Danny Michel & Steve Poltz

Steve Poltz and Danny Michel are together again, weaving songs and stories into a one-of-a-kind experience. A night of playful energy, musical mischief, and spontaneous collaborations. Don’t miss the magic unfolding in real-time on November 19 at West End Cultural Centre.

Danny Michel
Danny is a versatile musician known for his eclectic style and thoughtful lyrics. His career highlights include collaborations with renowned artists, such as touring with Stuart McLean and working with Jane Goodall. In 2015, he collaborated with The Garifuna Collective from Belize, resulting in a critically acclaimed album and a successful tour. Additionally, he founded the DM Ocean Academy Fund to support scholarships for a community high school in Belize. In 2016, he released “Matadora,” exploring various themes such as environmentalism and pacifism. He also recorded “Khlebnikov,” an album inspired by his Arctic expedition, with arrangements by film composer Rob Carli. Besides music, Danny is active in advocating for musicians’ rights and environmental causes, and he produces short films and hosts a comedy/sci-fi/music show called “Dan’s Space Van.”

Steve Poltz
Steve Poltz consistently declares each show as the greatest of his life, maintaining an infectious energy that has made him a live phenomenon. With a diehard fanbase and appearances at renowned festivals worldwide, Poltz’s music has seeped into pop culture through collaborations with various artists. Despite numerous albums and critical acclaim, he approaches each performance with the same enthusiasm. For Poltz, every gig is an opportunity for greatness, both for himself and his audience.

Danny Michel
Social Media
Instagram
Spotify

Steve Poltz
Social Media
Instagram
Spotify

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

Tickets

$35 + Service Fees

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

Sing Me a Song You've (Never) Heard Before

The Winnipeg Arts Council is proud to present Sing me a song you’ve (never) heard before, an exploration of words that give us place, a sense of home in the unknown.

It’s all part of City of Song: a celebration of Winnipeg’s 150th birthday taking place throughout 2024. City of Song showcases the best of Winnipeg’s talents and creates spaces for Winnipeggers to engage in the power of singing with friends and neighbours across the city.

Featuring artists from across disciplines, Sing me a song… is the world premiere of Too Far to Walk, a song cycle composed by Karen Sunabacka with poetry by John Samson Fellows. Sunabacka takes existing text from Samson Fellows’ work as lyricist for The Weakerthans and as a solo artist, and resets them with new original compositions for piano (Lisa Rumpel) and voice (Aaron Hutton).

This exciting new work was commissioned with the generous support of the Winnipeg Arts Council and City of Song, and will be performed by Lisa Rumpel and tenor Aaron Hutton, two of the city’s most renowned and in-demand operatic musicians. The night will also include a special collaboration between Winnipeg Poet Laureate Chimwemwe Undi and cellist Nathan Krahn, as well as a performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Theresa Thor. 

Full bios of all performers are available on the City of Song website 

This event is presented in partnership with 101.5 UMFM.

For tickets and additional information, please visit www.cityofsong.c
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Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$11.98

All tickets subject to service fees

Make Poverty History Fundraising Concert

Help us raise funds to advocate for an end to poverty in Manitoba! 

Make Poverty History Manitoba is back with our awareness and fundraising concert. The event will be hosted by CBC radio host Faith Fundal and features Andrina Turenne and LOGs with Greg MacPherson. This is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate and to build our movement for change. 

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$25

All tickets subject to service fees

Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2024

Screening of short films

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour is back with its highly anticipated 8th season. It features an exhilarating selection of 8 new short films that showcase the inspiring journeys of remarkable women who have fearlessly pursued adventure in various fields. This year's tour promises to captivate audiences with incredible stories of determination, courage, and triumph.

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour has been celebrated for its unique approach to showcasing women achieving their adventurous goals. Unlike traditional adventure films focusing solely on extreme feats, this tour aims to inspire everyone to step outside their comfort zone and challenge their boundaries – their personal Everest. It's a celebration of bravery, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit within us.

This event is co-presented by The West End Cultural Centre, and local independent outdoor outfitter, Wilderness Supply. We are proud to collaborate to bring attention and encouragement to women in outdoor sports and outdoor spaces. 6 women-owned businesses will have displays set up at the event. Come take in some inspiration, and meet some local folks who love the outdoors! The outdoors is for everyone! 

