Manitoba Showcase 2025 Performance Lineup

Emerging Artist — Lachelle Packulak, powerhouse vocalist of the Lachelle Reanne Band, captivates audiences with her soulful sound and commanding stage presence. Emerging Artist — Lachelle Packulak is a dynamic singer-songwriter and the powerhouse lead vocalist of the Lachelle Reanne Band. With a voice that captivates and a stage presence that commands attention, Lachelle has earned recognition by winning numerous talent shows across Manitoba. Currently, she’s touring across Canada with the legendary “King of the North,” Ernest Monias, bringing her soulful sound to audiences nationwide. When she’s not on the road, Lachelle offers online vocal lessons, helping aspiring singers find their own voice. She is also in the studio working on her highly anticipated debut album, set for release 2026.

Emerging Artist — OSANI BALKARAN is an Indigenous and Guyanese rapper and producer blending atmospheric trap, experimental hip hop, and raw storytelling. Emerging Artist — OSANI BALKARAN is an Indigenous and Guyanese artist, rapper, and producer whose sound blends atmospheric trap, experimental hip hop, and raw storytelling. Hailing from the West End of Winnipeg, his music is rooted in personal experiences—from systemic oppression and cultural displacement to deep love for family and community. Drawing inspiration from artists like Yeat, Playboi Carti, Sean Leon, and Kodak Black, OSANI shapes his own sonic world: cinematic, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. His creative process is as intentional as it is innovative. Every track is self-produced and recorded, featuring carefully layered textures—from re-engineered Indigenous drums turned into trap beats, to choirs singing modified versions of the Guyanese national anthem. His lyrics often carry cultural significance, like his references to Cree star songs, grounding his music in both heritage and futurism. Currently, OSANI is working on his debut EP—a bold reflection of his community, grief, joy, and dreams. From cover art to videos and features, he’s collaborating with local creatives to bring the project to life. Looking ahead, he aims to build an independent label and create more space for Indigenous and POC youth in the industry, positioning music as a platform for healing and empowerment.

Three musicians from different metaphorical worlds converged in Prince Edward Island. They’d come for the tunes and stayed for the longest session yet. Inn Echo was formed in 2019. Three musicians from different metaphorical worlds converged in Prince Edward Island. They’d come for the tunes and stayed for the longest session yet. Inn Echo was formed in 2019. What genre of music is this? The colloquial term “trad” or traditional can refer to a sound descended from Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Europe, fused with the enthusiasm of today’s generation of players. Inn Echo pays homage to these roots and adds tunes of their own to the repertoire. So on first listen you can hear the history but you will immediately delight in a contemporary current.

Artists in Motion (AIM) is a multidisciplinary, Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving dance company founded in 2008 by award-winning choreographer Shameka Blake. Artists in Motion (AIM) is a multidisciplinary, Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving dance company founded in 2008 by award-winning choreographer Shameka Blake. AIM creates works to motivate present and future generations to use their voices to shed light on social justice issues, with a focus on Black culture. The company also highlights the reality of a career in the arts, the importance of representation, and maintaining balance in artistic endeavors. Shameka Blake’s work has earned significant recognition, including the 2015 Black Canadian Award for Best Urban Dance Act. Her artistic practice is deeply committed to shedding light on issues of social justice as they relate to culture, gender, and ethnicity. AIM’s work has been featured at the Association for the Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Convention in New York City, Roots Canada, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and major local Toronto festivals such as Yensa, Dusk Dances, Dance Ontario DanceWeekend, TIFF, and Pride. The company's newest work, Black in Canada, recently wrapped up a school tour across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and was commissioned by Arts Orillia to present this work for the general public in Orillia, Ontario.

