Cheap dates for cheapskates

Five events to attend this winter for next to nothing

A scene from Guy Maddin’s Cowards Bend the Knee. Supplied
The Sons of York. Supplied

Did you blow way too much money during the holidays?

Or buy one (or six) too many rounds of tequila shots on New Year’s Eve?

Maybe you just paid tuition and can’t fathom taking a look at your bank account right now.

We’re all penny-pinching this time of year, but there’s no need to stay at home mourning our financial losses until spring.

Here are five cheap (and in most cases, free) ways to enjoy Winnipeg’s abundant arts scene this winter.

Why not dig between your couch cushions for some spare change, then go out and live a little?

1. Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art
460 Portage Ave.

The Plug In has been showcasing amazing artwork for years and with its new location in the Buhler Centre, lucky University of Winnipeg students can witness world-class art on campus.

On display from now until Sunday, Jan. 20 is the third installment of the My Winnipeg series, Winter Kept Us Warm, spotlighting Jeff Funnel’s intriguing Notes from the Inquest: Essay and Drawings and screenings of Guy Maddin’s film, Cowards Bend the Knee, among works by other Winnipeg artists.

Cost: Free, though donations are welcomed (and will bring you good karma).

2. Soap Scum Presents: Estate of Affairs
Park Theatre, 698 Osborne St.

Hilarity ensues as the new season of Soap Scum, a weekly improvised soap-opera, kicks off at the Park Theatre beginning running Monday nights at 8 p.m. starting on Jan. 14.

Featuring a troupe of improv pros and appearances from special guests, Season 7 will definitely be an affair to remember. Catch the first two shows for free, then get hooked into coming back every week.

For more information, visit www.soapscum.ca

Cost: Free on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21. The following Mondays will cost $8 per show. Season passes are available for $40.

3. WYLD STALLYNS ‘90s Cover Night
555 Osborne St.

Throw on some plaid, denim and maybe a pair of Doc Martens if you’ve still got them, and hit up this ‘90s cover night at 555 Osborne on Friday, Jan. 18. The venue is an intimate joint that’s quickly becoming a literal underground staple for local musicians (it’s located in the basement of Sawatdee Thai).

River Heights rockers Sons of York pull double-duty, performing as themselves and as their ‘90s alter egos, WYLD STALLYNS, and playing your favorite throwback tracks from the Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Green Day and more.

Cost: $5 and the show is 18+.

4. BIG FUN Festival 2013
Various Venues

BIG FUN is back for a second year of bringing together music, art and hipsters alike at venues across the city.

The festival ups the ante for 2013 with more venues, more performances, and (luckily for us) more free shows from Thursday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 27. On Thursday, Jan. 24 catch Gourmet Scum and Kindest Cuts at the Windsor playing some sweet covers and synth-pop, respectively. Into the Music presents the musical stylings of Figure, Glass Random, and A Waste Odyssey on Saturday, Jan. 26.

For more information, visit www.bigfunfestival.com.

Cost: Free for certain shows and $40 for an all-access festival pass.

5. First Fridays in the Exchange
Various Venues

Beginning in February, the first Friday of every month sees galleries, restaurants, shops and cafés in the historical Exchange District open their doors to the public for a peek at the burgeoning arts scene in one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods.

Events and times vary by month, so it’s best to check the First Fridays guide at www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org before planning a big night out.

Cost: Free.

Published in Volume 67, Number 15 of The Uniter (January 10, 2013)

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