Wednesday November 13th West End Cultural Centre

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$20

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

Vina Dimayuga

For fans of Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Erika Badu, Maiko Watson

Vina Dimayuga loves to sing. A proud Filipina-Canadian, Vina has been busy with Folklorama, her own concerts, music competitions (Hello 2X Musical Theatre winner of the Provincial Music & Arts Festival!), and the recent Winnipeg Fringe musical theatre production MA-BUHAY! She has been building her career, and studying hard as a music therapy student at Canadian Mennonite University. And now, the time has come for a Manitoba Musician Right of Passage: Her first show at The WECC. Amazing! Bravo! 

“This concert at The WECC will reflect my musical journey, from singing beloved Filipino ballad standards to modern pop and R&B hits, while sharing my passion for musical theatre. There’s something in this concert for everyone.” 

Vina continues to share and use music to help heal, connect, and inspire others, while creating a more inclusive space for BIPOC musicians within the field.

Sunday, November 10,

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$15-$20

All tickets subject to service fees

David Francey

Saturday, November 9, 8:00pm

Trad / Poet / Canadiana

For fans of James Keelaghan, Stan Rogers, Lenny Gallant, The Group of Seven, Rankin Family

Join us for an unforgettable evening with David Francey, one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers, at the West End Cultural Centre. Born in Scotland and raised in Canada, Francey spent decades working in rail yards and construction sites, crafting poetry and melodies that resonate deeply with audiences. Encouraged by his wife, he released his first album in 1999, and has since won four Juno Awards, and numerous other accolades. Known for his clear, simple songs and for championing the Everyman, Francey's music is a rich blend of authentic folk storytelling and melodic simplicity. Don't miss this chance to experience his heartfelt songs and stories live in concert.

"David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day." Shelter Valley Folk Festival

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$30-$35

All tickets subject to service fees

Aleksi Campagne

Folk, Roots

For fans of: Half Moon Run, Patrick Watson, Gordon Lightfoot, Alex Helsby, Connie Kaldor

When playing live, Aleksi Campagne floors audiences by singing while bowing his violin. His original music blends folk songwriting with an edgy, multi-layered sound resulting from his unique combination of voice, violin and looping-effect pedals. In a full-page spread in the Montreal Gazette, Brennan Kelly described him as “not just a folksinger with a guitar!”

Aleksi's debut album, For the Giving, is about all the firsts of growing up–from first loves to first moves, the first steps of your career and even first breakups. The album features 10 songs, but 20 tracks—each of the 10 songs are fully translated to offer a full English and a full french version. 

Aleksi Campagne is uniquely qualified to offer a contemporary, indie-folk take on the time-honoured fiddle-singing tradition. At five years old, he began performing alongside his mother, Canadian folk icon, Connie Kaldor.

Flora Luna evokes the pre-storm exhilaration of the prairies, capturing the electric charge in the air, a deep contemplation, and shifting moods, in both English and French. In March 2024, Flora Luna unveiled her debut EP titled "L'autre bord du mur," a work that is sincere, confident, and captivating, resonating with the authenticity of a fully flourishing artist.

Friday, November 8

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$20-$25

All tickets subject to service fees

Jane Siberry

Indie Folk

For fans of K.D. Lang, Sarah Slean, Sarah McLachlan, Concrete Blonde

Jane Siberry’s work is far reaching. She wrote Calling All Angels, famously covered by K.D. Lang. She’s had songs in a ton of movies, including The Crow (1994), As Good as it Gets (1997), Final Destination (2000), and many, many more. She has toured extensively, offering her enigmatic energy and style to audiences worldwide.

Jane Siberry is a highly respected figure in the international music scene with a career spanning over four decades, is starting her upcoming tour on November 5 in Winnipeg and concluding on December 3 in New York City. Known for her ethereal voice, poetic lyrics, and genre-defying sound, Jane has captivated audiences worldwide since the 1980s, delivering an impressive catalog of 15 studio albums and countless live performances.

This tour marks an exciting chapter in Jane's career as she introduces her new album, “season one,” a project born out of the stillness and introspection of the pandemic. The album is being released one song at a time, beginning in autumn 2024, each track offering reflection on aspects of human endurance in Siberry's unique voice. With topics ranging from Atlantis to cash bailout to hospital waiting rooms to mice-as-teachers, the recording is an exploration that offers an intriguing perspective.

Jane's live performances are renowned for their emotional depth, humourous and moving storytelling, and the spontaneous magic that happens when she is on stage. Tour audiences can expect an intimate and transformative concert experience, blending classics from her repertoire with new pieces.

