Indigenous Artists Shine at Dauphin’s Countryfest

Dauphin’s Countryfest and the Indigenous Music Development Program at Manitoba Music are shining a spotlight on Indigenous artists in Manitoba at this year's festival. Running June 26 - 29 at the country music festival, the longest-running country music festival in Canada, the artistic programming features 11 acts including musicians and dancers. 

The genre-spanning lineup includes established and up-and-coming artists, including Métis country singer Catie St. Germain, French Métis singer/songwriter Daniel Désorcy, JUNO-nominated singer/songwriter Desiree Dorion, country rock band Kates Outlaw, roots/rocker Mitchell Makoons, and dynamic square dance group United Thunder Square Dancers will also perform.

“We're excited for audiences to discover more of the incredible Indigenous artists making such important contributions to the country music scene in Manitoba and beyond at Dauphin's Countryfest,” says Cassidy Mann, the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music. 

Schedule

Thursday, June 26
7:30 - 8:30 PM Kates Outlaw @ Hilltop

Friday, June 27
4:30 - 5:30 PM Desiree Dorion @ Main Stage

Saturday, June 28
3:00 - 3:45 PM United Thunder Square Dancers @ Corral
4:30 - 5:30 PM Mitchell Makoons @ Hilltop
6:00 - 7:00 PM Kates Outlaw @ Main Stage
7:30 - 8:30 PM Catie St. Germain @ Hilltop

Sunday, June 29
4:15 - 545 PM Daniel Desorcy

IMDP was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists and music companies develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. IMDP is supported by the Manitoba Government and Manitoba Film & Music, and FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. 

Dauphin’s Countryfest is a three day country music festival running every July long weekend on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park. Since 1989 it has since established itself as a major economic driver within the region generating an economic impact of approximately $9.7 million over the course of the three day event. Revenue generated from the non-profit festival is re-invested into the site as well as community projects around the Parkland Area. The operations of the festival directly benefit numerous volunteer organizations who in turn are able to advance their respective organizational mandates. The festival provides a first class venue to showcase emerging artists of all musical genres, as well as established artists across the entire country music scene.

Other Manitoba acts hitting the stage during this year's Countryfest include Brett Schulz, CAR287, Kingsway, Louden King, Matt Cory, Pure Entry, The 12/21, The Haileys, and The Sean Taylor Band.