Manitoba News Release - Culture Days happening now

Culture days is happening across Canada this weekend and according to their website there are " Thousands of free cultural things for you to do. You can make, paint, sculpt, act, sing, dance, write, and learn, and discover the world of artists, historians, architects, curators and designers in your community."

Perhaps this weekend you can learn something about our heritage, and learn about the artist in you!

Here are some of the events happening across Manitoba:

Winnipeg:

City Stories

Friday, September 24, 2010 to Sunday, September 26, 2010
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Find out more

Community Radio Open House

Friday, September 24, 2010 (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Multi/Interdisciplinary, New Media
Find out more

CBC Meet and Greet

Friday, September 24, 2010 (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Comedy, Film or Video

Find out more

Nuit Blanche at the WAG- Poets' Corner

Saturday, September 25, 2010 to Sunday, September 26, 2010
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Literary, Multi/Interdisciplinary
Find out more

CBC Manitoba Open House

Saturday, September 25, 2010 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba New Media, Film or Video
Find out more

Nuit Blanche at the WAG - The Winnipeg Tarot Company

Saturday, September 25, 2010 to Sunday, September 26, 2010 (11:00 PM - 1:30 AM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Multi/Interdisciplinary, Visual Arts
Find out more

Public Opening - Wanda Koop: On the Edge of Experience

Saturday, September 25, 2010
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Visual Arts, Dance
Find out more

the Gr8 bits show ver. 1.2 @ the Winnipeg Art Gallery

Saturday, September 25, 2010 to Sunday, September 26, 2010
Winnipeg, Manitoba Design, New Media
Find out more

Dans les coulisses de Radio-Canada, centre de Winnipeg

Saturday, September 25, 2010 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Multi/Interdisciplinary
Find out more

CTV Open House

Saturday, September 25, 2010 (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Film or Video
Find out more

Knitting Station

Saturday, September 25, 2010 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Design
Find out more

Dance Downtown!

Sunday, September 26, 2010 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Dance
Find out more

Prairie Theatre Exchange - Backstage Tour

Sunday, September 26, 2010 (1:00 PM - 1:45 PM)
Sunday, September 26, 2010 to Friday, September 24, 2010 (4:00 PM - 4:45 PM)
Winnipeg, Manitoba Theatre

Find out more

READ MORE EVENTS HAPPENING IN WINNIPEG BY CLICKING HERE

-Av

............................................................
Manitoba News Release
............................................................
September 24, 2010

FREE EVENTS OFFERED ACROSS MANITOBA DURING CULTURE DAYS SEPT. 24 TO 26

Events are being held across the province from today until Sunday as part of Culture Days, a national event celebrating the arts and cultural community, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino announced today.

"This weekend, Manitobans have the opportunity to attend dozens of family-friendly events around the province to learn more about our vibrant arts and culture communities," said Marcelino. "Manitoba is proud to join other provinces and territories in celebrating this national initiative that aims to raise awareness, participation and engagement in arts and culture by all Canadians."

Events put together by the Manitoba Culture Days organizing committee include:

· a needle and stitching event in Brandon tomorrow where embroiderers will create a sampler and teach needlework;

· prospecting and birch-bark biting demonstrations in Flin Flon today and tomorrow;

· a reading by writer Amy Jo Ehman at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon today as part of Thin Air, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival; and

· a drawing and mask-making workshop from 1 to 4 p.m.
tomorrow at Gallery 1C03at the University of Winnipeg.

Included in Culture Days is Nuit Blanche tomorrow when numerous activities will take place throughout the night. This includes extended hours at the Manitoba Museum. The Winnipeg Art Gallery will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.


Culture Days was inspired by and modelled after Quebec's 13-year-old annual Journées de la culture event. Culture Days events across Canada feature free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to discover the artistic world in their own community.

The province contributed $20,000 to support Culture Days Manitoba. Culture Days also complements activities underway to celebrate Manitoba Homecoming 2010 and the Winnipeg Arts Council's Cultural Capital 2010 activities.

More information on Culture Days, including a complete list of Manitoba events, is available at www.culturedays.ca.

- 30 -

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 59

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 59

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 09/23/2010 on UMFM 101.5 FM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 9/29/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM


On today's episode, I had the chance to talk to Ashley Michelle Koley and Phil Deschambault, both Winnipeg artists who went on to become "Ash Koley" in 2005.

In this interview, I learned how Ashley and Phil met in a unsuspecting location, and how such a random meeting progressed into something creatively inspirational.

As you will hear in the interview (available in iTunes now), one night of singing karaoke could get you a permanent gig in the music industry...because you never know who's listening.

During this interview, Ashley and Phil were kind enough to play an acoustic version of "Don't Let Your Feet Touch Ground" which was #5 on the Canadian charts at the time of our interview.

The duo was also set to release their new album Inventions on October 5th, 2010 with the help of their label, Sony Music Canada.

The time we spent together was great, and a reminder of what talent is grown here in our own back yard. It taught me that with persistence, determination and the right helping hands; you really can do anything you put your mind to.

(Photo Thanks to Anthony!)

Be sure to check out their you-tube channel located at http://www.youtube.com/user/bockstaelmusic and get your hands on Inventions when it hits iTunes and music stores on October 5, 2010.

Don't look down.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE INTERVIEW IN iTUNES (opens new window)

-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 58

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 58

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 09/16/2010 on UMFM 101.5 FM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 9/22/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

On today's show, I had the chance to sit down and talk to Brad Roberts from The Crash Test Dummies.

I had only learned that The Crash Test Dummies were formed here in Winnipeg earlier this year.

You can imagine how silly I felt when I learned of this.

Earlier this spring it was announced that The Winnipeg Folk Festival would be bringing Crash Test back home to Winnipeg in October, as part of the dummies Canadian tour.

When Sony Music approached me about doing this interview in June, I was of course excited to take the opportunity to get to know more about the dummies. As a child in the 90's I had grown up listening to them while living down south and, like everybody else I had "mmmm mmmmm mmmm" stuck in my head every time it took to the airwaves.

On Sunday July 11 2010, I was volunteering at folk festival where it was announced that there would be a surprise visitor as a tween-er. The only information obtained from festival organizers was that the guest would be a surprise to those in attendance. It was also said that there may or may not be some controversy surrounding the performer.

. . . I had no clue what they were talking about.

Sure enough, the time came for the veil to be lifted and out walked Brad Roberts. .. suddenly it all made sense.

"Well Well Well, I bet you'd never expect to see me on this stage again"

Brad stated to a standing ovation at Birds Hill Park.

The move was pure genius with their upcoming show at the Burton Cummings theater coming up in October.

A few weeks later, I sat down and reached Brad on his cell phone as he was wondering around a public market.

We talked about his visit to the Winnipeg Folk Festival (to which he absolutely loved), and the evolution of The Crash Test Dummies here in Winnipeg.

It was very interesting to learn of Brads youth and how the folk festival helped shaped him as a musician, topped with his time spent at The Spectrum (Now The Pyramid).

I also touched on his songs "superman" and "mmmm mmmm mmm" and how they were formed, and his new album "oooh lah lah" which has been well received by the music community.

We featured the following tracks during his interview:

The Crash Test Dummies - Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm
The Crash Test Dummies - And It's Beautiful.



A copy of the interview with Brad will be made available in iTunes shortly, but in the mean time be sure to check out The Crash Test Dummies when they roll into town on October 9th at the Burton Cummings Theater, and study up on their new album "oooh la la".

I would like to personally thank Brad for his time and for sharing his story, and as promised I look forward to following up with him later on in the show.

-Av

Wake Up Winnipeg - Review The Lobby On York

Wake Up Winnipeg Review - The Lobby on York - Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As reviewed by: Andru Valpy, Sean Kanee
Photographs: Andru Valpy

The Lobby on York

295 York Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 4N4

Tel: (204) 896.7275

Neighbourhood: Downtown
http://www.thelobbyonyork.com

• Cuisine: Fine Dining, Steak, Seafood
• Price: $$$ ($25.00 or more)
• Aimless & Andy Rating: @@@@@ (out of 5).
• Reservations: Suggested, but not required
• Features: Fine Dining, Lounge, Fine Wine Selections

Earlier this month Sean and I were invited to review "The Lobby On York" as the kick off to our "Dining Downtown" series.

This gem is hidden in the basement suite of the former Sheraton Hotel building located on York Street, close to The Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The Lobby On York's Tag Line is:
"Modern steak and seafood, with a twist", which can be broken down even further to "modern creativity", states General Manager, Shan Shuwera.

His saying, is true!

Primary chefs Jon Hochman, (26) and Ariel Schor (24), have been preparing dishes for The Lobby since opening in 2009.

The two have also worked together at assorted local establishments, including The Fairmont hotel, where the two of them collaborated to create fine dishes.

Since making a home at their new diner, Jon and Ariel have came up with a menu that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a quick lunch, or a perfect night out.

Our meal started out with a sampling of appetizers, including the Big Eye Tuna Tartare, Pulled Duck Quesadilla, and a signature Cobb Salad.

These appetizers range anywhere from twelve to fifteen dollars and can be easily paired with a white or red chosen from The Lobby's fine wine menu.

For our evening, we were served Peter Logan Weemala, which according to their website is:

"For Those who enjoy something just a bit different".

This Pinot Gris went well with our Big Eye Tuna starter, complimenting the flavoring used in Hawaiian big eyed fish.

Our tropical friend was prepared raw and finely minced with sesame seeds, panko flakes, fresh sliced avocado and a chili tobiko aioli seasoning. Sean noted that the flavoring had a "smoky feel" to it, which was only accented by the use of fried potato chips for dipping.

Next up was the cool and crisp Cobb Salad which Sean and I were very curious to try.

"This is not your traditional salad"

said General Manager Shan, and this was very true. It was the first time I had seen romaine lettuce grilled.

This salad is prepared with tomato, bacon, blue cheese, a avocado aioli puré and a poached egg.

I questioned Shan on why an egg would be needed in a salad, and was informed that the yoke of the egg enhances the flavor of the salad and acts as an extra dressing.

Needless to say, it was very tasty.

For this sampling, we featured St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc as our white wine of choice.

"A classic Australian medium dry white made for immediate enjoyment. Blended from Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes picked in the cool of night it is a crisp, clean wine that is an easy drinking delight." - Wine.com

The taste was a crisp refreshing way to enjoy the start of our meal.

Our final starter was a signature ending, and probably my favorite appetizer served. The Pulled Duck Quesadilla.

This was a confit, which is a tough duck meat. It was prepared buttery, and was shredded. It's then served with a cheddar cheese brie sauce, minced red bell peppers, and is then spread into a tortilla, and sliced into six individual rolls, in similar fashion to a roll of sushi.

When we were enjoying this, I noted that it had a bit of a spicy flare to it, thanks to the bell peppers and chili mayo flavoring used in the appetizer.

It was also only the second time that I had been introduced to a duck meat, and needless to say I fell in love with this Quesadilla.

I strongly recommend trying the Duck Quesadilla whether it be as a appetizer, or a brief lounge snack.

It is not to be ignored.


We then moved into the first of our main courses, in which we were served a fresh Pan Roasted Pickerel - Caught locally in Manitoba, and was paired with Israeli couscous, edamame, and chopped prawn.

The Pickerel itself was pan roasted and sweet to the mouth thanks the the flavorful sauces it was topped with. When combined with couscous and shrimp, the overall dish was a nice summer treat.
Our Pickerel dish was served with a side dish of Cocktail Tomatoes, which were grown and purchased locally out of St. Annes, Manitoba from the garden of Murry Warkentin.

We admitted to Shan that both Sean and I did not normally like tomatoes, but were very honest in saying that these tomatoes were very fresh, enjoyable, refreshing and crisp.
It might have something to do with how fresh these tomatoes were, considering they were from our own backyard.

I caught myself eating most of the tomato and was surprised to see that both Sean and I finished a good majority of the dish, saving only a few little slices.

I'd eat them again, given the opportunity.

Our final dish was the 16 oz. Bone-In Rib Steak. Now, personally speaking Sean and I enjoy our beef, so we went in with high expectations after our previous dishes.

This Alberta Prime, 16 ounce beauty was most enjoyable, and was prepared by a special cooking method that ensures the juices and flavor of beef are preserved.

This steak, is served with a combination of 3 sauces; A Natural pan jus, red wine gastrique and a Guinness beer mustard.

After Shan described the cooking process of the beef to us, (which is best to be described by the staff at The Lobby), we understood exactly what he was saying to us.

Sean noted that this steak dish was comparable, if not better than other local steak houses, who focus more on presentation, and high temperature cooking methods.

I personally enjoyed the combination of blends and spices used in this main course dish and it's sauces.
Needless to say, we were not disappointed.

This rib steak was served with a glass of Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon which according to wine blogger Matthew Jukes makes:

The "100 best wines of Aussie" list.

I would have to agree with Matthew by saying that this wine was added to my list of favorite Aussie reds. The Sauvignon is a full bodied wine, with a fresh mulberry aroma.

Served with it was a Sautéed Mushroom dish, which brought with it a rich teriyaki flavor.

This side dish was favored by both Sean, and I.



Though we were offered dessert, Sean and I politely informed the staff of The Lobby that we simply could not eat another bite, because of how filling our meal was.

Worth noting was The Lobby's interior design, which can be described as "modern contemporary". Sean and I compared the main dining room and lounge similar to those you would find in Toronto or Vancouver.

The lounge is designed and compared to any international lounge seen on major motion picture films or nightlife magazines.

Interestingly enough, The Lounge at Lobby has been known to bring in local dee-jays on Friday nights, therefore making it a great place to start off any Friday night downtown.

Sean and I left impressed, and would highly recommend The Lobby On York to anyone looking for a new place to dine.

Though it is listed and enjoyed as a fine dining restaurant, the staff and price points are comparable to your typical dinner night out.

The Lobby caters to the needs of any young man or women, or those business professionals looking to entertain or relax.

Be sure to visit The Lobby On York, and tell Shan and staff that we sent you. They will be happy to hear!

-Av
- Sk.

(Thanks to Shan, Isaac, and Rob for their assistance in entertaining us! We look forward to seeing you again!) - Av

Wake Up Winnipg - Episode 56

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 09/02/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 09/08/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

Today's episode focused primarily on local concert announcements and featured tracks from artists coming through our city in the upcoming weeks and months.

Here are the events that I discussed on today's show:

WAKE UP WINNIPEG
UMFM 101.5 FM – Thursday’s 6:00 PM, Wednesdays 6:30 AM

Event Listings as of September 2, 2010.

Bog River – 9/2/10
Gas Station Theatre Patio
(Osborne) 6:00-8:00 PM

Come join us for one of our first shows since we've reunited after summer adventures (and don't forget to tell your friends)!! Show from 6-8pm...maybe we'll even pull out some new tunes!?!?
You can also see us play on Aug. 29th at the Shine On Festival of Music and Art - get your tickets for this weekend soon!

99 Pieces of Art on The Wall, 4th Annual exhibition & Sale – Ongoing until 9/3/10
cre8ery gallery
2-125 Adelaide St.
Winnipeg, MB

99 Pieces of Art...cre8ery's 4th annual exhibition & sale....$199.99 and under!

Featuring: Anja Studer, Ashley Feduniw, Avra Love, Barb Watson, Christopher Wood, David Low, Fred, Gail Sawatzky, Genevie Henderson, George Tanner, Heather Boyd, Helga Schulte-Schroeer, Jane Gateson, Janice Low, Joanne Holmes, Kiery Drysdale, Karen Taylor, Klara Piko, Leona Brown, Lex Creed, Louise Lamb, Pat Bragg, Richa...rd Palanuk, Robert Coulter, Robert McDowall, Ron Dini, Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk, Sarah Neville, Sheila Johnson, Sherilyn Lehn, Val Huffman

Sold works will be removed from the exhibition as they are sold and posted online...

Joan Jett / Aerosmith
MTS Centre

Steve and the boys are back on tour after skipping out of their Canadinns performance due to injury. This time, they dug up Joan Jett and brought her with them. This is a night classic rock fans WILL NOT want to miss. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.

Boats! – 9/09/10
The University of Winnipeg – Main Campus

Imaginary Cities and Royal Canoe – 9/11/2010
Presented by the Park Theatre, as part of our 5th Anniversary Show

Imaginary Cities and Royal Canoe
Saturday September 11th 2010

......Tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door
Doors 8:15pm, show at 9pm
Tickets are available at the Park Theatre, Into the Music, and Music Trader.

Imaginary Cities went out into the darkness and became the music they love. The best part is, its the music we love too. They are music makers that go crackle, crackle, thump and squawk. Scratch your mp3player harddrive, with a needle does it make play a song? Music are you in there? For it is in Imaginary Cities.

Cardboard Castle from Australia via T.O. at J.Fox's – 9/11/2010
J.Fox's Restaurant & Local
414 Academy Road
Winnipeg, MB

September kicks off J.Fox's foray into the outta town bands. We are very excited to start the process off with Australia's Cardboard Castle, check out their myspace link to hear the sweet new sounds coming off the island via Toronto ...http://www.myspace.com/cardboardcastleband ps. thanks to Jack at the Lo Pub for his continued support!

Pennywise With Authority Zero, Bigwig and Riverboat Gamblers – 9/12/2010
The Garrick Theater.
Remember Pennywise? Yeah, they’re still around…and touring. Now, they’re coming to Winnipeg. Cool stuff. . .

Justin Biber – 9/14/2010
The MTS Centre

Hide your teenage daughters. . . International teen sensation Justin Biber is coming to Winnipeg’s MTS Centre on September the 12^th. If you don’t know who this kid is yet, you are living under a rock. Teen Dreams are sure to come true while J.B. Sings his auto-tuned songs.

