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. 

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