refurbished and the Steve Kirby Quartet is on stage, member of the Faculty of Music from the University of Manitoba and special guests. So far a traditional jazz show and the club is full. Enjoying free talent. Just a perfect evening.

Juss Jazz, a new jazz club in Winnipeg

Vinyl Recreations at Winnipeg Fringe

My friend Wanda, the owner of Estudio Luna (Facebook link), whom I met through another friend Darren, the CEO of Solalta Advisors, introduced me inadvertently to Ashleigh and Scott, owners of Vinyl Recreations, as I arrived at Wanda's studio one night to go out to The Academy's UK Pop Night.  Funny enough it was a mistaken meeting as I showed up at Winnipeg Fringe on the wrong day, but at the right time and volunteered for the wrong shift that lead me to these new people as friends.  If I had arrived a day later for the correct shift, I would have missed their incredible work at Estudio Luna and would have missed meeting Ashleigh, Scott and Ryan.  This mistaken meeting made Fringe Fest ever so much more fun than it would have been without them.  Chance meetings, leading to good friends, leading to several evenings of brilliant times!

Vinyl Recreations

Ashleigh and Scott have collected 20,000 and researched methods to turn these now antiquated objects into interesting, fun, and useful products.  In their first roll-out of reused records they have created necklaces, earrings, clocks, rain sticks and bowls.  In their second roll-out Scott discussed an attempt at making lamps, earring holders, and more complex necklace patterns amongst other creations.  Holding on to the records that are still playable, they only manipulate and reshape records which no longer make music due to scratches, scrapes, etc.  I made a few purchases for gifts and bought myself a pair of earrings made from old 45 inserts.  If you are male and you wear jewellery, this will look good on you too as it has an interesting mix of retro cool factor and solid heteronormative maleness wrapped up in a simple black design.  In all, an amazing show within a fantastic festival.  Take a peak and Vinyl Recreations website and remember: be open to plans changing, fresh opportunities and new people.

Winnipeg Fringe Part Deux

Hersteria

Borrowed from LePeg Festival Website

I write this review not solely as a lover of the arts, acting, singing, dancing, performance, but as an individual with a trained eye, ear and understanding.  You see my musical mother, who descended from a musical family, had her four older children arranged around the piano singing in unison by the time I was 7, then in parts by age 11.  We were on a schedule by this time before each school day: 15 minutes piano practice, 15 minutes instrument practice (flute for me), then 15 minutes to eat breakfast.  A few years and another country later we were tap dancing amongst other musical pursuits.  Although my musical career is currently as an amateur, my two siblings who are professional musicians, provide the family with great insight into the performing arts.  Did I also mention I just spent one year living in London, UK and saw Wicked, Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys, La Cage Aux Fol, and Sister Act so many times I have lost count?  I know the craft of artistic performance and hope that my words here hold some weight.

When I arrived to volunteer last night at Prairies Theatre Exchange, I had no idea I was in for such a marvellous treat!  One of the best show I have seen at any Fringe Festival, ever!  Four women meet after the death of their therapist, each one believing they have killed him.  As they learn about each other, secrets, obsessions, mental health issues, therapy and discovery ensue.  Unique and impeccably acted play.  Four actors, who are an accurate age for each part, with voices that have experienced years of arpeggios, scales, melodies and harmonies.  All soloists, yet the sonorous well blended voices of a skilled quartet.  Funny.  Joyful.  Intriguing.  Comedic.  Playful.  Insightful.  If you have $10 to spend, you will not regret the choice to see this show.  I will make it easy for you.  Click here and scroll down, find Hersteria and go! GO!  

Did I mention there were two, count them, TWO teenage boys beside me who, on the whole as an age group, don't pay much attention to middle aged women (i.e. anyone older than 22)?  These two young men were laughing, rocking back and forth at times with the guffaws and LOVED the show.  I know as their bodies showed it.  Now go get a ticket and revel in the experience of Hersteria!

Winnipeg Fringe 2011

Show Reviews Thus Far: 

Lizard Boy
A one man act that takes the audience into a Columbian (if I remember correctly) housing complex through the eyes of a 10 year old boy. Using the attic of his house as a secret hide-out, he takes us through a series of stories that help us understand his early life experiences. Replete with stories of his kind mother; his unhealthy and abusive father; in cahoots with his group of friends; teaching his younger brother; making mistakes and in constant trouble, the audience experiences humor, fear, laughter, concern, shock, and joy. Be prepared to go back in time and relive a few of your own stories.
3.5 out of 5 hand claps 

