Showcasing Artists in 2019
A total of 23 artists will be showcasing this year. All of these artists will be available to booking as part of the Manitoba Arts Network 2020/21 Performing Arts Touring Season.
From folk, roots and country to classical, dance and theatre there’s a little something for every community.
SHOWCASE #1
Johnson Hall (Waterfront Centre)
Friday, October 25: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
MOTUS O
Lana Winterhalt
Gator Beaulieu
Leaf Rapids
Bouey-Doucet Duo
Mike Delamont
Mister K
SHOWCASE #2
Johnson Hall (Waterfront Centre)
Saturday, October 26: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM (matinée)
Jane Cory and Kyle Burghout
Kenneth Henderson (Low Budget Rock Star)
Kristen McKay
Doll Sisters
The Young Novelists
Old Man Luedecke
Madame Diva
Karac Hendriks
SHOWCASE #3
Johnson Hall (Waterfront Centre)
Saturday, October 26: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Slow Spirit
Mitchell Mozdzen
Phoenix Traverse
Amy Bishop
West of Mabou
Bad Neighbour
Jenn Beaupré
Amy Bishop
Amy Bishop’s voice is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel. She can charm listeners with her sweet tones, yet stun audiences with her ability to hit any high note. Hailing from Calgary, Amy began her music career around campfires, at block parties, and in church choir. Her passion for music has led her to collaborations with Moby and opening for April Wine, Farmer’s Daughter, and Chris Cummings. Amy “wowed” Canada with her appearance on CTV “The Launch” in 2018. This opened up industry doors as she was quickly signed by both a booking agency and management company.
Bad Neighbour
Sierra Noble has been a well-known part of the Canadian music scene since a very young age, beginning her touring career when she was only 14 years old. As a singer-songwriter, she has opened for international legends Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney.
Jacob Brodovsky is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg who transforms stories of mundane people and places into emotional, driving tunes with straightforward yet smart lyricism.
When you combine the talent and careers of these two artists, the result is heartfelt harmonies and longing lyrics reminiscent of collaborations like Carole King and James Taylor.
Bouey-Doucet Duo
Emerging violinist Christina Bouey has been hailed by the New York Times and a myriad of media for artistry that is described by Opera News as “exquisite, quivering beauty.” The winner of numerous prizes and competitions, she plays an 1820 Pressenda on generous loan from the Canada Council Instrument Bank. Lauded for “the emotion of his playing and his impeccable control” by Audiophilia, Acadian pianist Pierre-André Doucet was named to CBC Radio’s Top 30 under 30 in 2014. He has performed extensively in Canada, United States, and Europe.
The Doll Sisters
The Doll Sisters are a fierce duo with a fistful of heart. Drawing from their rich Irish and Scottish heritage, as well as from roots and rock, they have created an unorthodox and captivating sound that is uniquely their own. Skillful multi-instrumentalists, they fuse unbridled vocals and stellar song writing to electrify audiences across North America. And yes, they are actually sisters – and their last name really is Doll.
Gator Beaulieu
Gator Beaulieu is a singer/songwriter/entertainer from Ebb and Flow and Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba. Gator is passionate about country music, blues, jazz and rock and roll. In his earlier years, Gator was inspired by Johnny Cash, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Merle Haggard to name a few, and like a boy and his dog, Gator and his guitar were inseparable.
Gator has competed in talent shows across Manitoba and started playing bars, pubs, restaurants, parties and socials at the age of 18. Now in his late 20’s, Gator is a husband and a father of three and enjoys the balance of family life and music life. Gator is performing as part of the Indigenous Artist Development Program.
Jane Cory and Kyle Burghout
Canadian fiddle champions Jane Cory and Kyle Burghout have been performing for over a decade, and have played to audiences across Canada, the USA, and Europe. Both growing up in areas with rich fiddling traditions—Cory in Manitoba and Burghout in the Ottawa Valley—their shows feature a blend of the traditional tunes they grew up playing and contemporary tunes written by fiddlers from across Canada and beyond, including many compositions of their own. Cory and Burghout also draw on their background in classical music to create lush harmonies and exciting arrangements, ranging from lyrical waltzes and airs to toe-tapping jigs and reels. Cory and Kyle are performing as part of the RBC Emerging Artist Mentorship Program.