Son of Dave is an established international act based in London, U.K., and his native Canada. Nobody does what he does. It's unique and hugely funky. Based in the blues, his music travels to an audience of all types.

A world renowned one-man harmonica and beatbox party, with well crafted songs, percussion, jokes and a huge sound packing a dance-floor every time. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada he has a long history and puts on an unforgettable live show.

As a recording artist, he songs have been used in huge TV shows, feature films, and on rotation on national radio stations in UK, France, Italy, Switzerland. Listen close and you might recognize him from The Crash Test Dummies, where he got his start.

Tuesday, November 5, 8:00pm

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$30-$35

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

Hasta Luego with The Mariachi Ghost and friends

Saturday, November 2, 2024
8:00 PM / West End Cultural Centre

Seminal Winnipeg band The Mariachi Ghost is about to step away from the limelight for a little bit.

For 15 years the band has endeavored to deliver a unique show that dances in the light of many musical genres and takes us to a theatrical, visceral place.

Now in their 40's the band is taking time to re-develop their craft. learn new things, be parents and live life to make room for the creation of new work.

Come celebrate with them and catch them in the last opportunity for a while.

Instagram 

Facebook

Youtube

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$25

All tickets subject to service fees

Leaf Rapids with Two Crows for Comfort

Cinematic Canadiana, Manitoba Motown, or Spacey Spaghetti Western. Critics can’t decide.

For fans of Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Kacey Chambers, Heavy Diamond Ring, Mathias Angelhus

Leaf Rapids is a small isolated town in Northern Manitoba where Aurora Borealis graffitis the winter skies. It is also the borrowed moniker of this Winnipeg band featuring sweet and smoky harmonies, luscious guitar licks, the eerie sound of the theremin, and a bassline that walks the talk.

Keri Latimer, Devin Latimer, Joanna Miller and Chris Dunn are realists and dreamers. They are chemistry professors, dry-wallers, child rearers, and custodians of the night that croon about love as it applies to vultures, barbershop stabbings, satellites and velvet paintings to name a few. 

On the recently released third Leaf Rapids record, Velvet Paintings, veteran Winnipeg songwriter Keri Latimer makes room for the world. Over a lush palette of roots music—ethereal folk, driving country, and wiry honky-tonk—she shifts her gaze to the environments around her, observing and reflecting on their movements and the movements of the people who direct their motion. While the JUNO Award-winning Latimer has always been a keen seer and interpreter of places and people— as evidenced on Leaf Rapids' globetrotting, identity-investigating 2019 album Citizen Alien— she's never focused her pen outward to the extent she does in the songs of Velvet Paintings. "I'm trying to explore more hopeful areas of this world," she explains. "And I think I just let go of a lot of things."

Two Crows for Comfort

MCMA’s 2021 Roots Duo/Group of the Year, Two Crows for Comfort are a touring folk-roots duo from the prairie wonderland of Manitoba. These wandering troubadours, accompanied by their pup, Elliot, travel across North America in an 18 foot camper, playing countless shows from coast to coast to coast.

They have opened for some of their heroes including Bruce Cockburn, Ani DiFranco and Pokey LaFarge and have released two full-length albums. Their third project, a 2 volume EP ‘Next To Me’, is available now.

Friday, November 1, 8:00pm

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$30-35

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

I Heart Zeppelin

Rock, Metal, Power Ballads

For fans of Heart and Led Zeppelin (obvi), Yes, Black Sabbath, Jimmy Hendrix, The Doors, Jefferson Starship

I Heart Zepplin: A Tribute to Iconic Rock Legends

Sometimes, you’ve gotta postpone a show due to band illness. 

The show is rescheduled to Sunday October 27, the earliest date we could find. We understand this may be an enormous inconvenience to you and apologize for any discomfort caused. 

As you know we care enormously about the health and safety of our performers, and we must prioritize their well being. 

We hope to see you ALL on the new date now you have times to invite more friends and maybe those bell bottoms you ordered will arrive  JUST in time.  If you need a refund, please give us a call.

Here is a message from the band:

Heart Lovers and Zep Heads! We are gutted to announce that whatever it is that’s going around right now… is going around the band. We sure wouldn’t want to play this music for you without being in the tiptop shape the music and you deserve. However, we are currently climbing the Stairway to Healthy and are determined to Go Crazy On You October 27 (instead). We can’t tell you how much we are looking forward to this show and we hope we can see you on the new date. Thank you so much for understanding!

