Manitoba Does Sled Island (and a few other things)

A handful of Manitoba bands have popped up in Calgary this week for what some are calling Canada's hottest new music festival. Sled Island, which runs June 24-27, boasts a line-up of over 200 bands and nifty artwork that includes an adorably menacing Viking bunny (we'd like to see it up against NXNE's demented rabbit, quite frankly).

Hitting the Sled Island stages this year will be some of Manitoba's favourite indie rock acts, including Les Jupes, Sons of York, The Paperbacks, Crosstown Rivals, and Oldfolks Home. They'll be joined by a few notable names, like The Breeders, Final Fantasy, Malajube, Anvil, Ladyhawk, and Women.

Breaking out of the realm of a simple indie rock fest, this year's edition of Sled Island is introducting a few new features, including a program of visual art and independent films.

If you don't happen to be in Alberta this weekend, there's still plenty of music to go around here at home. The next few days bring a few CD releases by Jackpine (June 25 at the Park Theatre), Jicah (June 26 at The Academy), M60 (June 26 at the Park Theatre), and The Mission Light (June 29&30 at the Park Theatre) and a little show they call the Jazz Winnipeg Festival, but more on that later...