Formed in 2016, Duo Cordelia features violinist and composer Vanessa Marcoux and pianist Marie-Christine Poirier. Formed in 2016, Duo Cordelia features violinist and composer Vanessa Marcoux and pianist Marie-Christine Poirier. The ensemble is very active on the Canadian classical music scene and is being regularly invited to perform across Canada. The Duo was chosen as part of Debut Atlantic’s five touring artist for the 2023-2024 season, and selected by the BC Live Performance Network for a two-weeks tour in October 2024. The Duo's mission is to expand the possibilities within the medium of the classical concert by introducing improvisation, an array of exciting repertoire from the 20th and 21st century, arrangements of traditional melodies and original compositions by Vanessa. This rich combination of classical repertoire and lesser-known works allows the listener to draw new bridges between musical universes that would otherwise be dissociated. The result is a touching and unique concert experience, which goes straight to the heart of our deep connection with music. Their first collaborative album “Cendres”, featuring Vanessa’s original works, was released in the winter of 2024 and recently received an Opus award for album of the year.

From fiery banjo solos to tight four-part harmonies, bluesy mandolin breaks, and lonesome fiddle tunes, the Stanley County Cut-Ups cover the full spectrum of bluegrass tradition. From fiery banjo solos to tight four-part harmonies, bluesy mandolin breaks, and lonesome fiddle tunes, the Stanley County Cut-Ups cover the full spectrum of bluegrass tradition. Performing together in various configurations for nearly 20 years, this Manitoba-based quintet has earned praise from audiences who describe their shows as “more than fine” and “refilling my folk music cup.” The group includes Jess Reimer on bass, fiddler Jeremy Penner, Jeremy Hamm on mandolin and fiddle, Tim Osmond on banjo and Dobro, and guitarist T.J. Blair. Their performances feature rich vocal harmonies in two, three, or four parts, bringing to life both original compositions and classic bluegrass numbers. Fans of The Stanley Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Bill Monroe, and Hazel Dickens will find much to love in the Cut-Ups' soulful and authentic sound.

Emerging Artist — Jovelle Balani is a jazz-influenced pop singer-songwriter whose sultry voice and sophisticated sound have made waves locally and internationally. Emerging Artist — Jovelle Balani is an emerging jazz-influenced pop singer-songwriter. Her sultry voice and sophisticated sound have made waves in the local and international music scene. In 2020 and 2022, she represented Canada at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Anaheim, California, where she bagged medals in several categories and made it as a Finalist. Jovelle has developed her artistry through various performance opportunities, including the TD International Winnipeg Jazz Festival and the Fringe Festival. She has also showcased her talent at iconic venues such as the Burton Cummings Theatre, Centennial Concert Hall, and the Canada Life Centre. Check her out on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms!

Desiree Dorion grew up a mile and a half from the grounds of Dauphin Country Fest, one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in Canada. As a little girl she would ride her bike there, climb on stage, and pretend to play to thousands. In 2014, that dream came true when she shared the mainstage with The Band Perry. Desiree Dorion grew up a mile and a half from the grounds of Dauphin Country Fest, one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in Canada. As a little girl she would ride her bike there, climb on stage, and pretend to play to thousands. In 2014, that dream came true when she shared the mainstage with The Band Perry.
The JUNO Nominee has had multiple songs chart in the top 100 on the Canadian country music charts (TRAX), along with numerous songs reaching the top spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown. She released her seventh studio album, “Remember Your Name,” on September 20th, 2024 which peaked at #9 on iTunes Canada in its first week of release and has amassed over 25,000 global streams to date. It is currently in the #15 position on the national Earshot charts across all genres and the #9 position on the national Earshot folk/roots/blues charts.
Desiree is a proud member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. In June, 2021, she hosted the Achimotak series with the Canadian Country Music Association and is an artist ambassador with the Downie Wenjack Foundation. Desiree has toured coast to coast in Canada and has played as far south as the Gulf of Mexico.

