Lend Me Your Ears, Winnipeg

I want to be completely honest with you. It has been a strange Sunday punctuated by semi-rain and cloudy skies, and my major activities have involved laundry machines, a swiffer, and a sink full of hot soapy water. I briefly spoke to friends in Lethbridge and they were enjoying the sunshine and 25 degrees above. I know there is justice in the world when I realize that despite our cold Winnipeg temperatures, the richness of spring is just around the corner! I can’t wait for a lilac walk or two…

It occurs to me that I have been waiting for the “right time” to post about some amazing online music discoveries; yet, the only right time to share great music is, you guessed it, right now! Although it may seem strange, I assume that most Wo’MH readers are naturally fans of the CBC. I won’t take it for granted, however,  that everyone knows about the amazing online services provided by our nation’s public broadcaster. I am an ardent fan of the Radio 3 site along with its blogging, photography, podcasts, New Music Canada player, and of course, the option provided to make a profile and generate your own personal playlists. This site is fantastic! I try to tell everyone I know about the Radio 3 platform since I find it to be an amazing way to (re)discover the talent our country generates.

As it pertains to Wo’MH, I have developed a particular affection for two live concert recordings available through the CBC Radio 2 site. Again, if you’re unfamiliar with the Radio 2 Concerts on Demand feature, ignorance is definitely not bliss! Start using the search function to find live concerts from your favourite artists and if one isn’t available yet, just take a listen to one of the three rotating “featured” concerts on the main page (in fact, that’s how I learned about the following recordings). My first discovery is the amazingly talented JP Hoe – a young man that I’m sure/I hope most Winnipeggers already know about. Internet-adept and a fan of video blogging (just search for him on youtube), JP allowed Radio 2 to record his CD release party at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on September 13, 2008. Although it would have been amazing to attend live (it was recorded with members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra), I’m so happy you can listen to it online.

Second in this discussion of Winnipeg-based musicians recorded live in Winnipeg are the sometimes contagiously energetic, sometimes hauntingly beautiful sounds of The Duhks. Recorded at the Park Theatre on January 10th of this year, this concert showcases the talents of established/founding band members alongside two new additions (a brother and sister duo named Sarah and Christian Dugas). If you like music that incorporates folk, traditional, Cajun, bluegrass/country, and zydeco, it’s likely that you will really enjoy The Duhks…you may start dancing at your computer desk! Although judging by their tour schedule they spend a lot of  time in the USA, keeping an eye on their website is likely the best way to learn of any upcoming or last minute local dates. Perhaps generating new/more interest here in Winnipeg will enable them to play more gigs around town.

Interestingly enough, the aforementioned artist JP Hoe will playing an upcoming gig at the aforementioned Park Theatre in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village. As far as I can tell he is opening for Emm Gryner (the same delightful Emm Gryner who sent me an autographed promotional photo after I wrote her some fan mail in high school…sigh), but with this pair I am sure the show will be fantastic. Taking place on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 JP would certainly do well with some local fans in the crowd, and Emm Gryner always deserves the accolades she receives. Now…this may seem hardcore, but the very next night there will be another great show at the Park Theatre! On May 13th, the charming Edmontonian Ann Vriend will grace the stage as well as local musician Matt Epp. Although I am only a fair-weather fan (so far) of both these artists, Matt’s music is available for preview at his myspace site, and I particularly enjoy Ann’s concert recorded at the Yardbird Suite (Edmonton) that is online at the Radio 2 website.

Despite this post and its maximum linkage, I understand Winnipeggers to be quite proud of both their vast musical heritage, and of the constant references to Winnipeg being Canada’s musical hot spot. Despite a rainy Sunday, there is reason to look forward to the spring, summer, and many musical adventures to come. Until then I will be listening to Radio 2 and Radio 3 (as I do most days typing away at my desk) and enjoying the Winnipeg talent accessible online.