Manitoba Showcase 2023
Save the date: October 26-29, 2023
4-Day Showcase & Conference
Meet the Showcase Artists
4 Days . 32 Artist. 150 Delegates
Featuring The Best Canadian Visual and Performing Artists.
Venue: Steinbach Arts Council
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The conference will feature speakers, performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel presentations, regional discussion groups, networking opportunities, and much more. Peer-to-peer and one-to-one career advice and information from Manitoba Arts Network staff, specialist advisors, and other showcase artists.
Click here for playlists
Artists on YouTube & Artists on Spotify.
Showcase Artist Schedule Subject to Change
SHOWCASE 1
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 7:00-9:30 PM
Kirk Dunn
Category: Theatre | Region: Ontario
The audience meets Kirk knitting in front of a huge projection screen. He invites them to grab some yarn and needles from nearby baskets and knit along.
He takes them through a few snap shots of his life as an actor, writer, knitter, and PK (Preacher’s Kid). Prompted by the events of 9/11, he knit a huge triptych of tapestries, each 9 ft tall by 5.5 ft wide, designed as stained-glass windows, exploring the commonalities and conflicts of the Abrahamic faiths. What he thought would take 10 months took him 15 years.
In a show that is all about knitting and not about knitting at all, Kirk looks at the rise of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and fear of ‘the other’ – but it’s also about his journey knitting the tapestries, his artistic path of self-doubt, financial despair, theological questioning, and the value of a loving partner who is willing to be a butt-kicking muse. As the showcase ends, Kirk pulls down the screens to reveal the tapestries, inviting the audience to see them up close.
Allison Lupton
Category: Folk | Region: Ontario
Allison Lupton hails from the heart of rural Ontario where her love for music took root in church choirs and local sessions.
From playing for community dances to soloing with orchestras, Allison has found her voice as a singer-songwriter and flutist after more than a quarter century performing in Canada and abroad. Along the way Allison has received accolades from international press as well as her peers at home winning FMO’s “Songs From The Heart” and multiple CFMA nominations including “Traditional Singer of the Year”.
Allison is now touring her album “Words of Love” joined by a stellar band. Live shows confirm the depth of talent in a glorious mix of fiddle tunes and songs united by the band’s often humorous introductions. Woven through performances are Allison’s original songs which fit so perfectly into the cannon of Canadian folk that they could easily be mistaken for traditional numbers. Allison and her band carry audiences away to another time then dance them home again.
A.R. CASH
Category: Country/Tribute | Region: Manitoba
Inspired by the movie “Walk The Line”, A.R CASH began in 2013 as a tribute to Johnny Cash from the 1950’s through the 1960’s.
Awarded International Tribute Artist of the Year Aaron Prociuk is as authentic as it gets when performing Johnny Cash with the acclaimed Ashley Robertson paying tribute to June Carter Cash. They charm audiences with solid yet playful performances sharing the history of Johnny & June’s lives and careers. They are also developing original music of their own and have performed on prestigious stages in Canada and the United States such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Capitol Theatre, The Johnny Cash Heritage Festival, The Red River Exhibition, The Park Theatre, The P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall and more.
“Our goal is to captivate the audience and bring them back to a time when Cash was a household name around the world,” states Prociuk, “we perform the hits from only that era such as Ring of Fire, Jackson, and Folsom Prison Blues which makes us unique.”
Raine Hamilton
Category: Contemporary Folk | Region: Manitoba
Resonant, acoustic chamber folk with an otherworldly edge, and a lyric presence that cuts deep. Prism-clear vocals and strings, reaching out beyond the earthly.
A classical violinist and musicologist by training, Raine and the trio offer string-quartet-like arrangements of Raine’s original songs. They call this chamber-folk, a hybrid of the classical tradition of string quartet chamber music, with the singer songwriter folk that comes so naturally to Raine.
