Contact Us

Sean McManus
Executive Director

Sean joined Manitoba Music in 2002 as the first training coordinator and returned in 2007 after a stint in Toronto. He is a graduate of Brandon University School of Music and has a Masters degree in Musicology/Ethnomusicology from York University. Sean has taught music and theatre, and toured with the folk band the Dust Poets for 10 years. At Manitoba Music, Sean developed training programs, expanded international export and market development, and created business development programs. He sits on several local and national creative industry boards and advisory committees.

Ashley Bieniarz
Indigenous Music Development Coordinator (Term)
(She / Her)

Ashley Bieniarz joined the team full-time in 2019 as administrative assistant after some time with us in 2018 as a summer student. She has been involved in the local music scene since 2015 as an avant-pop artist. While completing her Bachelor of Music in classical piano at the University of Manitoba, she created and continues to host the campus radio show and podcast the Winnipeg Music Project. Through Creative Manitoba’s Youth Mentorship Program, Ashley interned at BreakOut West in 2016 and is currently working with local singer/songwriter Jaylene Johnson. She has also been a volunteer with Manitoba Music for the past couple years. You’ll find her at the front desk during regular office hours.

Talk to Ashley about Indigenous Music Development Program projects and Manitoba Music's open mic night.

Claire Boning
Membership & Events Coordinator
(She / Her)

Claire Boning joined the Manitoba Music team in 2016 as program assistant and is now our membership and events coordinator. She'll be working in members services and running logistics on many of Manitoba Music’s events. She brings with her years of experience doing clerical, reception, and administrative work with Winnipeg companies, including two law firms. 

Talk to Claire about joining Manitoba Music or renewing your membership, if you need some help with your online profile, Market Access Fund, Youth Mentorship Program, PASSPORT: Music Export Summit, and whenever you’re not quite sure who you should be connecting with.

Ginaya Jesmer
Indigenous Music Development Intern
(She / Her)

Ginaya Jesmer joins as the Indigenous Music Development Intern for summer 2021. She is an Oji-Cree woman with over six years of radio experience as co-host for CKUW 95FM’s Only Cowards Sing at Night and Static on the Prairies. She spent many years photographing concerts and writing album reviews for Stylus Magazine and is currently pursuing a Creative Communications degree at Red River College with a specialization in Advertising & Marketing Communications.

Jacques Richer
Coordonnateur du développement de la musique francophone /
Francophone Music Development Coordinator
(He / Him)

Jacques joined Manitoba Music in 2018. Richer is no stranger to the local music scene. He’s been playing music locally for two decades, currently as a member of punk rock outfit, Screaming at Traffic, which was recently signed to UK indie label Little Rocket Records. He has spent time booking shows, DIY tours, and press for bands from all over North America. He’s also built up his marketing and admin chops, most recently at a law office.

Talk to Jacques about the Francophone Music Program projects, Rame à la recontre, and the Francophone music communities in Western Canada.

Nia Banilbo
Industry Development Intern
(She / Her)

Nia Banilbo joined our team as the Industry Development Intern for summer 2021. Nia’s love for music started at a very young age and recently, her love for music has led her to be more active within Winnipeg’s music community. She brings administrative experience along with artist management experience. Her passion for local music has grown over the year since teaming up with local artist(s). Additionally, Nia is going into her second year of Music Business Management at Durham College and is looking forward to applying what she has learnt thus far to support local music.

Rachel Stone
Operations & Communications Manager
(She / Her)

Rachel has been involved in Manitoba’s music industry in one way, shape or form for over 25 years. She has worked at Manitoba Music in communications and membership under different titles since 2002, and participated in a number of marketing committees, including BreakOut West, JUNO Host Committee, and 2017 Canada Games. Rachel previously worked at Stylus Magazine, West End Cultural Centre, Uptown Magazine, Ms. Purdy's, and volunteered at CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and more.

Talk to Rachel about partnership opportunities, media inquiries, internships, membership, websites, communications and publicity, social media and digital advertising, the Song of the Week, Spotlight Series, playlists, music news, marketing, general operations, and houseplants.

Stacha Penner
Marketing Assistant
(She / Her)

Stacha Penner joined as Marketing Assistant through Canada Summer Jobs in August 2020, working with the team on marketing, digital strategy, MB Live and live music listings, professional and industry development research, and more. She brings her experience in social media management and her unique experience as a dance teacher and choreographer. Stacha’s love for local art and music has been cultivated through her years working within Winnipeg’s dance community. In addition, she is pursuing a Bachelor of of Business and Administration at the University of Winnipeg. 

Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais 
Indigenous Music Development Coordinator (Mat Leave)

Shaneen is a multi-award-winning journalist who’s been on Canada’s media scene for more than 15 years. She’s also a proud wife, mother, and foster mother. She worked at CTV News Winnipeg and her stories have aired on CTV Newsnet/News Channel, CTV National News, and CNN. She also worked many years as a correspondent at APTN National News and garnered attention for her award-winning series about The Sacred Sundance. She is very proud of her latest work, Breaching the Sacred—a 22-minute piece showcasing the tragic reality of Indigenous women living with addictions and using while pregnant. Shaneen is well known across the country and abroad and is dedicated to promoting up and coming Indigenous talent. She was honoured to win first place for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge in 2008 for her play, Notay Kiskintamowin “Wanting to Know”, the same year she was named a National Aboriginal Role Model by the Governor General of Canada and graduated from the University of Winnipeg. A highly sought-after master of ceremonies, event planner, promoter and speaker, Shaneen aspires to continue working with Indigenous Elders, youth, women, and artists and continue to share information that should be of importance to all Canadians.