In the midst of the mid-winter blues, when thoughts of a warm summer afternoon seem to be only a faint memory—when shoveling, hibernating, and studying become all too familiar—hope exists.
This much-needed silver lining can be found in a music-filled retreat from the “big city” of Winnipeg to a festival designed to warm the bodies and souls of attendees.
In Portage la Prairie, about a 75-minute drive west of the U of M, the one-day Winter Folk Fest will be returning for its third year, after being established in 2013 as a vibrant mid-winter sanctuary.
On Feb. 8, 2015, from 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. the single-day folk festival—relatively small and intimate in comparison to others—will be held in the stunning Trinity United Church, built almost 120 years ago. The historic church, situated in Portage’s downtown, boasts a beautiful interior with vaulted ceilings and fabulous acoustics.
Since its beginnings, Winter Folk Fest has showcased a multitude of eclectic talent.
The 2015 Winter Folk Fest lineup is sure to, once again, make for an amazing experience.
Portage la Prairie singer-songwriter Ed Goertzen, performing jazz-infused root music, will open the folk fest.
Slated to follow Goertzen is Vancouver’s Ben Rogers, who embodies the values and musicality of traditional folk, Americana, and country – captivating audiences with his storytelling abilities.
Winnipeg’s Emma Cloney, a recent U of M graduate, will be taking the stage after Rogers. Influenced by blues, bluegrass, Celtic, and country, Cloney also incorporates pop elements to her melodies. Notable members of Cloney’s band include Patti Kusturok and Jeremy Rusu.
Following the first three acts, Cloney’s five-piece band is excited to bring the Prairie Kitchen Party to the festival as a new feature.
The workshop will include guest musicians Goertzen and Chris “The Accordion Guy” on stage with Cloney and her band.
The festival concludes with the AfterFest Jam, immediately following the workshop. The jam session is open to everyone and is hosted by the Winnipeg group TWIN, who spend their summers touring and performing in Manitoba and beyond, travelling by canoe along river ways. The duo is currently on tour in the United States, introducing a new genre known as North Americana to the contemporary music scene.
Participants of the AfterFest Jam are invited to bring an instrument to play along with fellow musicians, to create music through rotational improv.
Early Bird tickets can be purchased online until Dec. 24 through Brown Paper Tickets. By taking advantage of the Early Bird rates, students get in for $10 with Student ID, and adults for $15. Tickets for children 12 and under are free and families can purchase a ticket to admit all members for $50.
