Wake Up Winnipeg - Her Royal Majesty's Visit to Winnipeg

"A Visit Fit For A Queen"
Story, Video and Photo's By: Andru Valpy


On Saturday July 3, 2010, Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, made a 6 hour stop over in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada as part of the 2010 Royal Canadian Tour.

With Winnipeggers still coming buzzing with spirit from Canada Day on July 1st, Queen Elizabeth was welcomed with smiles and red and white flowers at the new James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

Her Majesty was the first passenger to walk arrive at the still- under- construction airport as her Canadian Air Force plane taxied into gate 7.


Greeted by Lt. Governor of Manitoba, His Honour Philip S. Lee;, Provincial Premier, Greg Selinger;, City of Winnipeg Mayor, Sam Katz,; and other state officials, Her Majesty and Guests took a brief walk about through of the new terminal while onlookers watched in awe of the radiant Queen.


After accepting a welcoming gift from the Manitoba Government, and signing a letter to future generations, Her Majesty and Prince Philip were whisked away to Winnipeg's Government House located on the grounds of the Provincial Legislature Building.

The Queen paused on her way into a luncheon inside Government House to look at a copy of the Magna Carta that is on loan to Manitoba.

Two scarlet-clad RCP officers stood guard on either side as she and the Duke of Edinburgh discussed the historic British document briefly with Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee.

The couple then entered the room where they dined with invited guests that included Premier Greg Selinger, former Gov. Gen Edward Schreyer, who was also the first NDP premier of Manitoba, former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy and other current and former Manitoba and federal politicians.

She was welcomed by Lee and Ron Evans, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, gave a blessing before the meal.

After the royal luncheon, Her Majesty was invited to unveil the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth II statue made by Winnipeg artist Leo Moithat was relocated to the Government House garden grounds.

During her garden walk about, Her Majesty planted a fresh beautiful Amber Jubilee Ninebark (Physocarpus Opulifplius 'Jefam) that was bred exclusively in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.


This plant was made created in spirit of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee in 2012 and will be distributed across Canada to celebrate this soon- to- be historic event.

After accepting flowers from her onlookers and visiting a friendly Welsh corgi at the Government House, the royal party visited Winnipeg's french district of Saint Boniface where The Queen and Prince Philip privately strolled across the Louis Riel Esplanade privately.

The royal couple were then invited to reveal the cornerstone to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights which is the first federal museum built outside of Ottawa.

A copy of the famous Magna Carta was also displayed as part of this historic event and was shown while Her Majesty visited.

After thanking Her Majesty for her support in the museum, Prime Minister Stephan Harper and Premier Selinger led the tour group into the Scotia Bank Pavilion located at The Forks Market Place, which is internationally known as a historical site for peace keeping and trade.

After watching stunning performances from The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg and Montreal based vocal quintet Chic Gamine and Singer-Songwriter Chantal Kreviauk, The Queen addressed the nation in front of a silent and tentative crowd:

"Prime Minister, Premier, Ministers, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Jeudi dernier, des milliers de Manitobains se sont réunis ici pour
souligner la Fête du Canada, fête qui est l’occasion, pour les Canadiens de
partout au pays, de célébrer l’identité et les réalisations canadiennes
ainsi que les valeurs chères à ce pays.

A few moments ago, I unveiled the cornerstone of the new Canadian Museum of
Human Rights. This building will, in due course, rise up to take its place
on the Winnipeg skyline. But it is also a symbol of the importance which
Canada attaches to human rights and its own role in promoting them at home
and throughout the world.

An integral part of this cornerstone is a smaller stone taken from the
meadows of Runnymede in England where Magna Carta was signed in the year
1215. That document was itself the cornerstone of democratic rights and
gave rise to the rule of Constitutional Law that now flourishes across the
English-speaking world.

Here at the Forks, the symbolism of Magna Carta is now joined to the
historical importance of a site where aboriginal peoples gathered for
thousands of years to exchange views and resolve conflicts. Ce sont là des
bases précieuses qui sauront sûrement inspirer le Musée national, auquel je
souhaite bon succès.

In this, Manitoba's 'Coming Home Year', I hope that today will be a special
and memorable time for each and every one of you."

After her majesty spoke, the royal party bid adieu to their excited crowd and departed towards the 17th Wing of the Canadian Forces Base.


It was there that the 17th Wing personal personnel mounted a Departure Guard upon Queen Elizabeth and The Duke, Prince Philip and the Royal party said farewell to Manitoba's Capital City en-route to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for the continuation of her tour.

