Manitoba musicians are speaking out against a problem that is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society: bullying.
In a short video directed by Storm The Castle Media's Jarrod Tully, Drew Kozub from BT Winnipeg and over a dozen Manitoba artists lent their voices to the cause. The hope is that it will raise awareness for the issue that makes life painful for countless and help prevent more tragic suicides.
“There seem to be more and more reports of kids killing themselves because of bullying,” said Tully. “I think it's something that needs more exposure. Just letting kids know there are places they can go for help is important because I think a lot of times they feel so isolated and don't realize how much support is out there.”
The video tackles the issue by having the musicians provide statistics and tips to help understand the problem and tell viewers how they can stop or avoid it. The video says that, according to a 2011 Ipsos-Reid survey, 25 per cent of girls and 17 per cent of boys have witnessed online harassment. One in five Canadian teens have witnessed online bullying.
“The response I got was great so I just started approaching musicians randomly who I had never met or spoken to before,” said Tully. “They were extremely supportive. I've always felt the most impactful messages come from the united voice of a community rallying together, so it was great that so many musicians were willing to stand behind the cause.”
Imaginary Cities’ vocalist Marti Sarbit said there is one thing everyone can do to help stop bullying.
“Continue speaking out against it,” said Sarbit. “Bullying should be seen as wrong and unacceptable. We need to teach kids to treat others as they want to be treated.”
The video features appearances from Sarbit, Don Amero, member od Lost Weekend, The Wailin’ Jennys, Don Amero, Keith & Renee, The Noble Thiefs, Les Jupes, The Treble, Take Me To The Pilot, and more.
For more information on anti-bullying, please visit stopabully.ca.
Four Manitoba acts are packing up their guitars and their cowboy boots and heading to Saskatoon to showcase at this year’s PotashCorp Country Music Week. Presented by Manitoba Music, with the Manitoba Counry Music Association, at Amigos Cantina on September 7, the Manitoba Showcase will feature performances by some of the province’s best emerging country talent, including: JUNO Award-nominated singer/songwriter Del Barber; upbeat duo Keith & Renée; crooner Jerry Sereda; and country/pop newcomer Kyla Cederwall.
Country music fans are saddling up for the Dauphin's Countryfest, June 28 – July 1. The four day festival hosts 24 mainstage acts plus two additional stages with bands that span the country, blues, roots, rock genres and beyond.
A dozen Manitoba acts hit the Countryfest stages this year, including award winning blues/roots rocker Romi Mayes, new country family duo D’Aoust Brothers, singer/songwriter Kayla Luky, and Western Canadian Music Award nominees Keith and Renee. Other Manitobans playing the fest include rock legends Bachman & Turner, Big Dave McLean, Take With Audio, Day After Nashville, Still Standing, Ryan Keown, Dagnabbit, and Hot Stone Road.
Another week, another great line-up of Manitoba songs in the Prairie Playlist! Listen to Up To Speed every weekday between 3 and 3:30 p.m. for Ismaila Alfa's pics and hear them all on SCENE On Airevery Saturday at 5 p.m., CBC Radio One. Here are this week's tunes...
Keith and Renée is hitting the road next month with Canadian superstar, Jann Arden. The country/pop duo will open for Arden on nine dates in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, ending with a concert at the Pantages Playhouse in the duo's hometown of Winnipeg.
