September 30, 2013

October 2013 - Oak Hammock: Birds, Stars, a Concert & a Halloween Party

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

Ducks Unlimited Canada 75th Anniversary
October 5 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - hands-on interactive stations.
Visit each station to fill out your passport for a chance to win a prize!
Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery - an autograph session, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free family event is proudly sponsored by Pet Secure.

Migration Madness
October 6
Songbird banding - see these little birds up close from 8 a.m. to noon.
Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the marsh from 1 to 5 p.m.
$3 for members and $5 for non-members apply to this forty-five minute ride.


Thanksgiving Weekend Annual Birdseed Sale
October 12 to 14
Supplied by Pick of the Birds, on all three days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy the horse-drawn wagon ride on Sunday and Monday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
$3 for members and $5 for non-members apply to this forty-five minute ride.

Astronomy Night - Migration
October 17 - 7 p.m.
Fall is a great time to observe the night sky. The stories behind some of the fall constellations and find out how birds use constellations during migration.

Migration Farewell Concert
October 20 - 7:30 p.m.
A String Quartet featuring members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Wine and cheese served during intermission.
Tickets are $25.00 for members or $30.00 for non-members.
All proceeds support the Interpretive Centre's wetland education programs.
Call (204) 467- 3300 to reserve your seat.

Hallowe'en Spooktacular
October 27
A Scavenger Hunt that will have you looking for spooky objects and treats.
Gourd decorating workshop - gourd and all supplies included.
Workshop fee is $10 per person and pre-registration required.

Costume parade at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. - win Halloween treats.
Learn all the fascinating facts about bats, spiders, and owls.
Get your face painted with your favourite spooky designs!


For more information call (204) 467-3300 or email Jacques Bourgeois

September 29, 2013

We Gather to Remember our Relatives l The Miser of Middlegate l Wayne Koestenbaum l Winnipeg Roller Derby League's Party

October 4, 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm
Manitoba Legislative Building/Grounds
We are hosting We Gather to Remember our Relatives to coincide with the National Day across Canada for our Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women in Canada. An event of respect, love and remembrance, providing their families with community support. 
Host: Rosanna Deerchild
Elder Jennifer Thomas
Performances by:
Sierra D Noble
Leanne M Goose
Rhonda Head
Jade Turner
Guest Speakers:
Chief Cathy Ann Merrick
Chief Francine Meeches 
Judy Wasylycia-Leis 
Raven Migizi Hart-Bellecourt
Dana Foster (Independent Chick)
Kevin Settee
Drum Group: Keewatin Otchitchak Traditional Women Singers
Honour Song: Coco Ray Rhonda Ray Rhonda
  Candle Vigil

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October 3 to 13 
Asper Center for Theatre & Film l By Theatre Projects Manitoba

Winchell must woo his wife back so he won’t have to pay her out in divorce court, and cure his recently engaged daughter Emily of the matrimonial urge, so he won’t have to pay for a wedding – ever!  Set in modern day Winnipeg, Gray’s version of Molière’s classic satire is part sex farce and part screwball comedy. 

Nicholas Rice as Winchell – The Miser
Marina Stephenson Kerr as Mia – The wife
Shannon Guile as Emily – The daughter
Andrew Cecon as Martin – The love interest
Ryan James Miller as Richard – The butler

Set Design by Grant Guy
Costume Design by Angela Fey
Lighting Design by Scott Henderson
Sound Design by Greg Lowe

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October 4, 8:00 pm
Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, 460 Portage Avenue, Gallery 1
The event is free and all are welcome to attend
Wayne Koestenbaum will present in a multi-modal format in between lecture, reading, and performance. 
Koestenbaum has written an examination of "the erotics of male literary collaboration" (Double Talk); a study of opera and homosexuality (The Queen's Throat); the volume on Andy Warhol for the Penguin Lives series (Andy Warhol); an investigation into Jackie O's iconic status in American culture (Jackie Under My Skin); a collection of essays on "sex, stars and aesthetics" (Cleavage); a delirious, sui-generis inventory of Harpo Marx gags (The Anatomy of Harpo Marx); and a kaleidoscopic compilation of reflections on humiliation (Humiliation).  He has also authored several books of highly regarded poetry. 
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October 4, 9:00 pm until 2:00 am
The Pyramid Cabaret, 176 Fort Street

Come and party with the Winnipeg Roller Derby League! 
THE FAMILY PLANNERS playing their trademark mix of Funk & Soul! 
Dancefloor Trackers KING CABERNET & MOD MARTY spinning rawk, funk, soul & more! 

TICKETS: $10 also at
HUNGOVER EMPIRE (173 Osborne Street)
PEACH JAM SKATES (Suite 135A-25 Forks Market Road)

September 28, 2013

Best of Hot Docs 2013 l Sewing Classes l LGBTT 55+ Yard Sale l Winnipeg Rowing Club Perogy Sale

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and partners the National Screen Institute, On Screen Manitoba and DOC Winnipeg are pleased to announce the return of the Best of Hot Docs.

October 4 to 6 
Winnipeg Film Group’s Cinematheque, 100 Arthur Street

All-access passes  $30 - 4-packs are $27 - Individual tickets $9 
Passes and tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite.