Step into a time machine with I Heart Zepplin, the ultimate tribute band that pays homage to two of rock history’s most legendary acts—Heart and Led Zeppelin. Formed by a collective of Winnipeg’s finest musicians, this powerhouse ensemble brings together Sol James (Heitha Forsyth) and jonny moonbeam (Daniel Jordan of Red Moon Road), backed a stellar lineup featuring Alex Campbell, Rob Gardiner, and Cole Zabloski, played by the music that influenced them, and the generation before them.

I Heart Zepplin offers a high-voltage journey through rock’s golden era, with a meticulously crafted show that celebrates the indelible legacy of Heart and Led Zeppelin. Heart, fronted by the formidable Wilson Sisters, broke barriers in a male-dominated hard rock world. Their powerhouse performances and iconic hits showed the world that women could not only rock as hard as anyone but dominate the charts better than most. And let’s not forget Led Zeppelin—the band that redefined rock music and inspired generations with their epic sound and finger breaking guitar riffs.

With I Heart Zepplin, you’re in for a double dose of greatness. The first set will take you through a smorgasbord of Heart’s classics, from the anthemic "Barracuda" to the heart-wrenching "Alone," performed with the same fiery passion and precision that the Wilson Sisters brought to the stage. Then, hold on tight as they dive into a second set dedicated to Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits, played note for note with a reverence that only true fans can deliver. 

Will they play "Stairway to Heaven"? It's up to Wayne and Garth (Please see the Wayne’s World movie if you do not get this reference). 

Rest assured, with Sol James’ unparalleled vocal versatility, I Heart Zepplin is more than equipped to tackle Robert Plant’s soaring highs and Ann Wilson’s operetic prowess, making this a night that will leave even the most die-hard fans satiated.

So dust off your bell bottoms, crank up your nostalgia, and get ready for an unforgettable night with I Heart Zepplin. This isn’t just a tribute band; it’s a celebration of rock history’s finest moments, delivered by musicians who bring their own virtuosity to the stage. Prepare for a show where the music isn’t just played—it’s brought back to life.

Sunday, October 27th

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$25-$30

All tickets subject to service fees

A Halloween Drag Story Time Event

Sunday, October

Drag story time is all about fun! It is about costumes and dress-up and expression and characters. It is about diversity. It is about community. It is about queer joy. And this time, it is also about Halloween! We are delighted to welcome Satina Loren and Miss Assuma Gender for this Safe Halloween event.

Dress: Please do come in costume. Dressing as your regular self is also fine.

Safe Halloween: Community organizations like Spence Neighbourhood Association and others will be set up in the ACU room off the lobby. They will have tables with resources, as well as activities and some trick or treating treats!

Readers: Satina and Miss Gender will read 4 childrens’ books

Ages: Recommended for kids ages 1-101. Book reading levels will be geared toward ages 3-8.

Books: The books are kindly donated by Prairie Sky Books.

Book Titles:

“The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

“This Book Is Not For You!” by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Tracy Subisak

“Halloween Is Coming!” by Cal Everett, illustrated by Lenny Wen

“When Aidan Became A Brother” by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

If you are interested in purchasing these books, please call Prairie Sky Books at 204-774-6152. If they are not in stock, the team would be happy to special order them for you! Please support local bookstores.

Space: Story Time happens in the Ventura Concert Hall, our big theatre space. Some tables. Some chairs, some floor space. Stories will be read on the stage, we’ll project the pages on a big screen.

Activities: Colouring in the theatre during reading. Crafts and activities in ACU room (the room off the lobby) before and after the readings.

Sensory Needs: Attendees are welcome to take breaks, sit where they are comfortable, bring a favourite comfort object etc, whatever is needed to feel comfortable in the space.

Diaper Change Area: There will be tables set up in the ACU room off the lobby.

Quiet space: During the reading the lobby will be quiet, during activity time Ventura will be quieter.

Our Readers

Satina Loren is one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated drag queens, being the recipient of prestigious awards and titles, including Miss Club 200 and Winnipeg’s Next Drag Superstar. Taking inspiration from fairytales, old Hollywood starlets and fantasy, her calendars and shows have raised thousands of dollars for local LGBT charities. As Empress 15 and 25 of Winnipeg and as one of the House of Gold Diamonds Divas, she’s no stranger to throwing and promoting a great party! One thing to remember is: she’s not bad, she’s just drawn that way.