Three Seconds to Live
A one man Saskatoon show with ladders, a plank of wood, and a sign used to countdown the time until the end of the world. With only 58 minutes until the end, this teenage boy tells us of his life story starting with his underwater birth and ending in tragedy. A story with a secret for each audience member to discover, Shawn Erker, writer and actor, takes us through this young man's life. Presenting some of the best acting I have seen thus far, Erker's expressive nature, ability to use varying voice techniques and use variations of characters, his performance is enjoyable and enlightening. A smart play for an astute and savvy audience.
3.95 out of 5 hand claps 

Full Screen Ahead
If you are looking to guffaw, laugh and giggle, head to this show. Five people take on an assorted group of characters in the dreams of a young man who falls in and out of sleep in front of late night TV. Between TV evangelism, a couples retreat, life insurance salesman, and a radio announcer I just kept on laughing, wiping my eyes dry.
5 hilarious out of 5 hand claps 

Interruptions
The most serious of all the shows I have seen as the audience is introduced to nine (or so) characters played by the same woman, who teaches us about the loss of a baby before it's birth. A subject rarely discussed but often experienced, the characters include an expecting mother in her 30's, a grandmother, a doctor, an accidental pregnancy with a forth child, and a teen pregnancy. Heartfelt, moving script, I wish the actress would have been able to change her characters more drastically during the performance. Still a strong performance.
3.5 out of 5 hand claps

Slut (R)evolution
Wow!  Holy crap wow!  Delightful holy crap wow!  Intensely sexual in the most epic and current of ways.  A conversation with a women who begins her sexual journey with online dating; then bounces back to the past to describe her religious upbringing; proceeds to enlighten the audience as per her sexual education; takes the conversation to voyerism; then takes us to a BDSM camp.  One laugh after another, one gasp of shock after another, one hand clap after another in agreement.  Go and see it if you are bold and brash enough to listen to a stranger, while sitting in an audience, talk about sex, sex and more sex.
6 enthusiastic out of 5 hand claps

What to Wear to a Festival?

Winnipeg is the city of summer festivals.  It is not the only city that can brag as such, but it has the most summer festivals in Western Canada with Edmonton coming in a close second (I may have just made that up).  My goal is to volunteer for every festival possible in Winnipeg this summer.  The logic is that festivals cost money, volunteering saves me that money, I meet new people, enjoy live music, arts and comedy, and have a wonderful time soaking in the atmosphere.  So far I have volunteered at the Winnipeg Jazz Fest, Folklorama, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, with the Winnipeg Folk Fest and Winnipeg Fringe Festival in the wings awaiting my participation.  Most importantly as I attend these events I learn how homegrown so many of the artists, comedians, musicians and professionals involved in the creation of events truly are.  Perhaps the skill of music is in the earth, air and water as The Peg has an amazing and broad music scene that lasts all year long.

In order to continue trying to fit into the scene and in preparation of my first sleep-over/camping folk music festival this year, I was able to find these videos to assist all attending a summer camping festival in order to be prepared.  What to wear?  What to bring?  What to leave at home?  Watch and learn my friends, watch and learn:

For Everyone (well, perhaps more for dudes):

What to Wear to a Festival

For the Ladies:





If you are going to the Wychwood Festival or want any information about any other UK festival, try this.  Oh the UK, how I miss thee!

If you want to learn more via the medium of video, check out Videojug: Get A Good Life (available as an App as well).

Enjoy your festivals!

Festival Fun Part Deux

This is my 101 post.  Yahoo!

In honour of having written one hundred things I bring you more names of delightfully fun, interesting, hilarious festivals.  Attend one of these incredible events around North America and write a comment to let me know how the event transpired.

Fairy and Wizards Festival

Jazz, Tea & Cheesecake

Saskatchewan Fesitval of Words

Fall Fair & Scarecrow Festival

Butch Cassidy Festival

Buttercup Festival

Carroll County Tobacoo Festival

Bessie Smith Strut

Now off you with you!

Festival Fun

Over the years, I have learned that when I begin doing repetitive work I may avoid it, ignore that it exists, or try to make a dull activity fun and interesting.  Well, I can't avoid the repetitive work I am currently doing as I am getting paid.  So far it has taught me that there are over 3,000 festivals in Canada and the US, 1,000 of which have been compiled on a long list.  From this list I am sharing with you my favourite names of festivals.  There are no set categories or standards of measurement to which I am comparing the festival names, but so far the ones I have chosen include the most outrageous name, the ones that make me giggle, and the ones I want to attend.  Here is the list of the first 7 with more to come:

Annual Testicle Festival

Annual Sock Monkey Madness Festival

Polk Country Ramp Tramp Festival

'The Hills are Alive' Music and Dance Cultural Festival

Annual Duck-a-thon

Chocolate Tasting Festival

Carolina Chocolate Festival

WOMAD Festival

Are you with me on the chocolate festivals people?  Attendance is imminent!