Not Enough Fest (NEF), Winnipeg’s first and only music festival with a focus on the inclusion of female-identified, queer, trans, and non-binary people is set to convene at Negative Space on Saturday, June 22. A host of brand new bands will be playing their first show, including Skidge, Sans, M&M Meats, IDK, the Uncanny Valley Girls, Alannah Zeebeck, and the Zags.
NEF was created as a response to the underrepresentation of the aforementioned groups in the current music scene, and to create a safe and supportive environment for those who might otherwise feel too intimidated or discouraged to start a band. Similar festivals have been held in Portland, Oregon, and New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States.
“A few of the people who are going to be playing [the fest] have told me that they have always wanted to make a band, but never got around to it, or didn’t know how to get started. So I’m glad that this event has encouraged people to just go for it,” says Shelagh Pizey-Allen, one of the festival’s organizers.
Preparation for the initative spanned over the last two months, including the creation of a Facebook group to facilitate participants’ finding encouragment and community, as well as a kickoff event where some put their names into a draw to be randomly placed into bands.
Steph Kolbuck, drummer of self-described “slacker punk” outfit the Zags, will not only be playing her first show that night, but will also be playing it with her first band.
“Performing in front of an audience is something that I’ve always been extremely hesitant about. Luckily for me, Not Enough Fest materialized and we were able to nab a spot on the bill. Having such an encouraging and supportive environment has definitely helped dissipate the anxiety and pressure that I previously felt towards playing a show,” says Kolbuck.
Jessica Canard, singer for punk band IDK, had similar things to say about her experiences with NEF.
“I’ve wanted to be in a band for a while now. I just needed the right opportunity and supportive environment to get it started. Not Enough Fest seemed like the perfect opportunity and environment to do so. The experience so far has been some of the best feelings/times I’ve ever had and I don’t plan on letting it stop.”
“As for the upcoming show, I’m nervous as fuck, but it’ll be good. I’ll be with friends and supported by friends, so it’ll rock hard.”
As to the question of what she believes the impact of this festival will be once it has finished, Pizey-Allen responded, “Maybe some of the bands will continue to play together, but the best thing that’s come out of this is that a bunch of people who’ve felt too shy or nervous to make music before, or didn’t know where to start or how to play, are going to be playing.”
The seven confirmed bands, and possibly some last-minute additions, will take the stage on Saturday night. Doors open at 7, cost is $5 at the door. For more details, please visit the Negative Space website at http://ngtvspc.wordpress.com/.
