GerryFest and RiseUp Mentorship Program Honour the Legacy of Gerry Atwell Through Music and Art

The legacy of beloved music icon Gerry Atwell will be honoured this month with the fifth annual GerryFest and the RiseUp Mentorship Program. Running Thursday, August 15 and presented by the St. Norbert Arts Centre with Black History Manitoba, the festival celebrates Atwell's dedication to the mentorship of emerging artists of diverse backgrounds, recognizing his lifelong dedication to breaking down barriers and dismantling systemic racism in music and arts.

The multi-disciplinary RiseUp Mentorship Program returns this year with a talented cohort of emerging artists on the path to a career in the arts. The two-month opportunity is helmed this year by GerryFest artistic director Ashley Beiniarz, who is working with the participants on collaboration, professional development, and promoting racial equity.

This year's event draws inspiration from the awe-inspiring beauty and cultural significance of the Northern Lights, which symbolize a timeless energy and a profound connection to our ancestors and the natural world. The Northern Lights theme encourages artists to explore these concepts in their work, fostering a deeper connection to the land, the sky, and the traditions that have shaped our understanding of the Northern Lights.

Mentorship participants and live music performers for 2024 include Jovelle, KNG JMZ, Melodiah, Oso Mario, Rut, and YBK Shakur, along with special guests Chuck Copenace, Jace Bodner, Kelly Bado, and The Kaptain. Mentees working in visual arts sharing their work this year include Daniela Smith Fernandes, Earl Rina, Olivia Cassie, and Ada Zhang.

SNAC also is running a fundraising campaign to promote and support the continuation of the RiseUp Mentorship Program and GerryFest, striving to grow the Gerry Atwell Memorial Endowment Fund to $200,000 to ensure the program continues with or without grant support. Donate online

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, with proceeds going directly to build the Gerry Atwell Memorial Mentorship Endowment Fund. More info is available at www.snac.mb.ca/happenings

GerryFest 

Presented by the St. Norbert Arts Centre & Black History Manitoba

Thursday, August 15

3:00 - 8:00 PM / Fort Catering Restaurant at SNAC 

3:00 PM / Art Exhibit 

3:30 PM / Artist Talks

6 PM / Live Performances  

This event is an MB Live partnered event. For more info about MB Live, visit manitobamusic.com/mblive. For more info about partnership, please visit manitobamusic.com/partnerships.