Manitoba Showcase 2022
SAVE THE DATE: October 26-29, 2023
4 Day Showcase & Conference
Meet the Showcase & Pitch Artists
Manitoba Showcase is an annual visual & performing arts conference that features
some of the best Canadian artists, from a wide range of genres, for Manitoban presenters
and galleries, connecting them with future opportunities and collaboration.
Venue: TBA
Home page > Conference info > Meet the Showcase & Pitch Artists
The conference will feature speakers, performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel presentations, regional discussion groups, networking opportunities, and much more. Peer-to-peer and one-to-one career advice and information from Manitoba Arts Network staff, specialist advisors, and other showcase artists.
Click here for playlists of: Pitch Artists on YouTube, Artists on YouTube, and Artists on Spotify.
4 days, 32 artists, 150 delegates, featuring some of the best Canadian visual and performing artists.
Meet The Pitch Artists
Friday, October 28 | 5 PM – 6 PM
5 jury selected artists, 10 minutes each
These Pitch sessions provide a shorter snapshot of what they have to offer rural presenters. It is an additional opportunity to meet and see more artists (theatre, dance, music, etc.) not showcasing, in the Glesby Theatre.
The Pitches are low-tech with no rehearsal in advance.
Note: Bromantics Pitch Timelsot – Saturday Late Night Networking Event
Here is the lineup for the Pitch artists:
The Stanley County Cut-Ups
Category: Bluegrass| Region: Manitoba
From hard drivin’ banjo solos to four part harmony singing, blues infused mandolin breaks and hair-raising fiddle tunes, this quintet covers all the bluegrass bases. Some nights, when the moon is just so, you can even hear the wail of a lonesome Dobro.
This group has been playing together in different configurations for close to 20 years and their performances have been described as “more than fine” and “refilling my folk music cup” by audience members. The Cut-ups include Jess Reimer on bass, fiddler Jeremy Penner, Jeremy Hamm on mandolin and fiddle, banjo/dobro player Tim Osmond and guitarist T.J. Blair. Vocal harmonies are featured prominently in two, three or four parts in a bluegrass style over original compositions and traditional numbers.
To hear them come together to perform as a bluegrass band is sure to lure fans of The Stanley Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Bill Monroe, Hazel Dickens and others from the bluegrass canon.
Chase Padgett : 6 Guitars
Category: Music & Comedy | Region: Florida
Chase Padgett’s show 6 Guitars is a pitch perfect blend of music, comedy, and storytelling. Chase Padgett, semi-finalist on Season 1 of Fox’s newest reality singing show ‘Alter Ego,’ delivers a virtuosic performance as he becomes 6 original guitar playing characters – each representing a different genre: Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk, and Country.
As the show unfolds, the audience is treated to the stories and songs each character has learned over a lifetime of music. From a 20 year old aspiring rocker to an elderly Blues man who’s seen it all, these original characters bring fresh fun to the styles we all love. Packed with plenty of laughs, great tunes, and moving musical stories, 6 Guitars is an unforgettable night out for any music lover at heart.
Geneviève Racette
Category: Folk/Pop/Americana| Region: Quebec
Nationally renowned Québécois folk-pop musician Geneviève Racette has captivated listeners with her gentle, yet compelling, emotional resonance, and garnered impressive industry support for her folk-pop tracks ever since her first EP in 2014.
Through her vulnerable lyricism and ethereal vocals, Geneviève has emerged as a rising star in both French and English-speaking Canadian music scenes.
Satellite, Geneviève’s third full-length record (March 2022), is a 9-song collection delivering honest stories of self-discovery and reflection through the cycle of love. The recognition Satellite received upon its release has been even greater than Geneviève has experienced in the past. With glowing critique from major outlets, including Rolling Stone, Exclaim!, CBC, Women of Americana, Americana Music Association, Sirius XM and countless other publications and radio stations, this has undoubtedly been her most successful release to date.
Sarah Hagen
Category: Classical Piano| Region: Prince Edward Island
Awarded as Artist of the Year by both Ontario Contact (2017) and the BC Touring Council (2015), and mentioned by The Guardian (Charlottetown) as the Best Classical Performance of 2014, pianist.
Sarah Hagen’s interpretations have been described as “outstandingly inventive” [University of Water- loo Gazette], “played flawlessly” [Review, Vancouver]. Her extensive touring has taken her across Canada, to Sweden, France, Germany and Italy, and twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
The Bromantics
Category: 50s Doo-Wop/Rock & Roll | Region: Saskatchewan
From Louis Prima to Ben E. King, and everything in between! These boys are paying tribute to the bands that started it all, AND performing originals to follow suit.
The Bromantics are a youthful revitalisation of the 1950’s, with brilliant brass tones and doo-wop harmonies they keep the audience screaming for more, The Bromantics are a cross between nostalgia and modern trend, attracting people of all ages.
The songs are timeless and the dances are contagious. The Bromantics’ animated performances have proven to fill any size dance floor.
Opening Reception
Dawn Marie Chartrand
Year 2, 2023 Touring Artist
Dawn Marie Chartrand is an Indigenous singer/songwriter based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is from Rolling River First Nation, Manitoba.
A married mom of 5 and grandma of 9, she is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Winnipeg local rock/blues band, “Shades of Dawn”. Dawn has been singing and playing guitar since childhood and considers her musical influences to include the diverse rock and blues styles of music icons Etta James, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash and Tina Turner. Dawn has performed with her band in various communities across Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Dawn considers herself to be an advocate and supporter of Indigenous women in music and hopes that one day women will be equally represented in the Indigenous music scene and treated as such by their male counterparts.
Gator Beaulieu
Year 3, 2024 Touring artist
Gator Beaulieu is an Anishinaabe Country Singer from Ebb and Flow First Nation in Treaty 2 Territory and Sandy Bay First Nation in Treaty 1 Territory, Manitoba, Canada.
Beaulieu’s official music video for his latest single “Highway Number Six” is now available on YouTube and has been receiving a lot of press coverage including CBC.
“Hard Hearted Woman”, a single Gator had collaborated with blues great Billy Joe Green recently hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown that’s airs on NCI FM The Spirit of Manitoba and aired on Sirus XM every Saturday.
SHOWCASE 1
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 7:00-9:30 PM
Sammy Jackson
Category: Jazz | Region: Ontario
JUNO Award-winning artist Sammy Jackson is an emerging Jamaican-Canadian singer-
songwriter recognized for her distinct sound, fusing elements of Jazz, R&B and Pop.
Growing up, she regularly found opportunities to perform and develop as a musician, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Performance specializing in Jazz Voice from the University of Toronto. During her education, she studied with accomplished vocalists including Alex Samaras, Christine Duncan and Sienna Dahlen. As a rising presence in Toronto and Niagara, In addition to performing and leading her own band, Sammy has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as Barbra Lica, Robi Botos, Rich Brown, and Larnell Lewis.
Obsidiana Duo
Category: Classical | Region: Ontario
prairiedebut.com/2023-24-obsidiana-duo
Obsidiana Duo take their name from the glassy volcanic rock at the heart of ancient Mesoamerican culture – a sacred stone with the ability to reflect light from darkness. The rich colour and tone of Montefusco’s mezzo-soprano voice pairs with Tapia’s vibrant classical piano in this showcase of historically-excluded composers and repertoire celebrating an intriguing diversity.
Since first meeting at the University of Western Ontario in 2019, Montefusco and Tapia have formed a solid musical bond which casts a glow on exquisite folk songs from their countries of origin (Brazil and Mexico). Combined with Canadian lullabies and ballads which highlight the love and respect they have for their adopted country, this program spotlights a wide variety of music styles and traditions drawn from across the Americas.
Combined with Canadian lullabies and ballads which highlight the love and respect they have for their adopted country, this program spotlights a wide variety of music styles and traditions drawn from across the Americas.
Dizzy & Fay
Category: Jazz | Region: Ontario
Dizzy & Fay is a songwriting duo on a mission to share their heart-forward music with the world.
Inspired by the composers of the American Songbook, Dizzy’s passionate piano and Fay’s romantic voice are the perfect pairing; resulting in original jazz songs that sound fresh, while somehow also echoing timeless standards.
Based in Toronto and Fenwick ON, these two songsmiths arrived on the Canadian jazz scene with their debut album ‘Songbook’, which received a glowing review from The Whole note and made several top 20 in 2021 lists. Their intuitive musical chemistry is so undeniable that you’d think they’ve been playing together for an eternity, or at the very least longer than the three small years since the inception of Dizzy & Fay.
Buzz Brass
Category: Classical | Region: Quebec
Since 2002, Buzz Brass quintet has been travelling all over the globe to captivate classical music lovers. Whether its concerts consist of brass quintet alone or together with guest musicians, the original artistic propositions it presents leave nobody cold.
With over 1,600 appearances to its credit, the ensemble has reached more than 350,000 music lovers throughout North America, Europe and China. The numerous awards and distinctions that Buzz Brass has earned over the years (Opus, ADISQ, and Trille Or) attest to both the quality and the relevance of its musical performances.
Thanks to numerous innovative programs, praiseworthy recordings, a unique repertoire and a vision of classical concerts that reaches out to a wide audience, the group now features among the most reputable brass quintets in Canada.
RBC Emerging Artists
Mic North
Mic North aka Nigel Pahl is a black / indigenous artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. North has used music as a tool to change his life and make it out of the streets and gang culture in Winnipeg. Mic North has worked with Peter Jackson from Toronto and currently has a hit single TIGT that is climbing the Indigenous Top 40.
Jesse Bandura
Jesse Bandura is a singer-songwriter and recording artist born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bandura infuses his love of country and rock into his music. Jesse got his first guitar at age nine and has honed his craft playing live across Western Canada over the past 14 years. Bandura’s musical style has been linked to Jason Aldean, Steve Earl and Kidd Rock. Bandura has a new single, set for release Sept 2022, guaranteed to keep you country!
SHOWCASE 2
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 2:00-4:30 PM
Madeleine Roger
Category: Contemporary Folk | Region: Manitoba
Madeleine Roger is a folk singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, MB. While skillfully accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, it is her artistry as a songwriter and storyteller that can silence a room, uniting her lyrical prowess with breathtaking melodies that linger long after they are sung. Madeleine’s music combines the elegant storytelling of folk traditions with the grounded vibe of roots music.
Her critically-acclaimed debut album Cottonwood is a collection of songs that reflect on femininity and equality, the majesty of the wilderness, and the beautiful awkwardness of trying to love another person.
Nelson Little
Category: Roots/Country | Region: Manitoba
Born north of the 55th parallel in Thompson, Manitoba, and raised just outside Riding Mountain National Park, Nelson Little has been performing and entertaining audiences for the last decade and more.
A captivating songwriter, and energetic performer, He has made his way across the Canadian provinces time and time again, proving himself as one of the hardest working musicians around, working tirelessly to tell his story and share his songs. He has shared the stage with acts Charlie Major, The Sheepdogs, and has performed at some of Canada’s biggest festivals including AbDay Live and Festival du Voyageur.
Beatrice Love
Category: Soul/R&B | Region: Alberta
If James Brown and Janis Joplin had a child, it would be Beatrice Love. Her voice is the perfect combination of whiskey and cigarettes, a cross-pollination of velvety smooth juxtaposed by sorrowful raspiness which is addictive upon first listen.
Beatrice is from Treaty 8 and grew up in Valleyview, Alberta. It was here where she honed her skills as a powerful singer-songwriter. Beatrice is a life skills coach/facilitator, performer and speaker of honoring her truth. Her album, “On The Road to Nowhere”, is her testimony in music form.
Her album is a powerful narrative of her life story. The album focuses on bringing the darkness to the light, healing and owning her truth.
Notas de 4
Category: World Music / Dance | Region: Alberta
Notas de 4 is Calgary’s original Latin Folk & Jazz ensemble. The ensemble’s original compositions are inspired from Flamenco, Latin Jazz and traditional music from Cuba and Mexico and Spain. Their performance has been described as Intense, edgy and dreamy; a reimagination of Latin music composed in a uniquely Canadian landscape.
RBC Emerging Artists
Clayton Rudy (Mahogany Frog)
Clayton recently joined Winnipeg-based psych rock band Mahogany Frog on bass and synth. His previous projects include Toronto-based Bowie tribute band Life On Mars (guitar) and political rock outfit Iron Age Mystics (bass). A Fransaskois who recently returned to the prairies, Clayton’s full artistic energy is focused on bringing the heft of Mahogany Frog’s 2021 and 2022 double-length releases onto the stage while diving into the writing project for next year’s expected LP.
Jay Alaska
Jay Alaska is a Canadian artist and producer, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From hard beats with jaw-dropping lyricism, to upbeat pop like R&B flows, his broad range of music and flow capability is sure to captivate you. Jay Alaska comes with a cool confidence that you don’t see often. His numbers speak for themselves, as he already has over 100 000 streams on Spotify alone in less than a year of releasing music.
SHOWCASE 3
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 7:00-9:30 PM
Rory Gardiner
Laughing in the face of adversity
Category: Comedy & Music | Region: Ontario
Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) -nominated artist Rory Gardiner has shared the stage with A-List country acts such as Keith Urban. You may also recognize him from multiple appearances on various CMT reality shows. As a stand up comedian, his TikTok videos have over 50 Million views, his YouTube sketches have been featured on Funny or Die, and America’s Funniest Videos.
When mother nature sent a tornado through his neighbourhood in 2018, he gave a TEDx talk in Colorado on using humor as a coping mechanism.
Discovering he could make a real impact through laughter, he combines stand-up comedy with music, connecting with audiences in performing art centres, clubs, cruise ships & corporate events across North America.
JP Hoe
Category: Pop| Region: Manitoba
lostcatartists.com/jphoebotanicals
As a matter of survival, we have all clung to silver linings throughout the pandemic. Canadian singer songwriter JP Hoe is emerging from the crisis with his sixth studio offering, ‘Botanicals’.
Sole songwriter, self-engineering and producing the album, he attempts to live up to his admired jack-of- all-trade predecessors (Sufjan Stevens, Hawksley Workman, Tom Petty) to name a few. The outcome is a heartfelt collection of songs cloaked in JP’s fingerprints and creative perception. As the dust settles and a new normal becomes reality, so too is JP adapting to these challenges. Stopping is not an option. Corralling an audience to sing along at the top of their lungs or sharing a moment in the lobby with a stranger over a shared tragedy; these are the moments he wants back.
Whether contributing to soundtracks on film or tv, or performing
on stages halfway across the world, his songs have the capacity to
connect audiences of all shades.
Candy Bones Theatre; “Ideas Bobert”
Category: Mime/Theatre| Region: British Columbia
What happens if we deny our deepest dreams and desires? Bobert is a silent character a la Charlie Chaplin who has a little red bird for a heart. His story asks us, what happens if we are to deny our deepest dreams and desires? Teetering on the brink of absolute failure, love-sick Bobert discovers his heart to be more important than he knew.
From award-winning creator and actor Candice Roberts, comes a clown tour de force of comedy and conundrum. With vintage silent film styling, shadow puppetry, stop motion animation projections, dance and live music, the world of Ideas Bobert is rich with magic and creativity.
Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys
Category: Rockabilly/Bluegrass| Region: Saskatchewan
Jake Vaadeland is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada. His traditional sound could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50s Rockabilly with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot stomping, high energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys.
Jake received 4 2022 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards: Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year. His album, Retro Man also finished at #2 in fan voting for the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2021.
RBC Emerging Artists
Greg Personius
Emerging artist Greg Personius calls Opaskwayak Cree Nation home and is an active community member and a proud new father to his first child. Inspired by music such as country legends, music is everything to him.
Kwiat – Ashley Bieniarz
Kwiat (kwai·uht) is a Métis Polish avant-pop artist, heavily influenced by post-romanticism. With sophisticated vocals and elaborate piano melodies, the Winnipeg-based songstress captivates audiences through raw, intimate, and dramatic performances. Each song blossoms into its own lush and distinct sound while drawing inspiration from notable artists such as Fiona Apple, Japanese Breakfast, and Regina Spektor. Kwiat plans to make her official debut in the Fall of 2022.
Ben Stopfel
Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ben Stopfel’s folk-inspired and honest songs are all about learning to make peace with melancholy. In his new EP titled ‘The Garden’, he retells his coming of age story, moving out on his own from a small town in Ontario. With themes of loneliness, anxiety, and the daunting fear of the unknown, Ben’s soothing yet emotive vocals tell a story that is entirely his own, yet relatable to anyone who has ever felt the lonely ache that comes with growing older.
WHAT’S NEW FOR MANITOBA SHOWCASE 2022?
Manitoba Showcase is an annual visual & performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists, from a wide range of genres, for Manitoban presenters and galleries, connecting them with future opportunities and collaboration.
The preeminent event of its kind in Manitoba, Showcase engages over 150 artists, presenters, agents, managers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop and rekindle relationships. The conference will feature speakers, performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel presentations, regional discussion groups, networking opportunities, Peer-to-peer and one-to-one career advice from specialist advisors, and other showcase artists.
If you have any questions/issues, do not hesitate to reach us at admin@mbartsnet.ca or call Toll Free: 1.866.919.2787. We look forward to seeing you!
4 days, 31 artists, and 150 delegates featuring some of the best Canadian visual and performing artists.
- 12 performing artists showcases
- 2 special guest artists: opening reception
- 7 RBC emerging performing artist showcases
- 5 visual art exhibitions
- 5 performing arts pitches
- 8 workshops
- 12 networking events
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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Canad Inns Portage la Prairie is the primary location for the Manitoba Showcase workshops. The workshops take place either on the main floor (Ambassador H is past the front desk on the left-hand side as you enter the building) or on the second floor, which is accessible by stairs or an elevator (Ambassador A is on your right as you enter the building). The Glesby Theatre is the Showcase venue and Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment hosts 3 meals, exhibitions, and late-night networking. Both are wheelchair accessible through the building’s main entrance (western doors).