Manitoba Music
Jazz Fest Kicks Off Free Opening Weekend
The curtain is up and the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival is ready to kick off this year's festivities with a bang. One of the summer's best sources for live local music, the free opening weekend takes over The Cube in the heart of the Exchange District June 13 - 16.
Over 20 acts will hit the Old Market Square stage. The diverse line-up, including jazz and soul on Thursday, Latin Jazz on Friday, indie rock on Saturday, and closing out with some Sunday night funk.
Thursday, June 13, 7pm-12am
Simon Christie Quintet
The Keith Price Double Quartet
Friday, June 14, 6pm-1am
Trio Bembe
Marco Castillo & Brazilian Beats
Combo Latino
Mariachi Ghost
Papa Mambo
Saturday, June 15, 4pm-1am
The F-Holes
Romi Mayes
Cannon Bros.
Boats
Maylee Todd
Royal Canoe
Sunday, June 16, 3pm-12am
Reggie San Miguel
Aaron Shorr
Soulstation
Maylee Todd
Orgone
Moses Mayes
Winnipeg’s largest downtown music festival, which runs June 13-23, will feature nearly 100 performers taking over various city stages, drawing thousands of concert goers for a wide range of events spanning just about every genre, from jazz standards to R&B, hardbop to hip-hop, roots and blues to indie rock and klezmer, latin jazz, and just about everything in between. Click here for the complete line-up.
The Theatre Series welcomes a range of international names, including George Benson, The Roots, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Bettye LaVette.
Jazz Fest's groundbreaking Club Series features everything from rock to electronic to post-bop, including Hollerado, BADBADNOTGOOD, The Gaslamp Killer, Orgone, Questlove, and many more.
For those looking to connect with festival artists to boost their music skills, Jazz Fest also offers free workshops. Taking place at the Manitoba Conservatory, the TD Jazz Labs will feature sessions and talks by the likes of guitarist Suzie Vinnick, saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, gospel group The Sojourners, and more.
Head to the Live Music Calendar for complete listings. It's searchable works on mobile devices!