Last year she dressed as Ariel from The Little Mermaid. We are honoured to have Satina returning for our second annual Story Time.

Miss Assuma Gender is the current Imperial Crown Prince and former Mx Queer Winnipeg. Miss Gender has performed at many Drag Story Times around the city as well as the Queer Bingo events that Sunshine House hosts at the West End Cultural Centre. We are excited to have this wonderful member of the Sunshine Bunch join us for this event.

Sunday, October 27th

Doors - 1:00pm
Reading - 2:00pm

All Ages

$0-$10

Adam Baldwin with special guest Mariel Buckley

Roots, Alt Folk

For fans of Jim Cuddy, Old Man Luedeke, Jan Arden, Del Barber

Singer songwriter Adam Baldwin brings a certain honesty to a show. There’s something about this Nova Scotian artist and the piano keys. It just hits. Maybe you first heard him in his set on CBC’s Q with Tom Power. Maybe you tuned in during his pandemic streamed concerts, the Chin Up Sessions, or maybe you checked him out after his numerous East Coast Music Award wins. Wherever that first listen happens, Adam’s east coast storytelling, Americana sound, and unguarded vulnerability just ring true. His most recent release, Concertos & Serenades, takes perspective on his Atlantic home and its many characters.

“I feel like a lot of these stories just kinda flew in on the west wind off Porter's Lake or off the Atlantic Ocean here,” Baldwin says. “And there's a lot of stories to be told. Just from livin' out here, some of the people you meet - there're some hard, hard men and women out here who worked their asses off out on the ocean for decades. They're different types of people, man, and they’ve got different stories to tell, and I felt like they'd been left out of our song writing tradition for a few years.”

Clarity is one of Adam’s gifts, but there’s no rose coloured glasses here. With Adam’s songs it’s more like he’s seeing his life and his home through a broken lens. We see all the cracks, both the light and the dark. Come hear for yourself, it’s gonna be great.

Mariel Buckley

Unapologetically genuine, wry, and soft-hearted - Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. She aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: singing and writing songs for the underdog.

Her candor and magnetic live show have been charming listeners across North America since her debut LP, Driving In The Dark [2018]. Now with thousands of miles under her belt, Buckley looks to turn country/folk music on its head, with her follow-up album, Everywhere I Used To Be [2022]. Anchored by the haunting whine of the pedal steel, rounded out by heavy synth pads and produced by Marcus Paquin (The Weather Station, The Barr Brothers, Arcade Fire, The National), the resulting collection is a driving, swooning, toe-tapping catharsis; sealed and delivered by Buckley’s signature crooning brand of angst-ridden alt-folk.

Buckley and Paquin made an intentional move towards decidedly pop/contemporary production, and quickly found themselves in a daily rhythm of deconstructing and rebuilding each song to find its full potential. Backed by some of Canada’s finest session musicians, their collective efforts are showcased with abundant heart, and skillful flourishes while respecting the space necessary for the songs to speak.

Perhaps her mysterious ambiguity around genre, traditional storytelling, and identity is what gives these new songs such an honest shine. Buckley continues to be a trailblazer in her own right, with a firm grip on the steering wheel and a destination in mind - we’re just happy to be along for the ride.

Saturday, October 26, 8:00pm

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$25

All tickets subject to service fees

Queen Priyanka - The Devastatia Tour

Pop

For fans of Britney Spears, spectacle, Canada’s Drag Race, devastation

Celebrating the release of her anticipated album Priyanka is on her North American Tour. Because Priyanka can SING! She’s the whole package, folks.

Priyanka (also known as Mark Suknanan, born May 28, 1991) is a Canadian drag queen and television personality, best known for winning the first season of Canada's Drag Race in 2020. Raised in Whitby, Ontario, Mark initially worked as a host on YTV, a Canadian children's network.

Priyanka quickly became a standout in Toronto's drag scene with her vibrant energy and stunning performances, often blending her Indo-Guyanese heritage into her act. Her win on Canada's Drag Race brought her international fame.

Beyond drag, Priyanka has released music, including the single "Cake" and the EP "Taste Test." She is also a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity.

