Indigenous Music Presents “Iskwewak Nikamowak” Virtual Concert & Talent Showcase for International Women’s Day

Posted on

Andrina Turenne
Brandi Vezina
FONTINE
Ila Barker
Ivy Venin
Kimberley Dawn
Lisa Muswagon
Paige Drobot
Rhonda Head
Tracy Bone
Victoria Turko
Violet Vopni

Events Elevating Indigenous Women’s Voices to Stream on Facebook, March 8, 6PM & 8PM

Indigenous Music is celebrating International Women’s Day with a special virtual concert and talent showcase on March 8. Iskwewak Nikamowak -- which means ‘women singing’ in the Swampy Cree dialect -- will feature stellar Indigenous women performers, including established artists and undiscovered talent. Presented through the Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) at Manitoba Music, both events will be streamed via the Indigenous Music Facebook page.

Streaming at 6PM CT, the virtual concert will feature performances by JUNO-nominated country act Tracy Bone, country/blues act Brandi Vezina, indie pop artist FONTINE, country artist Kimberley Dawn, contemporary hand drum artist Lisa Muswagon, rocker Paige Drobot, mezzo soprano Rhonda Head, jazz/folk/pop act The Keen & The Kind, and singer/songwriters Andrina Turenne, Ila Barker, Ivy Venin, Sherri Shorting, and Victoria Turko.

Streaming right after the concert at 8PM CT, the talent showcase will highlight up-and-coming singers from across the province. Talent shows are a staple in the culture for Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba. Many aspiring singers travel the talent show circuit to compete for cash prizes and to be recognized by music industry professionals. These events are also an opportunity for undiscovered singers to perform for an online audience including Indigenous Elders, industry leaders, and youth. With the restrictions of COVID-19, many talent showcases have been cancelled. Iskwewak Nikamowak aims to fill some of that void, building on the success of the Into the Muskeg talent search on National Indigenous Peoples Day. The March 8 showcase will feature up-and-coming singers Ashley Sinclair, Ashlyn Stevenson, Caitlin Dumas, Dawn Chartrand, Faitlyn Monias, Jenna Wirch, Kerri McGillivary, Lachelle Packulak, and Rebecca Loutit.

Iskwewak Nikamowak is made possible by the support of FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Iskwewak Nikamowak is the latest project in a series of IMDP virtual initiatives, including the second season of Talking Stick videos, virtual concerts on mother’s day and father’s day, professional development workshops on radio readiness and funding, and more.

The IMDP was launched in 2004 to help artists and music entrepreneurs that identify as First Nation, Metis, and Inuit develop sustainable careers in the music industry in Manitoba. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee.

Tune in to Iskwewak Nikamowak on Monday May 8 at 6PM CT (virtual concert) and 8PM CT (talent showcase) via facebook.com/MusicIndigenous

Read more news