Arts and culture briefs

Awarding Manitoba musicians

At this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards, Manitobans won in nine categories, including William Prince, who received an award for Aboriginal Artist of the Year and Romi Mayes, who was named Blues Artist of the Year. The West End Cultural Centre won the Community Excellence Award. The Oct. 13 ceremony kicked off the BreakOut West festival in Regina, Sask.

The Manitoba Showcase

The Manitoba Arts Network will present 15 of Canada’s finest performers in Morden, Man. on Oct. 21 and 22. The annual event is open to the public this year and will feature musicians, magicians and comedians. Tickets to each of the three showcases are $10 or $15 at the door of the Access Event Centre. For more information, go to manitobaartsnetwork.ca.

Hilarity for Charity

On Oct. 23, the Hilarity for Charity Tour kicks off in Winnipeg at Shannon’s Irish Pub. Four comedians – Nelson Mayer, Chris Basso, Scott Porteous and Frank Russo – will travel to 11 Canadian cities to raise money for local charities. Proceeds from the Winnipeg show will fund the tour. Tickets are $10 at the door, and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Songwriting competition

The first annual Canadian Songwriting Competition is open for entries. Canadian citizens and residents can submit songs in one of 14 categories, including Francophone, Aboriginal, Celtic/Maritime, pop, roots and hip hop. Industry professionals will judge after the March 1 closing date. For more information, go to songwritingofcanada.com.

Olympics of Opera

For the second year, 15 performers will compete for the audience’s vote at Opera Idol. The winner will walk away with the cash prize and a role in an upcoming Flipside Opera production. The event takes place on Oct. 22 at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church. Regular admission is $20, but $10 for students. Go to flipsideopera.com for tickets.

Published in Volume 71, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 20, 2016)

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