The Haileys are 100% rock and roll from Winnipeg, MB. Members Hailey Legary (guitar/vocals, Hailey Hunter (bass/vocals), and Haley Matiation (drums/percussion), The Haileys draw from their classic rock, punk and indie influences to create a sound characterized by driving rhythm, gritty guitar riffs, and catchy choruses. The Haileys' music is a sonic rollercoaster that commands attention from start to finish, so prepare for a rollicking affair.

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

Tickets

$25 - $60 + Service Fees

Queen Priyanka Meet & Greet Experience (Meet & Greet SOLD OUT)

Includes:

- One (1) General Admissions ticket 

- Access to pre-show Meet & Greet with Queen Priyanka 

- One (1) Individual photo with Queen Priyanka

- One (1) 8X10 signed personalized photo

- Priority entry into venue

- Priority access to merchandise shopping 

- Limited Availability

All tickets subject to service fees

Julian Taylor with Ila Barker

Roots, Folk, Blues

For fans of Gordon Lightfoot, smooth vocals, Rose Cousins, Craig Cardiff

"Taylor is a unique and important voice on the Canadian roots-and-folk scene." ~ The Globe and Mail, Canada

"Among Canada’s most premier songwriters. Ultimately, Taylor remains unparalleled." ~ SPILL Magazine

Juno award winning singer songwriter Julian Taylor is visiting the WECC to celebrate his latest release.

Julian Taylor is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician known for his versatile blend of folk, rock, soul, and roots music. He was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and is of mixed Mohawk and Caribbean descent.

Julian began his music career as a member of the band Staggered Crossing, which achieved notable success in the Canadian music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. After the band disbanded, Julian pursued a solo career, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend various genres.

In 2013, he formed the Julian Taylor Band, which further cemented his reputation as a dynamic and talented performer. The band's music features a mix of soulful melodies, rock influences, and heartfelt lyrics. Their albums, including Tech Noir (2014) and Desert Star (2016), received critical acclaim.

Julian's solo work has also garnered significant attention. His 2020 album, The Ridge, was particularly well-received, earning multiple awards and nominations. The album, which features introspective songwriting and acoustic arrangements, highlights Julian's storytelling prowess and deep connection to his cultural roots.

Throughout his career, Julian Taylor has been praised for his captivating live performances and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. He continues to be an influential figure in the Canadian music landscape, celebrated for his artistry, versatility, and dedication to his craft.

Ila Barker

With soaring vocals and lyrics that wash over the heart and mind, Anishinaabe folk soul artist Ila Barker takes listeners on an introspective journey. With the grit of Brandi Carlile, the poetic storytelling of Jewel, and the charm of Gabrielle Aplin, Ila braids an eclectic sound that feels familiar and yet like nothing you’ve heard before.

Tuesday Oct 22nd West End Cultural Centre
Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$20

All tickets subject to service fees

Instagram
Spotify

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

Send + Receive v26

Performances

• Lucy Liyou

• Yes, Sydo

• Medical Museum

• Gaitrie Persaud

  Sunday, October 20, 2024
  7:30 PM / West End Cultural Centre

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 7:30pm

All Ages

$20 donation

No one turned away for lack of funds

10th Anniversary of WestEnd Commons - A Celebration and Fundraiser

Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:00 PM / West End Cultural Centre

Doors - 1:00pm
Show - 2:00pm

All Ages

$10-$30

All tickets subject to service fees

CANCELLED Miesha and The Spanks (to be rescueduled)

Cancelled due to illness. Get well soon Miesha <3.

A message from Miesha: I am so so sorry to be postponing these dates. I’ve been sick since Thursday, but following the weekend the symptoms were feeling manageable and my main concern was performing while a bug was in my system and the risk it could pose to staff, audiences, and other performers. This morning it’s moved into my throat and chest, on top of the brain fog, chills, and body aches I was fighting, and I don’t see how I can trust that I’ll be able to sing let alone have energy to be on stage this weekend. We will be prioritizing rebooking these dates, and look forward to making it up to you.
Kukstemc (Thanks) for your understanding.
- Miesha

Show description:

With The Bloodshots and Showpony

Garage Rock

For fans of: Riot Grrrrl, Bikini Kill, Mobnina Galore, The Pack AD, L7, Babes in Toyland, Banned in Atlantis, Astral Swans

Based in Calgary/Treaty 7, Miesha and The Spanks are a garage-rock two-piece who turn it all the way up. Shaking the rafters with her radiant range, Miesha Louie simultaneously wails on the mic while she riffs on her flying V, as Sean Hamilton’s performative but hard-as-heck hitting drums also captivate the crowd - revealing their undeniable chemistry on stage. High-energy performances paired with catchy power-pop sing-a-long choruses make them at home on big festival stages as well as sweaty dive bars - and they have played plenty of both!  

