Top Five "Must Attend" Events this June in Peg City

Welcome to a regular feature on Painting over Silence that previews the month ahead on the Winnipeg concert front: each month we'll be spotlighting five local shows/festivals deemed as "must-attend." This month's "must-attenders" were selected by myself and contributor Stefani-Raine Allan, and, without further adieu, here are the five we selected, in chronological order:

The Besnard Lakes return to Peg City this month!

The Cave Singers

The Pyramid

Wednesday, June 12

9 PM

Seattle’s The Cave Singers cruise through Winnipeg for the first time this month as part of an extended North American tour. The indie rock quartet just released their fourth studio album, Naomi, via loveable label Jagjaguwar. I first came across the band a few years back – lead singer Pete Quirk’s vocals made their way through the scattered small talk of a humdrum house party and I was immediately drawn in to his drawl and sultry melodies. I’ve read they put on a lively show – high energy and no problem getting the crowd dancing, so I’m predicting a fun night. If you want a little preview, check out their full performance on KEXP. See you there. -SRA

Tickets: $15
Available at: Music Trader, WFF Music Store and Ticketfly (plus fees)

The Besnard Lakes

Park Theatre

Tuesday, June 18

8 PM

The Besnard Lakes return to our fair city this month, supporting their latest album Until In Excess, Imperceptible UFO (an interesting title, derived from a Google translated concert review). This is their first full length record since 2010, and it delivers all the climactic, dreamy soundscapes we love. It’s bound to be a mesmerizing show. Supporting acts include July Talk, the Johnny & June of the indie scene, ambient pop outfit Grounders, and my current beard crush Northcote AKA Matt Goud (that read like a mini line-up for Sled Island, didn’t it?). I think July Talk is poised to really take off, and so does CKUW’s Stu Reid, host of Twang Trust. “As someone who saw the Tragically Hip play to 50 people at the Portage Village Inn, heed my words – you won’t get a chance to see this band in a venue like this ever again”, says Reid. Looks like we got lucky and lightning struck twice – do not miss this show. - SRA

Tickets: $20 Advance | $25 Door
Available at: the WECC, Ticketmaster, Music Trader, the WFF Music Store

Jazz Fest

Various Times and Locations

June 13 – June 23

Winnipeg Jazz Festival - an obvious choice for the monthly preview. What’s not to love?! The buzz, the booze, the bands ... the booze ... Anyway.  It’s a week and a half of talented, world-class musicians at all our favourite locales, plus – my favourite part – a four day extravaganza of FREE live music in Old Market Square. The Saturday line up is always good for an indie fix, and this year’s is no different – Boats, Royal Canoe, and Greg Arcade are all on the bill. Highlights of the festival this year include The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bettye Lavette, The Roots & BADBADNOTGOOD. And don’t miss a show in any of the recently added venues, including Cinematheque and the Cube Lounge – an open-air, cabaret style lounge set up in front of the stage, smack dab in the middle of all the action. There’s nowhere else this contributor would rather be!
 -SRA

Tickets: Visit www.jazzwinnipeg.com for schedule and tickets details.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The West End Cultural Centre

Friday, June 21st

8 p.m.

Originally hailing from the hipster capital of the world (the much loved Portland, Oregon), but now calling New Zealand home, these purveyors of indie-psych-rock make their debut on Winnipeg soil this month. Touring in support of their excellent sophomore record, II (jagjaguwar), Unknown Mortal Orchestra has ascended from the ranks of buzzed about to legitimately talked about, thanks in part to stellar, well-crafted songs and memorable live performances. Bass Drum of Death get the party started. Oh, and you can win tix through us! – MS

Tickets: $15 Advance | $20 Door
Available at: WECC, Ticketmaster, Music Trader, and The WFF Music Store.

Greg MacPherson

The Windsor Hotel

Friday, June 28th

9 p.m.