Raine’s latest work, the full-length album Brave Land (2021-22), is a concept album about mountains, and the courage, wisdom, and otherworldly connection they represent. Here, as in Raine’s award winning album Night Sky, the songs are set to intricate and seasoned arrangements for guitar, violin, cello, and double bass. Art is for everyone, music is for everyone. Raine will perform alongside an ASL interpreter to help make the arts more accessible. We do this in consultation and collaboration with the Deaf community.
Dirty Catfish Brass Band
Category: Jazz | Region: Manitoba
Take a trip to New Orleans with Dirty Catfish Brass Band! Invoking the sounds of brass bands and funk ensembles, the collective dares to reimagine the streets of a prairie city as one that is hot, alive, and brimming with soul.
Based in Winnipeg, MB, the crew strives to surprise, challenge, tickle and pay homage to the New Orleans tradition by giving it a new audience in an unsuspecting locale. From street corners to festival stages, and community celebrations to sporting events, DCBB use the power of music to bring joy to their audience. Get ready to move! Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic DCBB has showcased at Folk Music Ontario and has tour Western Canada on numerous occasions.
RBC Emerging Artists
Orvis
Orvis was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and raised in his home community of Cross Lake, Manitoba. After high school, Orvis moved back to Selkirk and became a standout in the burgeoning music scene. A veteran of November Underground and The Bloodshots, Orvis is no stranger to masterminding well-polished Alternative Rock & Roll anthems. The recently released (Spring 2023) Love In Vain EP showcases Orvis’ songwriting abilities and diversity as a recording artist. Orvis is currently making the rounds on the tribute and country circuit with his band Orvis & His Higher Guns. Orvis is currently recording his debut album. Influences range from Classic Rock mainstays The Beatles and David Bowie to modern R&B and Soul of Justin Timberlake and Frank Ocean, but the songs still retain that signature Orvis sound.
SHOWCASE 2
SATURDAY, 28 OCTOBER | 2:00-4:30 PM
Micah!
Category: Children’s Entertainment| Region: Manitoba
Micah! is an 18 year old singer-songwriter, dancer, puppeteer and actor who has toured extensively for nearly a decade with his mom and business partner Madame Diva (alias Jocelyne Baribeau). He has been nominated for Children’s Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the Western Canadian Music Awards and is releasing his first SOLO children’s album on June 4th, 2023.
The show can be offered entirely in French, in English or in a combination of the two languages! The storyline includes a young man waking up and wanting to get out and go play in the neighbourhood, only to find out he has many responsibilities to accomplish prior to heading out to play with his friends. Micah! jigs and dances within the show, encourages children to think about the planet, to be responsible and wows them with growing prop plants! He has been influenced by such great Manitoba artists such as Jacques Chénier, Fred Penner and his good friend Al Simmons.
Radius
Category: A Cappella | Region: Illinois
Radius is a vocal group that performs completely a cappella with no backing tracks or instruments!
In our showcase, we break down some of the most popular songs in American pop music today while showcasing things like vocal harmony, beatboxing, riffing and a varying amount of musical and vocal topics! Our repertoire covers popular American artists like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and also includes some throwback artists from greats like Elton John and Stevie Wonder. Radius brings this all in an energy packed performance that people of all ages will enjoy!
Orontes Guitarists
Category: Classical | Region: Syria/BC
The Orontes Guitarists was started in Beirut by a group of Syrian guitarists, under the guidance and support of the world-renowned U.S. classical guitarist and composer Susan McDonald, who teaches in conflict zones.
Shortly after the Syrian conflict began in 2011, they faced violence in Damascus where they and their families were at risk from extremist groups and often targeted as musicians. They arranged multiple concerts, some of which had to be cancelled at the last minute due to violent incursions. While still in Damascus, the group played a concert with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in October 2016. Shortly before the show started, a mortar shell exploded in the entryway to the opera house. People were injured. Many ran home. But some stayed, and the conductor decided the show would go on.
