Music, MTS, Movies, and Montreal

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Music-loving MTS TV customers have something new to tune into starting October 1. MTS Winnipeg on Demand has launched free programming focused on the local music scene, offering plenty of chances to catch Manitoba acts on Manitoba stages. All you have to do is find the "VOD" button on your remote. (It's on the right, a little above the middle.)

The highly-anticipated Live at the West End will no doubt be a popular option. The six-part series features performances by a diverse group of Manitoba acts, including country act Bryce Pallister, singer/songwriter Cat Jahnke, Francophone singer/songwriter Daniel ROA, acoustic pop troubadour JP Hoe, rock outfit Telepathic Butterflies, and blues rockers Dr. Rage & The Uppercuts. Filmed at the West End Cultural Centre in June in HD and produced by Johnny Marlow in association with Absurd Machine Films and MTS Winnipeg On Demand, the series grew out of a special televised concert two years ago, which was broadcast on Shaw TV.

"There has not been a concert series that focuses on Manitoba talent since the days of 10 O'clock Live and it's follow up show 10:30 Live. I remember watching these shows when I was too young to go to the bars," says Marlow. "It gave me a chance to see bands in their element. I also got to see bands I might never have thought to check out."

Viewers can also get a little history with their music in the form of Randy Frykas' documentary, Call to Arms: The Story of the Royal Albert. Produced by Jeff Newman, the film features interviews and stories from the likes of Bif Naked, John Kendle, Johnny Sizzle, Ian Blurton, members of U.K. Subs, Nomeansno, Sloan, and more. You can also watch the film in the legendary Royal Albert Arms itself at the October 8 screening. Meanwhile,  watch the trailer here.

Click here to read Frykas and Marlow's interview with the Winnipeg Free Press' Rob Williams.

We're The Weakerthans. We're From Winnipeg, is set to hit MTS Winnipeg on Demand in coming months. Produced by Farpoint Films and directed by Caelum Vadnsdal, it’s a feature-length concert and tour film featuring rock favourites, The Weakerthans.

Also on the MTS Winnipeg on Demand horizon, a mini-series, Quinzy Breaks Singapore, following pop quartet Quinzy during the band's recent stay in Singapore.

One thing you can't find on MTS is Pop Montreal. Boats, Oldfolks Home, and Greg MacPherson are headed to the city of awesome bagels, beer, and cheese to showcase at the annual fête. In honour of the event, Boats is offering up a brand new track courtesy of Montreal arts blog, Midnight Poutine. Entitled "TV Scientist," the song kinda keeps the whole TV theme going.

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