Tune into CJUM 101.5 fm on Thursday July 8th, 2010 for audio recap on "Wake Up Winnipeg", hosted by UMFM volunteer Andru Valpy.

Additional Photographs and videos may be found on The Aimless & Andy Show blog, YouTube and Facebook Fanpages.

(WITH FILES FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Wake Up Winnipeg - City Of Winnipeg Media Release Re: Mosquitos

Hey kids,

We've all been swatting and scratching these past few weeks, and by now most of you are probably tired of "Winnipeg's Official Bird" the Mosquito, so here is what the Mayors Office has to say about the issue:

Stay tuned for more information!

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Katz calls for comprehensive review of mosquito policy
Review asks Province to review buffer zone requirement

Winnipeg, June 23rd, 2010 – Committed to exploring all opportunities to reduce the nuisance mosquito population in the City of Winnipeg, Mayor Sam Katz today presented a motion at a Special Meeting of Executive Policy to ask the administration to review the City’s current adult mosquito control policy.

“Winnipeggers look forward to enjoying our wonderful summers and we need to do our part to ensure everyone can enjoy them,”

said Mayor Sam Katz.

“With the severe rainfalls combined with the heat we’ve experienced, we’ve seen a steady rise in mosquito populations that are directly affecting the quality of life and potentially the health of our citizens.”

The Mayor’s motion asks for a review of the adulticiding factor analysis guidelines, the criteria for conducting barrier treatments, the impact of Anti-Pesticide Registrant buffer zones, and to explore alternative methods of conducting larviciding and adulticiding operations, and asks the City to consult with the Province of Manitoba to ensure that the provincially-issued Pesticide Use Permit reflects best practises.

“We need to take a comprehensive review of our policy to ensure we are taking a balanced yet effective and progressive approach to mosquito control,” added Katz.

City Council passed the motion today by a vote of 13-1.

-30-

Wake Up Winnipeg - The Lost Episode #2

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Aimless Andru
Air Date: 6/17/2010 in iTunes
Download Location iTunes.
Rebroadcast: 6/23/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM

Hello Winnipeg!

Lot's of stuff going on this week on both of my shows, this one being local, The Aimless & Andy Show being international.

On this weeks show we promoted a ton of local events happening both big and small and featured some tracks from both the TD Jazz Winnipeg Festival and our backyard favorite The Winnipeg Folk Festival.

More information may be found here in the blog and on tonight's Aimless & Andy VIP Podcast which will be posted in iTunes.

Here's what I came up with today:

1) Quinzy - Admit
2) The Slew - It's All Over
3) Flying Fox and the hunter gatherers - Anthony Milton Quits His Job
4) The Weakerthans - One Great City!
5) The Duhks - Le Meunier Et La Jeune Fille/Les Quatre Fer En L'air
6) The Avett Brothers - Souls Like the Wheels

I ran out of time this week to say goodbye seeing as I let the music speak for itself. If you liked what you heard, please be sure to purchase tickets and attend both the TD Jazz Winnipeg Festival, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. You will be happy you did.

I also wanted to remind you of on our previous blog post regarding Her Majesty's The Queen II visit to Winnipeg on July 3. More information about that will be provided soon.

If you liked what you heard here on Wake Up Winnipeg, and you also like the music on UMFM, or you would like more information about some of the upcoming shows and events I am hoping cover, please tune into the Aimless & Andy podcast in iTunes following this show...

Anyway, thank you for listening, and I look forward to talking to you all next week.

If you missed today's episode, please keep in mind it will be repeated on Wed. June 23, 2010 at 6:30 AM CST.

Merci,

-Av

Wake Up Winnipeg - Her Majesty The Queen is Coming!

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the duke of Edinburg will be visiting Winnipeg on July 3, 2010 for an approximated 6 hour visit.

While reviewing local events, I learned on twitter that Chrisd.ca had posted an announcement by Manitoba Homecoming 2010 that a concert is being planned at the forks featuring artists that we had worked with and interviewed here both on Wake Up Winnipeg and The Aimless & Andy Show before on our show including:

Inward Eye (Episode 28)
Sierra Noble (Episode 30)
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Episode 35)

Ironically enough, The Winnipeg Free Press posted Her Majesty's itinerary in their daily news paper today (6/16/2010). I found it while reviewing the paper at the university radio station today.

In the article The Free Press reports the following schedule:

The schedule: Saturday, July 3, 2010.

12:20 p.m.: Arrive at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, new terminal building. Dedication ceremony for new airport

12:55 p.m.: Depart airport for Government House

1:15 p.m.: Arrive at Government House

1:35 p.m.: Pre-luncheon reception

1:50 p.m.: Luncheon hosted by the lieutenant governor of Manitoba. Invited guests include the War Brides Association of Manitoba, the Monarchist League of Manitoba, the Royal Commonwealth Society of Manitoba, Folklorama Youth Ambassadors, youth and their family from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

4:20 p.m.: Royal walkabout in gardens of Government House, including unveiling of relocated statue of the Queen, re-dedication of the gardens, remarks by the lieutenant governor and premier and the planting of a tree.

5 p.m.: Depart for The Forks

5:10 p.m.: Arrive at The Forks via the Esplanade Riel footbridge

5:20 p.m.: Dedication ceremony for Canadian Museum for Human Rights including cornerstone unveiling, and a walkabout.

5:40 p.m.: Arrive at the Scotiabank Stage for Manitoba Homecoming Concert for Human Rights

6 p.m.: Queen addresses the nation from The Forks
6:05 p.m.: Depart for the Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg
6:30 p.m.: Arrive at the Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg and give their farewells.
6:40 p.m.: Depart Winnipeg for Toronto

If you are at all interested in this historical event, it has been suggested to public to head to The Forks Marketplace early as this will be the prime opportunity to view Her Majesty. . . and probably the most fun event as well!

I hope to bring you more information on this event in the days to come. In the mean time; here are some quick tips which might help you brush up and prepare for a visit with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

-Av

(Source: Wikipedia)

Born: 21 April, 1926.
Queen since: 6 February 1952.
Officially titled: Her Majesty, Queen of Canada (French: Reine du Canada).
Greeting: Her Majesty (Introduction); Ma'am as needed.
Handshake: No! (observe the no touch rule of etiquette)

Women do a small curtsy and men bow their heads when meeting the queen.

According to: Elegant Women.org

Like shaking hands, the queen's visitors have to wait until she extends her hand to them.

As mentioned, no gripping or pumping handshakes. And definitely no hugs, no kiss on the cheek, no touching the shoulder, putting your arm around the queen.

It is not socially acceptable to even take her elbow to direct her.

Suggested royal formal wear during visit:

For this, I went local and contacted a wonderful woman at Labelle's Bridal Boutique and asked what her opinion on formal wear would be. This is what her and I came up with:

FORMAL Luncheon:

Women - Formal Summer Dress Required, conservative, plain, one solid, color.

As posted on Yahoo Answers:

A formal dress is mandatory. Not a cocktail dress. Matching shoes and bag. Pearls are always a nice touch but either way a nice piece of jewelry again nothing to gaudy as this person can wear the crown jewels and hard to impress that way.

Men: 3 piece black and white tuxedo. Mandatory. No Questions asked.

SMART CASUAL for the Music Festival.
Suggestions:

Women - Solid Cocktail Dresses are appropriate.
Men - Darker colors, khaki and short sleeve polo's appropriate.

What to do if entering into conversation with Her Majesty:

If the queen chooses engage in friendly conversation with you, it is suggested to be yourself and do not ask about personal matters or family matters unless it is pertaining to her Grand Children Prince Harry and Prince William.

Stick with "Your Majesty" and then "Ma'am" as we suggested above.

Be natural. Do not fake a British Accent. During the conversation, make gentle eye contact, be a Friendly Manitoban and be soft.

Enjoy the royal visit Winnipeg, and please make us proud.

-Andru.

(ED Note: Thank you to staff at Labelle's, Yahoo Answers, and http://www.elegantwoman.org/ for your help in this article - Av)

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 47 - 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY EPISODE!

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Aimless Andru
Air Date: 6/10/2010 on CJUM
101.5 FM / iTunes
Download Location iTunes.
Rebroadcast: 6/11/2010

Track Listings: http://aimlessandandy.blogspot.com

Here we are, the highly anticipated 1 year anniversary/birthday episode of Wake Up Winnipeg on CJUM 101.5 FM.

Wow, what a year it has been. If you take a look at OUR EPISODE LISTINGS you'll see exactly what I am talking about!

From Colin Mochire to Chef Tojo, both within Winnipeg and all the way around North America, it seems like the past year has just flew by.

On today's episode, I had a ton of call in guests and interview re-caps.

Our 1 Year birthday guests include:

Sab Van H - Winnipeg Underground (The Original One, not the one affiliated with Winnipeg Punks...)

Aimless Sean - Edmonton Alberta,

(From Episode #12 :) Joel Plaskett - Edmonton Folk Festival

City Councilor Jenny Gerbassi left us a voice-mail message.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz left me a voice-mail and also sent me this message:

Message from Mayor Sam Katz

It’s my pleasure as Mayor to wish the Aimless and Andy Show and Wake Up Winnipeg a very Happy first birthday. Over the past year, you have done a great job showcasing our local artists, concerts, our parks and people.

I’ve enjoyed seeing you out covering City Council and engaging in issues WUW listeners care about. Keep up the great work from year one and I look forward to seeing you around Winnipeg for many more successful years in the future.

Sincerely,

Sam Katz

Mayor of Winnipeg

(From Episode #1:) Michael Petkau (Les Jupes/The Liptonians/The WECC)

Nick and Drew from Winnipeg's Kill Katie left me a voice-mail message live from the Bain/Strike Anywhere show the night previously at The Royal Albert Arms.

I mentioned that Brian and the staff from Place Louis Riel gave us the opportunity to review their restaurant.

Let's talk about that:

The meal over-all was home-hearty and well prepared. I was served a three course meal!

It started off with a warm bowl of split pea soup, which was perfect on a windy rainy summer day. It was as french Canadian as it gets folks, and how perfect considering Winnipeg is the largest french community outside Quebec.

Next up, we had the special of they day. Perfectly prepared Pork Chops. They were fresh, non-dry, and complimented with broccoli, onions and mashed potato's.

Next up, desert:

Mmm. Fresh apple pie, coffee and ice-cream. A-Yum! What a sweet way to end off a home cooked meal. Nothing says summer like hot apple pie. Really. That's all I have to say about that.

Well, that and it was also beautifully presented. Thanks guys!

Be sure to visit Place Louis Riel if you want a hearty, appetizing meal!

Our next guest was Corina from Supernova.com which we've worked with before. Apparently our system loved her so much it decided to play her voice-mail twice. Technology. . .

Speaking of food. I released a review of "Deep Fried Oreos" that was in the vault left over from The Edmonton Folk Festival. I assure you, they tasted good.

We repeated a portion of our interview with Our Lady Peace from their stop at the Burton Cummings Theater on May 30th, 2010.

We featured a repeat from Bucky from Winnipeg Band The Liptionians back from Episode #2.

Our next voice-mails were as follows:

Rob Medwid from Britevu - Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Absent Minded from Gem Cutterz - Montreal Quebec.

Prevail and Shane from Swollen Members (Episode 21).

Justin (Fan of Wake Up Winnipeg / Winnipeg Underground Original)

We repeated a portioned broadcast from Suave from UK Band The Heavy as we recorded it live backstage at the 2009 Jazz Winnipeg festival wrap up weekend. (Episode 5)

Aimless Paul - The King of Co-hosts (From The Aimless & Andy Show / Drifter In The Dark /UMFM).


I also shared with you a very personal recording from March 2010. A track I sang and played drums for with the help of Justin and Kyle from the Manitoba band, In The Out Door.

I recorded a cover of Leonard Cohen's hallelujah earlier this year to learn a little more about the recording process from a first hand point of view.

I would like to thank In The Out Door for their help with that.

I also made a point to thank Jared, Michael, Paul and the rest of the volunteers at UMFM 101.5 CJUM and The Aimless & Andy Team. Without the help of them, and the rest of you mentioned and missed (unintentionally) in this episode, this year would not have been as exciting as it has been.

Aside from the voice-mails, we also received a few e-mails and tweets as well:

um_student

Congrats! RT @wakeupwinnipeg: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!! CELEBRATING 1 YEAR TODAY!!! http://tinyurl.com/2de7uwm 6:00pm on 101.5 FM @UMFM

Supernovacom

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY! RT @wakeupwinnipeg: On air in three! Today's a big show! Thanks for tuning in 6:00 PM Jun 10th via HootSuite

Congratulations on the anniversary! All the best in your second year!
- Everyone at Special T Shirt Company

Congrats from Sony Music Entertainment Canada
-All the best in your second year and beyond!

And of course all of the personal wall-posts and e-mails that you all sent as well.

In addition to all of the thank you and well-wishings you posted to me, I also posted THIS VIDEO MESSAGE saying "Thank You" for all of your support in this project.

And so ends our 1 year anniversary of Wake Up Winnipeg. Thank you again to all of you who left voice-mails, e-mails and tweets wishing us a 'happy birthday'. Your support and appreciation is well received.