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Jenn Beaupré
Jenn Beaupré sways the masses with her inimitable voice. She pairs technical agility with a natural ability to discern and reinterpret the underlying truth of a song. She has seen success in every sphere of performance she’s embraced, from intimate concert halls with nothing but her piano, to widely celebrated platforms such as Canadian Idol, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and The Moscow Ballet.
Arcana Kings
Arcana Kings exemplify the honest, hard working, and proud (yet humble) spirit of Canada. Their brand of melodic ear candy is a feast for the senses. With bagpipes, a kilt, crunching guitars, a hip-shaking rhythm section, and boundless energy, they work their butts off to consistently thrill fans. Their one-of-a-kind live show bursts with energy and positive vibes.
Karac Hendriks
Seven-time Alberta Country Music Awards nominee Karac Hendriks hails from eastern Alberta and is now based in Edmonton. For many years, Karac was a supporting guitarist and harmony vocalist for some of Canada’s biggest country acts. With a dream to take center stage himself, Karac began his solo career in 2016, delivering his authentic, honest original songs with dynamic, soulful vocals on stage and in studio. Karac’s latest single “Some People’s Kids” provides commentary around this oft-spoken saying that is connecting with parents and children of all ages.
Low Budget Rock Star (Kenneth Henderson)
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the bands before them comes a new group with a bold purpose: TO SAVE ROCK & ROLL! Taking on this task is the fresh sounds of Low Budget Rock Star, led by singer and guitarist Kennie Henderson. A take no prisoners attitude, driving work ethic, arsenal of experience and addictive chorus laden tunes have the kings of Saturday night poised to take over the music world. The only thing missing is you. Are you ready to save Rock and Roll? Are you ready for a wild ride? Are you up for it? Kenneth is performing as part of the Indigenous Artist Development Program.
Kristen McKay
Kristen McKay has and edgy and raspy vocal ability that captivates audiences. Kristen has been playing guitar and singing since she was a teen. Kristen’s a self-taught musician whose original songs come from her heart and soul. Kristen’s music has been compared to Sheryl Crow and Joan Jett. Kristen is the lead singer of a popular Country Rock Alternative Folk band, Prison Richard Band. Prison Richard Band has played at fundraisers in Winnipeg for Cancer Care, Brain Cancer and for the newly opened Tina Fontaine Drop In Centre. Kisten is performing as part of the Indigenous Artist Development Program.
Leaf Rapids
Leaf Rapids is Keri Latimer’s (previously of JUNO-award-winning Nathan) opportunity to croon about vultures circling their prey, barbershop stabbings, and love letters from smallpox quarantines in her disconcertingly sweet voice. Their sound has been described as ‘Cinematic Folk’ and includes the eerie sound of the theremin. “Keri Latimer … has always been a uniquely disarming songwriter. Her sweet, warm voice and her penchant for old-time folk and country-tinged roots pop belie her sharp, observational writing which, when combined with her empathetic nature, conjures all sorts of interesting characters.” John Kendle, Winnipeg Free Press
Lana Winterhalt
Lana Winterhalt is an indie-pop artist from Winnipeg, MB. Her sound is influenced by junky breakups, insomnia, and true love, all wrapped up into simple guitar and haunting harmonies in an attempt to make you feel sparkly and weightless. Lana has released 4 projects in the past 4 years, having most recently released a full-length studio album “If & When” to streaming platforms everywhere. Mixing electronic and organic sounds, “If & When” is rich in new melodies, dreamy lyrics, and powerful vocals. Lana is performing as part of the RBC Emerging Artist Mentorship Program.
Madame Diva
The flamboyant, eccentric Madame Diva’s goal, en anglais and in French, is to take her young audience on a journey to explore an absolutely inclusive world. Madame Diva has had the pleasure of performing coast to coast and some of her favourite moments have been at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Kidsfest and the famed JUST FOR LAUGHS festival in Montreal. Recipient of a Parents’ Choice recommendation and nominations at the WCMA’S and CFMA’S, she facilitates song writing and puppet workshops in schools and communities and is celebrating 10 years as a children’s music creator this year.
Mike Delamont
God, in an all new power suit, comes down to skewer everything from pop culture to religion in an all new and hilarious hour of comedy that you will never forget! A winner of more than 18 ‘Best of the Fest’ awards, “God is a Scottish Drag Queen” has broken ticket sale records at festivals across the continent with audiences waiting 10 hours in line to get tickets.
Mister K
Cosmic Canadian Balladeer Mister K (Kevin Roy) lives in a little yellow house at the end of the Milky Way. That house, once a historic rural Manitoba school is a serendipitous dwelling for Mister K, a teacher-turned-troubadour. Sonically, he draws parallels to the vulnerability of Neil Young, with the pop-sparkle of The Beatles.
Mitchell Mozdzen
Mitchell Mozdzen is a Blues/Rock musician from Brandon, Manitoba. After picking up the guitar at the age of 7 He’s had a hard time putting it down. Mitchell has 4 EPs under his belt and is always working on making more music. Recently Mitchell has started writing about indigenous affairs. On June 21st, 2019 Mitchell released a double EP with one side being songs about indigenous culture and the other being Blues covers recorded straight off the floor. Mitchell is performing as part of the Indigenous Artist Development Program.
MOTUS O
“Prisoner of Tehran” is a spoken memoir within a landscape of movement, telling the true story of Marina Nemat’s life as a political prisoner in Evin prison as a teenager. This show unveils the themes of social justice, oppression, freedom and hope completely based on Marina’s bestselling book of the same name.
“…the narration, the movement, and the spaces between the two create a powerfully emotional experience for the audience. The piece is simply spectacular.” -Kate Kostandoff, Bur Oak Secondary School, Markham ON
Old Man Luedecke
Old Man Luedecke is the recording and performing name of 2 time JUNO award-winning songwriter Chris Luedecke. Known for his high energy banjo-driven sing-alongs, touching family ballads and dry humorous stories, Luedecke has been successfully exporting his brand of high and lowbrow roots for more than a decade. His latest album, Easy Money, was released in June 2019.
Phoenix Traverse
Phoenix Traverse is an acoustic musician who lives in Winnipeg (originally from Lake St. Martin), and started playing guitar at the age of 13. Through the years he taught himself how to play guitar in a variation of an open c tuning. The biggest inspirations for him are his father (Donnie Traverse) who was in a band for 20 years, and Ben Howard who is a big part of his playing style. He also plays bass/guitar in an alternative pop-punk band (Avenue 46) that has been together for almost a year, and recorded a short EP, released on September 4th on all streaming platforms. Phoenix is performing as part of the Indigenous Artist Development Program.
Slow Spirit
Winnipeg-based Slow Spirit fashions sensitive, folk-tinged indie rock, around the soul-searching songwriting of singer-bassist Natalie Bohrn. They often experiment with expansive arrangements that borrow sound baths and noise freak-outs from post-rock, meditative pulsing energy and high-rising melodic arcs from jazz. Bohrn’s songs confer themes of misunderstanding, betrayal, and mythologizing in past relationships, intimate portraiture, and healing existential introspection. Slow Spirit elevates the room and finds a new meeting ground for sonic wanderers. On stage with Eric Roberts on guitar, backup vocals, and Justin Alcock on drums, they resemble a power trio, vulnerable, bound by limitations and exploring the extent of their connectedness. Slow Spirit are performing as part of the RBC Emerging Artist Mentorship Program.
West of Mabou
Named after a small town in Nova Scotia, West of Mabou performs lively dance music steeped in the rich traditions of Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle and pipe tunes. They deliver a unique brand of high-energy, traditional music with a contemporary flare, combining the talents of Scott Benson (fiddle), Roberta Wallace (fiddle), Alex Rasmussen (pipes/whistles), Justin Easton (guitar), and Jared Dormer (drums).
The Young Novelists
The Young Novelists create contemporary folk songs that marry their effortless harmonies with darkly poetic lyrics and exquisitely crafted hooks. Their third album “In City & Country” features songs about 10 small towns in Ontario and has been described as “a lush-sounding feast” (Penguin Eggs). Their previous album landed them a Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist and multiple song writing awards. Touring across Canada and the United States, this married duo’s signature show features confessional storytelling, singalongs, and the unique sound of bowed glockenspiel.