Kick off the long weekend in style. That is, the musical stylings of resident fave Greg MacPherson, whose gritty, engaging live shows have set the bar for indie-rock performances in Winnipeg for, well, years. Whether it’s his engaging, political narratives, powerful vocal delivery, or stripped-down-yet-highly-aggressive electric guitar riffs, MacPherson’s shows are always packed, sweaty, and memorable. His first show in quite awhile (outside of his side project Nova) has the city buzzing: are we going to hear some new material? Also on the bill is Stranded and DJ Robert Galston. -MS

Tickets: $15
Available at: Ticket Workshop, Into the Music

-------

What say you, dear readers? Which June events are on your radar?

Read more...

Top Five "Must Attend" Events this May in Peg City

Welcome to a regular feature on Painting over Silence that previews the month ahead on the Winnipeg concert front: each month we'll be spotlighting five local shows/festivals deemed as "must-attend." This month's "must-attenders" were selected by contributor Stefani-Raine Allan, and, without further adieu, here are the five she selected, in chronological order:

Purity Ring (above)

Wednesday, May 1st

West End Cultural Centre

8 PM

I have this neurotic fear that if I miss a potentially great show, the opportunity may never present itself again in quite the same way. Last year I wasn’t able to see Purity Ring, and I’m so excited (and relieved) the band is headed back to the West End for another go in the ‘Peg. This electro-pop twosome, comprised of Megan James and Corin Roddick, is touring in support of their debut release Shrines. Kicking off the night is Blue Hawaii – more electronic deliciousness from Montréal, not an Elvis cover band – playing tunes from their ethereal album Untogether.

$17 at Music Trader, Into the Music, and online at northerntickets.com 

Masaki Batoh

Thursday, May 9th

West End Cultural Centre

8 PM

Masaki Batoh’s got his music down to a science – literally. Also known as the driving force behind Ghost, a Japanese psych rock group circa the ‘90s, Batoh creates music from human brain wave patterns through a machine he created specifically for this project. The process is a tad complex, and frankly, the mix of mechanics and musicianship has my left and right brains confused! This might go down as one of the most oddly transcendent, Suzuki-esque shows Winnipeg’s seen. If anything, you’ll have a guaranteed conversation starter for patio season. If that ever comes…

$15 @ WECC and Ticketmaster

Fleetwood Mac

Sunday, May 12th

MTS Centre

8 PM

Growing up, Fleetwood Mac albums were among the many classic rock records my parents kept on the shelf in the living room. I used to listen to Songbird repetitively, and fawn over Stevie Nicks’ billowing sleeves and long, blonde locks while I sang along. But even if you don’t have childhood memories of this Grammy-award-winning, rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inductee band, you might be surprised at how many of their songs you actually know. This world tour, the first since 2009, will pull all the hits from their 17 studio albums, and it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Don’t miss out!

$49.50 - $179.50, Ticketmaster

Mayworks Festival

Throughout May

Various locales

Mayworks is a labour festival utilising various art forms to focus our attention on working class issues. Inspired by 1919 General Strike, the festival showcases our diverse, prairie talent pool in multiple expressions ranging from poetry to amateur theatre. During the month of May, there are a few concerts that sound interesting – and educational! These include:
- Mayday Cabaret: United in Song ft. RasTamils. Mondragon,  7:30 PM. May 1st
- Festival of Mandolins ft. The Mandolin Orchestra. Ukrainian Labour Temple, 7:30 PM. May 11th
- The Songs & Music of Pete Seeger ft. Red Moon Road. WAG, 8:00 PM. May 24th
You can check out the event calendar here for more information about costs and other events.

P.S. Tune in to CKUW every Monday at 5:30PM for special Mayworks radio programming!

