Sapphire Empire: Top 5 Things to do in Winnipeg

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/top-5-things-to-do-in-and-near-winnipeg-this-weekend-july-10-12-1.3145785
 

An abbreviated list this week – but let's face it, most of you guys are out at folk fest enjoying the music and sun and food for the weekend anyway.

If you're not, there are still some super affordable fun shows in town – check out the Cavern Saturday night for a show with NAYSA and Sapphire Empire.

The Soca Reggae Festival is on all weekend and if you've got wheels, go check out the Frog Follies in St. Pierre Jolys just out of town.

By the way, whenever something really cool is happening outside city limits I change the name of the column a bit to include events near the city. It's cheating, I know. But I can't help it.

WHAT: FEST – Winnipeg Folk Festival

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: Birds Hill Park in Oakbank, Man.

Cost: $88 for an adult day pass

If you don't already have passes to this, my top pick for a day pass is Sunday's lineup with Jenny Lewis and Wilco.

For the uninitiated: Jenny Lewis is amazing and you can listen to anything by her and it's all equally amazing. Don't miss her!

Saturday has some standouts too. Don't let Jeremy Fisher's 4:45 p.m. set at the music store tent fly past your radar. Fisher's a seriously talented musician who you probably know best for his 2007 album Cigarette.

I'm always a fan of Slow Leaves who is also playing Saturday if you want to check him out.

Oh and don't forget Dan Mangan at 7 p.m. on the main stage.

WHAT: FAMILY – Frog Follies in St. Pierre Jolys

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: St. Pierre Jolys, Man.

Cost: FREE (except for the pancake breakfast and fancy dinner thing)

St. Pierre Jolys has this really cute little fair every year that's frog-themed.

There are petting zoos and pancake breakfasts and face painting and fireworks and frog-jumping competitions for kids and adults!

Almost all of it is free, too. So consider checking it out.

WHAT: MUSIC – NAYSA, Sapphire Empire at the Cavern

When: Saturday, July 11 at 10 p.m.

Where: The Cavern at 112 Osborne St.

Cost: $6

There's a good lineup Saturday night at The Cavern for all those not going out to folk fest, if a $6 price tag is more your speed this weekend.

NAYSA and Sapphire Empire both have sets. Sapphire Empire is a kind of cool jazz-funk band with an incredible singer, and NAYSA does a very chill garage-rock type thing that's still pretty danceable.

Plus, drinks are cheap at the Cavern so you can't go wrong. If you aren't into it, the legion on River isn't too far away. They've got a great patio and cheap beers.

WHAT: FEST – Soca Reggae Fest at Old Market Square

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: The Cube at Old Market Square

Cost: FREE

If you're looking for free music this weekend, Old Market Square is the place to get it.

Shows are on till midnight Friday and Saturday for the Soca and Reggae Festival. Sunday there's music till 10 p.m.

Don't know where to start? Check out Jupiter Storm on Saturday at 4 p.m.

WHAT: THEATRE – Les Mis at Rainbow Stage

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: Rainbow Stage at Kildonan Park at 2021 Main St.

Cost: $30 to $55 a ticket

Rainbow Stage is doing Les Miserables for the next few weekends and with this weekend's weather looking fabulous, it's a great time to check it out.

If you don't mind bug spray, outdoor theatre beats indoor theatre in a big way.

The cast is pretty amazing and it's a good chance to take in some theatre before the Fringe kicks off next week.