Sometimes you gotta give the people what they want, and after last year’s turnout for Music on Manitoba, that’s exactly what the city is doing on August 12.
A large crowd showed up for last year’s inaugural street festival on Manitoba Avenue and this year’s lineup of entertainment and activities is sure to please as well.
Ellie Longbottom, the city’s Culture Coordinator, says the 2022 event was a hit.
“The Music on Manitoba event was popular, we had a crowd of about 2,000 people turn out for it,” Longbottom said.
“It was a great atmosphere and people really enjoyed it. Manitoba is shut down from Main to Eveline and not only is there great music to listen to and watch, there’s so much culture and history in that one block it’s amazing. And this year’s event really taps into all of that.”
Coming together in our revitalized downtown
Downtown renewal isn’t just a City of Selkirk Community Strategic Plan priority, it’s now a reality. The city’s new and improved versions of Manitoba Avenue East and Eveline Street in the downtown have created a place where folks are comfortable walking and riding bikes, taking in the shops and pocket parks and the downtown itself.
Music on Manitoba celebrates that.
Coun. Kelly Cook says opportunities for families, friends and neighbours to gather and immerse themselves in art and culture are important.
“Events like Music on Manitoba are fun and people come out with their kids and grandparents and have a good time,” Cook said.
“They’re taking in the day and the atmosphere and experiencing aspects of our culture that have built this city and shaped us all. So it’s more than a fun outing, it’s a chance to learn and I applaud that.”
Performers on stage at 7
Music on Manitoba performers start at 7pm and include DJ Douzie, Andrina Turenne, and Indian City.
DJ Douzie places the fiddle at the heart of modern music and adds a touch of his Franco-Manitoban and Metis roots to his art and is sure to entertain. Andrina Turenne is a singer, songwriter and musician born and raised in St. Boniface. A former member of the Juno award-winning group Chic Gamine, she released her first solo album Bold As Logs in April 2023 and is planning a Francophone EP to be released this fall.
Headliners Indian City is a pop/rock group that was founded in 2012 by the late Vince Fontaine, who passed away suddenly in January 2022 shortly after the release of Code Red, the group’s fourth album. With blessings from Fontaine’s life partner the band re-emerged in the spring of 2022 and re-released the album on Warner Music Canada on Sept. 30 to coincide with National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Fiddling and jigging contest at 2:30
The fun gets started early in the afternoon with a fiddling and jigging contest, in partnership with Manitoba fiddling legend Patti Kusturok. Registration is online here – and the contest starts at 2:30pm with jigging up first followed by fiddling at about 4pm.
A limited number of participants will be accepted and in person registration the day of will only occur if online registration doesn’t fill up.
There are cash prizes in each category. For a full list of categories and rules click here.
Makers market and family zone at 4
At 4pm the Makers Market in partnership with Bud and Bloom and the Family Zone curated by
Fête Jockey Events featuring activities for kids and the young at heart, get underway. The market runs until 10pm and the Family Zone wraps up at 8pm.
Activities in the Family Zone include an Indigenous hand drumming exhibition with Sweetpea Starr and reading tents with United for Literacy. There’s a hula hoop jam with Kurrent Motion and Fit Kids Healthy Kids are hosting a Motion Zone.
Future hockey and golf stars will love the three course mini-putt with hockey sticks and the Selkirk Fire Department will be on site teaching fire safety and giving tours of the fire truck. The fun doesn’t stop there, more good times can be had with bubbles, chalk art and so much more.
Art crawl in the downtown
The city is partnering with the Interlake Art Board (IAB) to present an art crawl throughout downtown with remarkable artisans showcasing and selling their artwork. Those who participate will be able to see artists up close and personal as they work and learn more about their techniques, passions, and commitment to their craft.
Justine Scramstead, Executive Director of the IAB, says the partnership “seeks to inspire and ignite the passion for creativity in individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities”.
“We are thrilled to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic installations that will captivate the imagination of residents and visitors alike,” Scramstead said.
“Our joint efforts will result in the transformation of public spaces into vibrant artistic hubs, enriching the cultural fabric of Selkirk. By repurposing underutilized areas, we will create unique platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talent, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes.”
Thank you to our sponsor
Music on Manitoba was made possible thanks in part to a Province of Manitoba Community Celebrations Program delivered under the Arts, Culture and Sport in the Community Fund.