Later, the group was encouraged to apply for the Artist Protection Fund, which helps threatened artists continue their work in safe countries. After a meticulous application process, the musicians were approved by the APF. The fund arranged for them to be hosted by the University of Victoria in Canada. When they arrived to Canada, the Orontes took their universal message of peace through music to cities across Canada. They performed in Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Mississauga, Lethbridge, Sudbury, Red Deer, Calgary, Winnipeg, Kelowna, Gibsons, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria. The Orontes were also invited to perform at the Alberta Winter Games opening ceremony accompanied by the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. They presented fundraising concerts and raised money to bring a Syrian refugee family to Canada. Recently, they participated in a fundraising event to help Syrians and Turkish musicians who were affected by the earthquake.
RBC Emerging Artists
DJ Digger Jones
DJ Digger Jones is a Canadian rap/rock artist known for his seamless fusion of hip-hop lyricism with guitar-driven rock melodies. Drawing influence from artists like 2Pac and The Dave Matthews Band, his performances are characterized by their high-energy delivery, blending music and comedy to create a captivating experience.
YBK Shakur
YBK Shakur, also known as Olu Afolabi, sees his music as an ode to the journey of
life, one particularly tough for a black man trying to find his way in the world. YBK stands for
Young Black King, representing the Mentality, Character, and Pursuit of Freedom of Self and
others by extension. He started his journey he started in 2021 with the release of his first single, “When I’m Gone”.
YBK is actively involved in the music scene and in his local community. He is a part of Manitoba’s music initiative “BPM — Black People in Music” and also volunteers for the Youth Hub advisory committee. He has also launched his own entertainment and artist management company called YBK Studios, hosting his own shows and accumulating notable performances, publicity and partnerships.
Emma Peterson
Consistently recognized as one of Manitoba’s most promising young country stars, Emma Peterson is known not only for her captivating performances, but for a powerful voice and all too relatable lyricism. It’s that gift for telling familiar, relatable stories that continues to set the singer/songwriter apart, as well as setting the scene for her new single release “Got It Back”.
Growing up in Winnipegosis, MB (which at last count boasts a population of about 617), Emma knows first-hand what it’s like to grow up country proud. She has performed at numerous venues across the province and beyond, including Dauphin’s Countryfest and Niverville Fair, sharing a stage with some of the country’s biggest stars, The Reklaws, Charlie Major, and Andrew Hyatt.
Emma was nominated for 5 awards at the Manitoba Country Music Association Awards 2022, where she took home the award for Interactive Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
SHOWCASE 3
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 7:00-9:30 PM
Ian Sherwood
Category: Folk | Region: Nova Scotia
Guitar, saxophone, huge songwriting and a voice that won him a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer, Ian Sherwood Brings The Light to every stage he stands on. A born story teller and a constant creator, his music dances the line between folk and pop. His live performances thrive on intimacy. Whether it’s a theatre show or large festival stage, his persona is irresistible and completely destroys fourth
walls.
When not touring the UK, US or all across Canada Sherwood produces for other artists as well as for theatre, film and television. He recently won a Robert Merritt for Outstanding Original Score for the play “Tompkinsville”. He was named Best Male Artist of the Year by the International Acoustic Music Awards and was twice named the
Music Nova Scotia Musician Of The Year. Bob Mersereau of CBC Radio, Fredericton described him as “… a natural performer who entertains as much with his wit and stories as with his songs.”
Proximus 5
Category: A Cappella | Region: Manitoba
“A Journey Through Time – A Cappella Odyssey” is an immersive exploration of a cappella music, promising diverse styles and cultural connections.
Audiences can expect 50% well-known and folk tunes, 25% Baroque and Renaissance compositions, and 25% contemporary works. The journey begins with enchanting Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, followed by timeless folk and traditional music that evokes unity. The finale showcases contemporary a cappella compositions, demonstrating the genre’s versatility and relevance. Engaging emcees provide historical context and a welcoming atmosphere, catering to diverse tastes and captivating all.
