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

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