The release cycle of the latest album Unconditional Love In Hi-Fi has taken them across Canada and into the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, and Poland. They’ve played everywhere from 80-4000  capacity venues this year, including the Burt Block Party with Billy Talent in Winnipeg MB,  CBC’s “Come Toward The Fire” Indigenous showcase at the Chan Centre in Vancouver with  Black Belt Eagle Scout and Zoon, and support to Bif Naked on her Alberta club tour dates, to name a few. 

Whether it’s an all ages punk show or theatre showcase, Miesha and The Spanks command the audiences attention, appealing to their inner angst or nostalgia for a time when their heart’s were on fire.

Show Pony
Show Pony is a wild ride through the heart of rock and roll, dressed to thrill in cowboy hats, snake skin boots, and a shimmer of sequins. With a raw fusion of gutsy punk energy and arena-shaking rock 'n' roll, they pull listeners into their electrifying, glam-soaked universe. Their sound is a high-octane mix of soaring melodies, blistering spaghetti-western riffs, and infectious choruses that stick in your head long after the show ends. Drawing from the grit of The Gun Club, and the rebellious edge of bands like X and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Show Pony creates a live experience that's equal parts spectacle and sound—leaving crowds dazzled, breathless, and wanting more.

The Bloodshots Being one of Winnipeg's top Rock exports in the last decade, playing shows with the likes of Buckcherry, Danko Jones, Moist, Bif Naked, SLASH, Monster Truck, Three Days Grace, Finger Eleven and most recently The Burt Block Party with Sloan, I Mother Earth & The Headstones, this Indigenous led 4 piece is no stranger to the big stage. With over a quarter million streams on their singles.

Having taken home the award for BEST ROCK SINGLE for their song "No Way Out" at the Native American Music Awards in New York in 2022 and touring relentlessly since then, including a big show at the world famous Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood California earlier this year & new music steadily coming out from now until a full length in early 2025, The Bloodshots should be on everyone's radar.

CANCELLED (to be rescheduled)

Friday, October 18 Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$20-$25

All tickets subject to service fees

Send + Receive v26

Performances

• Dawuna

• Niecy Blues

• Mark Templeton

  Thursday, October 17, 2024
  7:30 PM / West End Cultural Centre

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 7:30pm

All Ages

$25 donation

No one turned away for lack of funds

The Once

Folk, Roots, Vocal Harmonies

For fans of: David Francey, Amelia Curran, The Ennis Sisters

A modern indie folk trio from Newfoundland, The Once have collected a trio of Canadian Folk Music Awards, numerous ECMA awards, and was named Artist of the Year by the Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council. They have earned not one, but two JUNO nominations for Roots Album of the Year and continue to take their music around the world.

With the release of 2024’s Out Here, The Once have delivered a thoughtful and playful assembly of songs mingling their musical roots from Newfoundland along with folk, bluegrass, country, Americana, and modern indie rock. Members Geraldine Hollett, Andrew Dale, and Phil Churchill have created a sound representative of their home province of Newfoundland while pushing the boundaries on the great Canadian songbook with their soothing vocal harmony and acoustically rich core.

This material is soaked with the poetic charm and sunny sadness of the trio’s collective disposition. Written across Newfoundland and recorded in the band’s GingerBeard House studio the band took their time creating this record.

Tuesday, October 15th

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$30-$35

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome

The Fretless

Monday, October 14, 8:00pm

Acoustic Folk, Trad Fiddling, String Quartet Sensibilities, Singer-Songwriter

For fans of: The Rankin Family, Natalie McMaster, Chris Thile, The East Pointers

Four ferocious players, masterful composition, and a genre-bending sound — Juno award-winning The Fretless is a Canadian quartet that has firmly taken its place on the map to a progressive form of “trad”.

A supergroup of celebrated solo artists, The Fretless has been creating a singular and signature sound that dares to expand the idea of what a string music quartet can be — transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world. Within what appears to be a simple and classical construct — two fiddles, a viola, and a cello — The Fretless has created a sound that is distinctly rich, multi-layered, and uniquely percussive. This tonal quality is pushing traditional music to new heights, producing a completely fresh approach to Folk music. 