Jazz Winnipeg / UMFM presents: Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) with guests The Lytics – 9/15/2010
Pyramid Cabaret
176 Fort St.
Winnipeg, MB

Fresh off the success of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, Jazz Winnipeg is thrilled to announce the first confirmed concert of their 2010-2011 concert season: Los Angeles rapper and former member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na! As a part of his cross-Canada tour, Chali brings his live band to the Pyramid Cabaret on Wednesday, September 15. Joining Chali on the bill will be local favourites The Lytics.

INWARD EYE w/ special guests Sons of York and The Bokononists – 9/17/2010
The West End Cultural Centre
586 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB

Friday, September 17
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm

The Erickson brothers have lived and breathed rock & roll since a very early age. This trio of brothers, Dave (vocals/bass), Kyle (guitar/vocals), and Anders (drums), soon became Inward Eye and they now reminisce about their musical beginnings when they would "dance around in our underwear to the Rolling Stones' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!”, reveals the eldest band-mate Dave.

"The Flaming Lips" – 9/21/10
The Burton Cummings Theater

The Flaming lips are coming to Winnipeg to rock out with their lips out. Join the lips as they treat Winnipeg to one awesome night at the Burton Cummings Theater.

"Made In Manitoba" – 9/21/10
The River Studio
201-478 River Ave
Winnipeg, MB

Please join us for the opening of The River Studio's inaugural group show. "Made in Manitoba" will highlight local artists themed around local subjects. List of showcasing artists TBA.

Interested in submitting? Please visit www.theriverstudio.ca/exhibits to view guidelines.

The Arcade Fire with Guests Calexico – 9/23/10
The MTS Centre
Winnipeg, MB

Looking for a way to kick off fall? Look no further kids, as The Arcade Fire roll into Winnipeg to celebrate the launch of their new album entitled “The Wilderness Downtown” and the first day of fall.

Joining them will be Tucson based band Calexico. Fun times are sure to happen here. Tickets available through ticketmaster.

A NIGHT WITH AIMLESS & ANDY – 10/29/10
http://aimlessandandy.com/
Shannon’s Irish Pub
176 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB

Join UMFM Volunteers Andru Valpy (host of Wake Up Winnipeg) and Paul (Host of Drifter In The Dark) for the three year anniversary of “The Aimless & Andy Show”. This three year anniversary party will be benefiting local charity, and will showcase local talent including all local talent.

Tickets will be available for 5.00 in advance and at the door, with proceeds going to charity. Tickets will also be available for door prizes as well.

Additional details will be announced as we get closer to the date, but be sure to SAVE THE DATE now, as tickets are expected to sell out.

Dehli 2 Dublin – 11/27/10
The West End Cultural Centre
586 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB

Monday, November 22
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm
Tickets: $22 Advance | $27 Door
Available at the Ticketmaster, and Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store

To buy online tickets - http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Delhi-2-Dublin-tickets/artist/1474379

What do you get when you ignore all genre sensibilities and just take all your favourite sounds and mix them together? Answer: Delhi 2 Dublin. Born from what they thought would be a one-off performance together at a club in Vancouver, the audience demanded otherwise. Crowds craved their music, an aural fantasyland that blends Celtic, Dub Reggae, Electronica and Bhangra, and much like their dancing feet, Delhi 2 Dublin hasn’t been allowed to slow down since.

............................................................

On today's show, I featured the following tracks:

1) John Mayer - Covered In Rain (Live from ECSU)
2) Inward Eye - Feel Like A Man
3) The Flaming Lips - Aquarius Sabotage

I also updated our listeners with new information released about the fire that occurred just outside Portage Place Mall just last week. Initially, on episode 55 it was reported that the damage caused by the fire was approximately one million dollars.

As reported on today's episode, the estimated total amount of damage was increased to upwards of five million dollars due to flooding caused by the internal sprinkler system in the buildings basement level.

Finally, I sent my sympathies out to the family and friends of Kylie Fay Dawn Armishaw who fell from the 18th floor of colony square earlier this week.

One of my listeners approached me this week and informed me that they were shocked to see footage of the (still being investigated) deceased, being filmed from her balcony on a local news station.

I expressed my concern, and shared with you my shock in hearing this. It is my personal opinion that if such footage exists,, it was shot in bad taste.

If the footage is true, then perhaps this videographer should be reminded of the golden rule in journalism. . . Journalistic Integrity.

Until next week kids, take care.

-Andru.