There are a lot of opportunities arising with our show and I look forward to sharing those opportunities with you in the days and episodes to come.

I leave you now with a quote from my first "Wake Up Winnipeg" episode in which you heard on this birthday edition.

It was the first time I had asked the question in a interview, and the answer that was given to me has made a huge impression on my outlook in this project and The Aimless & Andy Show.

"How do you define the word success? - (Me to Mike Petkau)

"As long as you're happy doing what you do, you're successful" - Mikes response.

Words to live by, and spoken by a wise man.

Thank again you all for your contributions. Please be sure to tune in again on 6/16/2010 as this episode repeats in the AM.

This episode has also been posted in iTunes.

Merci, and enjoy.

-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - Wake Up Winnipeg Turns 1 Years Old - Poster

Be sure to tune in
on June 10, 2010
for the 1 year anniversary episode
of Wake Up Winnipeg
on 101.5 UMFM.
At 6:00 PM
CST

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 46

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Aimless Andru
Air Date: 6/03/2010 on CJUM
101.5 FM / iTunes
Download Location iTunes.
Rebroadcast: 6/9/2010

Track Listings: http://aimlessandandy.blogspot.com


Here we are again for yet another episode of Wake Up Winnipeg.

This week was a great week for us as we received over 20 personal event invites from all of our friends fans and supporters, let alone the individual e-mails that we get on a daily basis.

It's been so fun growing with you all throughout the last 46 episodes and next week. . . we celebrate our 1 year mark as we launched this radio program back on June 11th of 2009!

It's been amazing to see how far this show has grown, and I can't wait to recap our year on next weeks episode. We are also taking your congratulatory voice-mails on our voice-mail box which is open 24 hours and is open to anyone.

Please check out our CONTACT PAGE if you are interested in sharing your love.

Please get these to us BEFORE THURSDAY so we can include your well wishing on our one year episode. Thank you!

This week, we talked about the various events happening locally both small and large.

We featured a track from Tom Petty who is being presented by Live Nation at the MTS Centre on June 19th. We hope to review that for you soon!

1) Tom Petty - The Last Dj.

We also had a chance to check out a couple of local favorites here in town over the weekend:



(Video: Produced/Edited by Andru Valpy)


On episode 46, I had the chance to head down to Canad Inns Fort Gary to check out Celebrations Dinner Theater presentation of "Night At The Museum of Rock & Roll".

This marks Wake Up's second visit to Celebrations, and once again I have to say. . . I was thoroughly entertained.

For any of you who liked to be wined, dined, and entertained, I would strongly suggested heading down to Celebrations be it with family, friends or loved ones. There is something to be enjoyed for people of all ages.

As a musician, artist and someone who likes to be entertained, I always enjoy visiting celebrations dinner theater, both professionally and personally.

Flat out: Night At The Museum of Rock & Roll was wicked!

As the title states, the play is in similar taste to the film "A Night at the Museum". However, instead of dinosaurs and army figures, the viewer is treated to the tastes of rock and roll legends.

Such celebrities include: Dianna Ross, Kelly Clarkson, Madonna Janis Joplin, Michael Jackon,
Little Richard, David Bowie, Bono, Elvis, Bob Segar, Paul Simon, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Jerry Lee Lewis and even Pete Townsend!

The play list was great, as always. . . over 29 tracks of rock and roll classics both past and
present.

It was hard to resist the urge to run up on stage and sing with the cast. . .

. . . oh wait. I did.

During one part of the play, I was invited to be drummer Ringo Starr, which I found funny. . .
considering I am a drummer. Needless to say, it was a blast!

It should be noted, that the cast did a stupendous job of portraying their characters and singing songs from the legends of whom they were portraying. All of the songs portrayed and featured in this production were sang 100% live from the cast!

What is even more amazing is the amount of responsibility that each cast member was accountable for. Each cast member had at least 1 lead and 1 supportive roll throughout this production! And the audience certainly loved them for it.

"Night At The Museum of Rock & Roll" is on from May 28 - July 31, 2010 at Canad Inns Fort Garry hotel located at 1824 Pembina Highway inside Celebrations
Dinner Theater.

For more information, show times, or for ticket pricing and purchase, please visit http://www.celebrations.ca or call toll free 1-877-823-8282 Or better yet. . . GO SEE IT YOURSELF!

I personally assure you that a night at celebrations dinner is well worth it!

So, until next time Winnipeg, you keep on rocking and I'll keep on rolling.

Take care and Thanks again!

-Andru