A Night of Original Music

Thursday, May 23rd

Folk Exchange

7:30 PM

Well, I was going to suggest going to see MGMT at the Burt, but that show sold out eons ago (I’m a little upset about it, hence the melodramatic italics). I can’t really find anything that feels comparable, so here is my suggestion: Make your own music! The Manitoba Independent Songwriters Circle presents a monthly event called – you guessed it – A Night of Original Music. This is an opportunity to perform your original works at an open mic and have others provide constructive criticism for your lyrics. Everyone’s gotta start somewhere, right? Except Andrew VanWyngarden. He was born a genius.

See website for more details; first two events are free, after that it’s a mere two bucks at the door.

-----

Now it's your turn, Dear Readers. What shows/events are you looking forward to this month?

Read more...

Top Five "Must-Attend" Events This April in Peg City

Yukon Blonde is at the Pyramid in a few days. It's highly doubtful the dogs are along for the trip. 

Welcome to a regular feature on Painting over Silence that previews the month ahead on the Winnipeg concert front: each month we'll be spotlighting five local shows/festivals deemed as "must-attend." This month's "must-attenders" were selected by contributor Stefani-Raine Allan, and, without further adieu, here are the five she selected, in chronological order:

Rah Rah

The Park Theatre

Tuesday, April 2

8 p.m.

I’m from Saskatchewan, so I actually have quite a fondness for all things SK, and Rah Rah – arguably the best thing to come out of Regina since Dick Assman – ranks up there. The stage antics of these multi-instrumental pop-folksters are as fun and entertaining as their tunes. Local acoustic outfit Yes We Mystic and Charlottetown natives Two Hours Traffic join them on this eclectic Canadian bill. It'll be a solid show. I hope you can take my word for it, now that you know I hail from Riderville ...

Tickets are $12/advance or $16/door.

Yukon Blonde w/Zeus

Pyramid Cabaret

Wednesday, April 3

8 p.m.

Unseasonably frigid April weather calls for back-to-back weekday indie shows, don't you think? Check out BC indie-rock trio Yukon Blonde at the Pyramid; they're touring in support of their new album, Tiger Talk. I've been streaming it on their website, and it’s ridiculously catchy and upbeat. Check out “My Girl” and “Stairway for LA.” Also on the bill is another staple on the Canadian music scene – Zeus – who always deliver a raucous, entertaining set. For the vinyl lovers, they'll be selling a deluxe edition of their latest record, Busting Visions, which includes an appropriately titled 7-song EP, Cover Me (featuring covers by Stone Temple Pilots and Sam Roberts Band, of all things.)

Tickets are $18.50 in advance.

The Bad Nerves EP Release

Royal Albert Arms Hotel

Friday, April 5th

9:30 p.m.

Over the last few weeks, I've overheard this question a lot: "So, have you been to the Albert yet?" If you didn't realize it's back open, then there's no time to waste. The Bad Nerves are celebrating their EP release along with Surprise Party, The Thrashers and Hostile Life. If you're not a hardcore fan, that's okay. After all, drinking pints of PBR with friends in a back corner is a perfectly legitimate way to spend an evening.

Tickets are a scant $8 at the door. 

Todd Snider

West End Cultural Centre

Wednesday, April 17

8 p.m.

Since Folk Fest last summer, I've been hoping Todd Snider would make another visit to our fair city. I got my wish. The ever-prolific Snider's been pumping out great folk-Americana albums since the mid 90s, and after an expansive near-20 year career, his low-key, storyteller style still captures the hearts of his adoring audiences. He's on his way to becoming an American legend, and I'm already looking forward to telling my kids I saw Todd Snider at the West End way back in the day...
Romi Mayes opens.

Tickets are $25 in advance. 

AIDA

Centennial Concert Hall

April 13, 16, 19

8 p.m.

And now for something completely different ... When was the last time you went to the Opera? I'll admit it's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you've never been, it's a great way to try new things AND support Manitoba arts!  AIDA, which debuted in 1871, is a love story set in ancient Egypt and is one of the most popular operas of all time. So make a night of it - get dressed up, go for dinner, buy a pair of those mini binoculars, and please - leave your cell at home!  Culture On Every Corner is offering a 20% off deal on tickets - see details at cultureoneverycorner.ca.