The Fretless is set to release Glasswing — an album filled with breath, space, intention, and life. Opening up their writing and arranging process for the first time, they welcomed accomplished singer/songwriter Madeleine Roger to co-write three songs. 

(P.S. Madeleine Roger will be back at The WECC Nov 23rd for her home town album release celebration! Check out her newest work, Nerve, wherever you listen to music.)

"You can feel the live audience leaning forward, reflecting the lilting energy of the modern-flavoured percussive chopping and the timeless jig and reel drive back to the Fretless, who give it directly back to their audience. It's almost as if they know they're transporting each listener to a back porch, dance hall, or barn party with every bow stroke."

— The Bluegrass Situation

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$30-$35

All tickets subject to service fees

Luke Kidgell - Happy Hour

After his sold out International ‘Cheers to that!’ tour, Luke Kidgell is back on the road with his brand-new show ‘Happy Hour’.

Luke has amassed over 3.5 Million fans online for his viral stand up videos, often showcasing outrageous and quick witted crowd interactions.

Luke is also known for co-hosting the Luke and Meg Podcast, the BLT podcast and for his multiple comedy specials which feature on YouTube and Amazon Prime. Now he is bringing his brand new stand up show 'Happy Hour' all around the world.

“The show is literally called happy hour, I dunno, it will be fun. Just buy a ticket” — Luke Kidgell, when asked what should be written in the show description.

You've seen him on the internet, now it's time to see him in real life, this is not one to miss!

Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 7:30pm

Tickets

$50.00 + Service Fees

All tickets subject to service fees

Terra Lightfoot w/ Ryland Moranz

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
8:00 PM / West End Cultural Centre

Rock.

For fans of Hawsksley Workman, Boy Golden, Adam Baldwin, Sarah Harmer, Joel Plasket, Begonia, and Whitehorse

Canadian Rock and Roll powerhouse Terra Lightfoot is revisiting the WECC, this time with her new album Healing Power in hand. 

Healing Power delivers the peerless pop-rock album that fans have long known she always had in her. The set captures the crackling chemistry of the core live trio — most of the album finds Lightfoot backed by bassist Elijah Abrams and Blue Rodeo’s Glenn Milchem on drums. This compact and capable team of players reinforces the strengths of Lightfoot's remarkable material. From hand-clapping head-turner “Cross Border Lovers” through the cinematic ballad “Out Of Time” that closes it, Lightfoot’s artistic range is again on full display, and her musical talents never short of dazzling. A buoyant pop-rock record at its core, Healing Power is a prismatic tour de force from the charismatic rocker.  

The album’s cover photo sets the scene — a striking European larch at the edge of the timberline, high above a grassy plateau, Limestone Alps rising in the distance like a dream just out of reach. Alone in Austria, ahead of a string of solo European dates, and a third of the way into a sprawling world tour, Lightfoot found herself on a mountain-top beneath that tree, singing and playing guitar, touching grass and drilling into the depths of her emotions. 

“The story,” Lightfoot says, “is that everything comes back around. It was my idea to call the record Healing Power, and I thought of the most healing place that I knew in the world. That tree taught me about perseverance. It was the only tree living at that altitude. It just kept growing. And I knew I had to be like that too: just to keep growing and changing.”

Ryland Moranz has come into his own in these strange times. A folk/bluegrass multi instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Lethbridge, Alberta in the traditional territory of the  Siksika, Piikani and Kainai peoples, Ryland has stepped into the great beyond, empathetically exploring his own stories and the stories of others. His compositions span bygone days, the here and now, and what may yet be to come, both for himself and for us all. 

Ryland’s anticipated forthcoming album, “Better/Worse” will be released with Tonic Records on  November 15th, 2024. Recorded at Barnhouse Studio on Vancouver Island by John Raham (Frazey Ford,  Dan Mangan) and produced by Leeroy Stagger. 

Ryland Moranz will be on tour in Australia and New Zealand for seven weeks this October and November.

You are invited, as always.

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Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 8:00pm

All Ages

$25-$30

All tickets subject to service fees

Tune In Youth Music Lessons

This after school drop-in program offers free music instruction on the guitar, bass, drums, voice, and keyboards for youth ages 8-18. Professional musicians provide two hours of instruction and mentorship every Tuesday during the school year with all instruments provided through a grant from Music Counts.

4-6 PM

Ages 8-18

Caregivers and younger siblings welcome