Proximus 5 fosters community, mingling with audiences before and after the show. The performance celebrates the human voice’s power to unite and inspire, creating an atmosphere of warmth, connection, and joy in Manitoba.
Adrian Sutherland
Category: Roots/Rock | Region: Ontario
Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rock artist with heart from Attawapiskat First Nation. He’s a singer, songwriter, musician, speaker and advocate. He’s also a father of four, grandfather to five, a traditional knowledge keeper, and respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree.
After building his own studio in a sea-can out of necessity during the pandemic, Adrian recorded his debut solo album. When The Magic Hits earned nominations at the 2022 JUNO Awards and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and won Best Music Video from the 47th American Indian Film Festival. Adrian cares deeply about many causes, with first-hand perspective on contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, and mental health and healthcare in the North. He personally lives many issues that Canadians see in the news.
Adrian has a gift for connecting with people through his music and messages, in a heartfelt, honest and authentic way. He is a true inspiration, positive advocate, and genuine talent.
Buck Twenty
Category: Country| Region: Ontario
Singer/songwriter duo Mike Ure and Aidan Johnson-Bujold emerged from the small towns of Harrow and LaSalle, Ontario, in a very big way. In just a few short years, the band has earned incredible accolades and awards including; Placing 2nd in the 2020 International Songwriter Competition, 2018 CCMA Spotlight Finalists, 2017 CMAO Rising Star Award Nominees, and Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Finalists.
In 2020, their single ‘All I Can Do,’ reached #36 on Canadian Country Radio Billboard Charts; making them the highest-charting unsigned artists in years. Fans recognize Buck Twenty for their trademark sound, which is bursting with harmonies, catchy hooks, as well as the surplus of positive energy they have on stage. Their last single “Something Else Tonight” hit over two million streams across all streaming platforms. Thier new single “Drink To That” is making waves in 2022, as they look forward to growing their fanbase, launching new songs to radio, and engaging live with all audiences.
RBC Emerging Artists
Sadie Cyr
Sadie is an 18-year-old Metis artist who loves to create fantasy worlds within her art. She writes with a burning passion for freedom, love and pain, and most importantly, her personal views of the society we are experiencing and how dark and twisted the reality can be, bringing a modern take on dark romanticism. It is her passion to sing and freely express herself in whichever way her heart calls for her, and to find people who share that likeness on the road.
OG KOY
Yeri Concepcion, better known by his artist name OG KOY, is a 22 year old Dominican artist who migrated to Winnipeg, Canada at the young age of 15 years old.
OG KOY has always had a passion for music and writing since he was very young. Working on perfecting his flow and craft has resulted in the creation of his own unique sound and style, which is a beautiful melodic combination of Spanish and English over a RnB/Trap type beat.
WHAT’S NEW FOR MANITOBA SHOWCASE 2023?
Manitoba Showcase is an annual visual & performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists, from a wide range of genres, for Manitoban presenters and galleries, connecting them with future opportunities and collaboration.
The preeminent event of its kind in Manitoba, Showcase engages over 150 artists, presenters, agents, managers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop and rekindle relationships. The conference will feature speakers, performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel presentations, regional discussion groups, networking opportunities, Peer-to-peer and one-to-one career advice from specialist advisors, and other showcase artists.
If you have any questions/issues, do not hesitate to reach us at admin@mbartsnet.ca or call Toll Free: 1.866.919.2787. We look forward to seeing you!
- 12 performing artists showcase
- 6 RBC emerging performing artist showcases
- 5 visual art exhibitions
- 5 pitches
- 8 workshops
- 12 networking events
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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Mennonite Heritage Museum is the primary location for the Manitoba Showcase workshops. The workshops take place on the main floor in the Auditorium, or in the Pavilion, which is located in a separate building beside the Auditorium and will also host the 3 meals. The Steinbach Regional Secondary School is the Showcase venue. The Steinbach Arts Council building will host the exhibitions and late-night networking. Both are wheelchair accessible through the buildings’ main entrances.