Range of prices and seating guide available at manitobaopera.mb.ca.

-----

Now it's your turn, Dear Readers. What shows/events are you looking forward to this month?

Read more...

Top Five "Must-Attend" Events This March in Peg City

Born Ruffians return to Peg City this month. 

Welcome to a regular feature on Painting over Silence that previews the month ahead on the Winnipeg concert front: each month we'll be spotlighting five local shows/festivals deemed as "must-attend." This month's "must-attenders" were selected by contributor Stefani-Raine Allan, and, without further adieu, here are the five she selected, in chronological order:

Cyrk Fest

The Cyrk

254 Young Street

Each Friday in March - Doors at 8 p.m.

The Cyrk is one of those venues that has managed to maintain its intimate feel and underground vibe despite hosting numerous, well-known musicians and poets from across Canada since 2006. The living room is a stage; it’s BYOB; and Drek makes a fruit salsa that could be the main attraction in and of itself. Earlier this year, the Cyrk announced a festival spanning several months - and this March there will be three dates. Instrumental rockers Mahogany Frog take the stage on the 1^st with Savant Flaneur;  Rob Waddell opens up for the JD Edwards Band on the 15^th; and Claire Morrison joins the Crooked Brothers on the 29^th. Or you could just go for the salsa. 

Tickets are a $10-$20 donation at the door. Visit the facebook event CYRK FEST for more details. Email info@theCYRK.ca to be added to the mailing list. 

Leonard Cohen

MTS Centre

Monday, March 11

8 p.m.

What can you say about Leonard Cohen? Man. Poet. Lover. Singer. Father .Musician. Writer. Artist. 

Or simply LEGEND.

Tickets at Ticketmaster. $28 - $250.

Cluster Festival

Urban Shaman Gallery

March 9 - 16

Now in its fourth year, Cluster Festival is a unified effort of musicians and artists to provide a platform for experimentation and exploration in creative media. Art installations, musical interludes, new compositions, artistic debuts, rockin’ after parties … If the arts is your scene, this is the Winnipeg festival for you. Cluster Festival will feature local acts such as Mise En Scene and This Hisses, in addition to a wide array of artists and composers. One artist of note is TSAWORKS, who’ll be making his North American debut here, proving that Winnipeg is indeed a thriving hub for creators ‘round the world.

Tickets at McNally Robinson.  $15, Adult. $40, Adult Pass. 

Cabin Fever 2

The Windsor Hotel

Saturday, March 23

10 p.m.

Get your dance on for a good cause at Cabin Fever 2! The Harvest Moon Society is raising money to build cabins in the bustling metropolis of Clearwater, MB. The cabins are being designed by students from the University of Manitoba architecture program, and will host visitors during Harvest Moon Festival and the many programs run year round. Your money will get them materials, and you’ll get performances from Mariachi Ghost, Cannon Bros, and Mama Cutsworth. Win win! Psst … Don’t forget to bring some extra cash for the silent auction. 

Tickets available at Organic Planet and Mondragon. $10/advance. $15/door. 

Born Ruffians w/The Elwins

Park Theatre

Wednesday, March 27

8 p.m

Regrettably, I missed Born Ruffians when the band played Jazz Fest in ’11, so thanks to the Park for bringin’ em back. The Toronto indie-rockers are touring in support of their upcoming album, Birthmarks (street date: April 16th).  If you can’t wait that long (like me), there’s a teaser track available called With Her Shadow. It’s got a breezy, island vibe to it - the perfect reprieve from our cold winds and snowy banks. Pair that sound with The Elwins and a cold beer and I just might forget that my ‘winter’ vacation isn’t actually until April … 

Tickets available at the Park and the Jazz Winnipeg Office. $15/advance. $20/door. 

----

Now it's your turn, Dear Readers. What events are getting you out of the house this month?

Read more...