A “Songwriter for the Second Chancers”, Fuller Hull (Jeffery Cottes) is a country folk singer-songwriter from Manitoba. Like a well-worn farm tool, his music is rooted in honest experience and crafted with sharp hooks and rustic charm. A “Songwriter for the Second Chancers”, Fuller Hull (Jeffery Cottes) is a country folk singer-songwriter from Manitoba. Like a well-worn farm tool, his music is rooted in honest experience and crafted with sharp hooks and rustic charm.
Fuller Hull is a “second chance” of sorts, and he's not your typical up-and-comer. His songs have rustic handles and sharp hooks that produce some of the finest materials his farm life has to offer. Fuller's reputation as a Jack of all Trades is well known amongst his inner circle, but his work as a songwriter reveals his versatility on the page and on the stage.
He grew up “free range” in the city and bounced around a bit until he and his family nestled into a small farm on the Canadian prairie. Starting again as a “new” artist after a 20+ year “break”, Fuller has a longer past than most emerging artists. This is unconventional in the music industry today, but sometimes authenticity must be earned over time and with hard-earned experience. Fuller Hull draws from a lifetime of material and is an artisan songwriter. As expected of any GenX'er, Fuller is independent and following his own path on his own terms.

Reviewers have described this internationally touring, Maple Blues Award-winning band as “stripped-down, hellaciously rockin’ new blues” led by the distinctive voice and guitar of Murray Kinsley. Reviewers have described this internationally touring, Maple Blues Award-winning band as “stripped-down, hellaciously rockin’ new blues” led by the distinctive voice and guitar of Murray Kinsley.
Murray has been a working musician all his life – starting in cover bands in Calgary, a stint in a honky-tonk band in Montreal, and numerous original/cover bands in Ottawa. Before founding Wicked Grin in the early 2000s, Murray led a 12-piece R&B band called The Crowd.
In addition to guitar, Murray also plays piano and a bit of saxophone.
Much of Wicked Grin’s success stems from Murray’s dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with and move audiences – this is what he lives for. While rooted in “roots rock,” Murray strives to deliver music with meaning, posing questions and resonating with modern audiences, all while keeping them dancing and celebrating.

This folk trio – Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper, and Sandy MacKay – began their musical journey in the folk-rock band The Ramshackle Parade and have since developed a signature Maritime Appalachian Folk sound. This folk trio – Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper, and Sandy MacKay – began their musical journey in the folk-rock band The Ramshackle Parade and have since developed a signature Maritime Appalachian Folk sound.
Jessica Rhaye with Bill Preeper and Sandy MacKay (aka Preeper Rhaye MacKay) delivers a unique blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation that echoes the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 60s. Their music features lush 3-part harmonies, as the singers share and weave lead and harmony vocals throughout original compositions and timeless folk arrangements.
Inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, and Bob Dylan, their elegant arrangements and heartfelt delivery are being hailed as “new folk music at its finest.” The trio is often compared to a modern Peter, Paul & Mary, crafting a rich and intricate vocal tapestry that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Flora Luna (alias Geneviève Freynet) is an award-winning artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, offering lush alternative pop in English and French. Winner of the Réseau des grands espaces/Festival Les oreilles en pointe (France) award, she launched her international career to acclaim in 2024. Nominated for three Trille Or prizes in 2025, she is establishing herself as a rising voice in the Franco-Canadian music scene. Flora Luna (alias Geneviève Freynet) is an award-winning artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, offering lush alternative pop in English and French. Winner of the Réseau des grands espaces/Festival Les oreilles en pointe (France) award, she launched her international career to acclaim in 2024. Nominated for three Trille Or prizes in 2025, she is establishing herself as a rising voice in the Franco-Canadian music scene.
A semi-finalist at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby and winner of Chant’Ouest in 2022, she has performed at major festivals, including Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac, Coup de cœur francophone (opening for Vincent Vallières), Festival du Voyageur (opening for Jill Barber), and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Her tours include a twelve-show run with Home Routes in October 2024 and an Ontario-Quebec tour in May 2024. In March 2024, she released her debut EP, L’autre bord du mur, marking a turning point in her career. Flora Luna’s music evokes the electrifying anticipation before a storm—intimate, expressive, and deeply resonant. With a mesmerizing voice and a keen sensitivity to the world, she captivates audiences, seamlessly shifting between softness, passion,and raw emotion.