Links
Have a link you think Nicky should add to this page?
These are the fabulous people who help make it possible for musicians like me to finance our
recordings and tours. They are also responsible for assisting the city's most talented filmmakers
in the production of their films. I can't say enough good things about Manitoba Film & Sound and
the great people that run this organization (particularly Kevin Walters); without them, our music
would not reach the myriad places and people it does.
Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association
With Executive Director/singer-songwriter extraordinaire Sam Baardman at the helm and the
multi-talented Hal Brolund at his side, MARIA is one of the driving forces behind the Winnipeg
music scene. This organization builds the infrastructure needed to support our community by
lobbying government for much-needed funds, offering training in various music-related fields,
and publishing industry newsletters and directories (among many more services). Most importantly,
they offer guidance, advice, and support to the city's budding and established musicians alike.
If you have any questions about the Manitoba music scene, this is the place to call (204 942 8650).
If you have never been to this festival, you are missing out on one brilliant opportunity to
fall in love! Held at Bird's Hill Park, a mere 20 minute drive from the outskirts of the Winnipeg,
this nearly 30 year old festival of folk, world, blues, celtic (you name it) music is the pride of
our city. It is a world-renowned 4-day music extravaganza that attracts upwards of 40,000 people to
its 6 stages, crafts tents and campgrounds. Check out performers like Martin Sexton, Stephen Fearing,
Dar Williams alongside local acts such as Christine Fellows, Cara Luft and Art Turner. A true
goldmine of established and emerging artists. Our new artistic director Rick Fenton is sure to
have some great things lined up for the 2002 season.
Nestled in the heart of Winnipeg's beautiful Wolseley community you'll find a cozy little shop
filled to the brim with acoustic guitars, upright basses, drums, banjos and mandolins. On a
Saturday afternoon you will find about half a dozen of the city's finest players jamming along on
a bluegrass tune and sipping what is arguably Winnipeg's finest java. Owner John Sharples
has taken great pains to provide a place for the community of musicians to hang out, talk shop,
get repairs, and perform. Come by and check out a hand-made guitar, buy some strings, or ask John
about the summer festival he helps organize in June.
Headed by Lloyd Peterson and Neil Cameron, Private Ear is one of Winnipeg's premier recording
studios. An impressive collection of recording equipment (about which I know appallingly little
but which I try to befriend when I record), four of the most astute ears in the city, a track
record which includes the likes of The Guess Who, The Watchmen, and The Weakerthans, and a room
in which to crash and/or play pool make this a fine, fine place to lay your music down.
Check 'em out.
My new national distributor, Edmonton's Spirit River Distribution boasts an impressive
catalogue of Canadian talent. From Ben Sures to Paul Bellows, Painting Daisies to Gerald LaRoche,
Spirit River spreads the word and the music around about exciting new acts of every genre. Check
out the website. There are links to most artists' home pages and a place to buy all the discs.
Support your independent organizations!
THE ARTISTS
Winnipeg knows no limits when it comes to great musicians. Check these ones out:
www.artturner.com
And some great out-of-towners:
www.martynjoseph.com
And a fabulous photographer:
Here
is a list if links to some interesting and vital alternative press, environmental and social
organizations. I will add more as I discover them. Again, feel free to let me know of any
that you find worthwhile and I'll check them out and possibly post them.
Some great magazines/alternative press:
The Sun Magazine is possibly my favorite magazine in the world. Beautiful writing, a
brilliant section called "Reader's write in", and inspiring essays about life,
compassion, and struggle make this a worthwhile read. Sometimes hard to find, you can buy
The Sun at Prairie Sky Books and McNally Robinson in Winnipeg or at any store that
specializes in alternative magazines and products.
The Nation
and Z Magazine Magazines
The Nation and Z Magazine are rags devoted to offering a critical alternative to mainstream
mass media. Interesting and provocative analysis of current American events--you may not
agree with it all, but it will make you think.
Adbusters is the mainstay of anti-consumerist popular literature. From "Buy Nothing Day"
to culture-jamming with its anti-commercial commercials, Adbusters is an inspiring
deconstruction of corporate, consumer culture.
The Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association site offers information and links for people
wanting to learn more about the organization, its services and mental health issues
in general.
Executive director David Northcott has always maintained that he will know his organization
was a success when it no longer exists. Winnipeg Harvest feeds the city's growing
population of hungry and poverty-stricken people. Check this site out for information
and ways to help.
Amnesty International's Canadian site
Amnesty International's Canadian site. Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of
human rights activists and financial supporters. They work together to prevent violations
of people’s fundamental civil and political human rights by governments and opposition
groups. AI received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 and today is among the most highly
respected human rights organizations in the world.
A fast, easy and free way to make a difference. Every time you go to this site and
click on the "Give Free Food" button, some of the world's needy receive food. Visit
every day!
Same idea as the above site except you can click to save portions of the world's
ever-dwindling rainforests. Both sites offer information as well as links to other
sites and businesses that support this effort.
You guessed it, go click on the "Fund free mammograms" button as often as you can.
More information on the state of the environment offered up by the same people who
work with the rainforest site.
Suzuki has always been one of the most accessible speakers on the environment and his
foundation is a proactive, vital answer to current environmental concerns and problems.
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list
Email her at nickus@mb.sympatico.ca
www.markreeves.com
www.rickunruh.com
www.caraluft.com
www.theweakerthans.com
www.gen-x.com/edmond-dufort
www.easilyamused.ca
www.thelovedaddys.com
www.escape.ca/~wyrds
www.mosesmayes.com
www.christinefellows.com
www.jaylenejohnson.com
www.steveschellenberg.com
www.yellowpencil.com/ainsley
www.paulbellows.com
www.ediecarey.com
www.bensures.com
www.paintingdaisies.com
www.roblamothe.com
www.jonathabrooke.com
www.sheeba.ca
www.darwilliams.com
www.plasticine.net
Other interesting sites: