Winnipeg Buzz: Winnipeg Rocked At The Fringe

Thick into festival season yet again (why does it feel like I'm always saying that?), the city seemed to grind to a halt last weekend as the seas parted and those who would usually infiltrate the dank aura of a humid club at night traded in their cocktails for sunblock at the 30th annual Winnipeg Folk Festival.

This weekend it's a similar story, as the Winnipeg Fringe Festival plays host to a variety of local acts that complement its 128 top-notch theatre companies that are in town to take part in one of Canada's largest festivals of its kind. Old Market Square serves as outdoor headquarters for the Fringe and after the giggly family entertainment clears out and the beer garden fills up, the bands come out. Fresh off of the release of their sophomore album, Meltdown, The Lanes grace the stage July 18; Kim Wright, Rainside, Driver, Tele and the Blair Hordeski Sandwich play at various times in the evenings between now and the festival wrap-up on July 27. Full details are available at WinnipegFringe.com.

One of the not-to-miss shows during the Fringe run will be the Xmas (W)rap, a veritable DJ, MC, B-boy and graf expo led by DJs Hunnicutt, Co-op and Dialog, and MCs Pip Skid and John Smith on July 25. Judging by the characters involved, be sure there'll be plenty of special considerations made for the Fringe's Christmas In July theme. Not ones to ever stop a party, the Hunnicutt/Co-op juggernaut carries on July 26 as the pair host "On The Waterfunk," an evening treat aboard the river cruise with special guest, 5 O' Clock Charlie. If there are any tickets left by now, they're $14 at Urban Bakery and Music Trader.

Speaking of tickets going quick, the two Propagandhi shows happening in Winnipeg this weekend are completely sold out. July 18's all-ages gig at the West End Cultural Centre and July 19's show at The Zoo (yes, Propagandhi at The Zoo = a treat) are benefiting the Grassy Narrows Blockade and the Canadian-Palestinian Solidarity Network, respectively. They have a heapload of local acts backing them at these shows, including Burnthe8track, Rogue Nation and Giant Sons. Good work, boys.

Since leaving Paper Moon at the end of last year, ex-Bonaduce Bob Somers has stayed relatively quiet, bunking down in Winnipeg and working on solo material. He's played one show since stepping out of the relative spotlight and is planning to make July 25 at the Academy Coffee Company his second. Backed by members of Imperial Public Library, Somers will showcase a variety of what's kept him so quiet in the past months and his set may hit on some old favourites, including some pent-up Bonaduces' material. You'll have to be there to find out... The night will move on with a set by IPL and close out with what will likely be another amazing performance by Novillero. Seriously, just can't get enough.

Lastly, if you're on a budget and looking for some hot entertainment on July 25 and the stuff going on at the Fringe just isn't for you, stop by Coronation Park in the Norwood Grove to see Greg MacPherson and JFK And The Conspirators. Part of the area's "Groove In The Grove" series, MacPherson and JFK will be playing at 7 p.m. for free at the park.

Bingo Bango,

Kari D.

 Kari D is friendly with all the hip commie rockers in the 'Peg. Her column appears bi-weekly.