Four hits from this year's Hot Docs lineup and one audience favourite from the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.  In some cases, filmmakers and/or subjects may participate in post-screening discussions via Skype.

Good 'Ol Freda
A Liverpool teen lands the job of a lifetime when a local band, The Beatles, hires her to run their fan club.

Blood Brother
Surprised by his friend’s sudden move to India to care for HIV-positive orphans, the director follows on what he suspects is a self-centered journey of self-discovery only to find both their lives forever changed in this Sundance award-winner.

Cutie and the Boxer
The 40-year love story of Ushio and Noriko, two Japanese artists living in New York, reveals their artistic processes and rivalries but, most importantly, the symbiosis of love and creativity.

Last Woman Standing
Ariane Fortin and Mary Spencer fought side by side on Canada’s national boxing team, winning championships. But only one can be an Olympian.  Now they battle each other.

Greenwich Village: Music That Defined a Generation
Visit Greenwich Village in the '60s and '70s, when art and activism collided and a new generation of singers and songwriters, including Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Don McLean and Carly Simon, developed political folk music.

Hot Docs will present its 21st annual edition from April 24 to May 4, 2014. Approximately 200 documentaries from Canada and around the world will be presented to Toronto audiences and international delegates. Hot Docs will also mount conference sessions and market events and services for documentary practitioners including the renowned Hot Docs Forum, Hot Docs Deal Maker and The Doc Shop.

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Sewing and Embroidery Warehouse, 15 Keith Rd
Phone: 632-7200  Toll free 1-800-665-8958 or email

October/November sewing and embroidering classes.
Classes are limited to 6 students.
If the time is not suitable please tell us and we might have classes on another day.

Swirling Star Table Topper and Place Mats
October 4, 11, 18, 25 Nov. 8 (15 class hours) - 12:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Suitable for beginner quilters with good sewing skills.
Teacher:    Donna Hartle
Class Fee:   $75.00 plus Patterns: $10.00 payable to teacher on day of class.


Zigzag Table Runner
October 17, 24, 31 (9 class hours) - 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This class is recommended for beginner quilters.
Teacher:    Donna Hartle
Class Fee:   $45.00  Pattern included


Trick or Treat Bowl
October 19 - 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The bowl is about 11 ½ “ in diameter. We will be sewing and embroidering.
Bring a bag lunch
Teacher:  Gabriele Fazekas
Complete Kit: $20.00
Class Fee:   Free 

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OCT. 5, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Rainbow Resource Centre, 170 Scott Street.

Drop off Sept 30 to Oct 4 at RRC.
We need donations of gently used items for our yard sale.
No clothing, couches, encyclopedias or magazines please.

LGBTT 55+ Positive Space Initiative (PSI), a group working for
accessible and safe housing for Winnipeg's LGBTT seniors.
For more info contact Craig at (204) 474-0212 or email 

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Winnipeg Rowing Club is selling homemade perogies just in time for Thanksgiving!

Spare your Baba or Oma the trouble of pinching these delicious dumplings.
Treat your Thanksgiving dinner guests like Manitoba royalty.

Orders and payment are due by October 3
$6 per dozen perogies - All proceeds go to the Winnipeg Rowing Club.
Email Christine how many dozen you want
Cash or cheque under the WRC office door (note who it’s from!)

Pickup orders at the WRC on October 10.

Potato and cheese perogies are freshly handmade on the day they are delivered.

September 27, 2013

Assiniboine Park: Classes, Art Show and Sale, and Fall Flowers



Foodie Series - Enjoy delectable food samplings prepared by local chefs, sprinkled with historical, cultural and horticultural tidbits, and topped off with expert beverage pairings from the Manitoba Liquor Marts. 

Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm at the Madison Square MLCC Teaching Kitchen. 
Participants must be 18 years or older. $45/class plus GST
Phone 204 927 6001 

**   
Art Classes & Crafting Workshops - Exercise your green thumb, release your inner artist, or create something beautiful for your home.
Call  204 927 6070 or email 

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ART IN THE PARK

Holiday Art Show and Sale
Oct 28 - Jan 12
Conservatory Foyer Gallery

Pavilion Gallery:

Moving West – Life in Alberta
to January 26
John P. Crabb Gallery 

Shield
to March 16
Ivan Eyre Gallery 
The Monarch Life Collection
October 21 – March 30
Clarence Tillenius Gallery 

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Fall is a wonderful time  to visit Assiniboine Park. Until the first frost you can still view the summer annuals. After all the tender plant material has been removed, you can enjoy the changing colours of the trees and shrubs as well as perennial grasses in their full splendour in the Formal Gardens, and the final blooms of sedums in the English Garden.

Stop by the Assiniboine Park Conservatory to enjoy our seasonal displays and events:

October 5 – Manitoba Regional Lily Society annual bulb sale

Until November 17 – Autumn Display featuring specialty cascade chrysanthemums, and single stem chrysanthemums.

November 23 to January 12 – Holiday Display featuring a variety of Poinsettia, Amaryllis, and Paperwhites. Christmas trees will go on display the first week of December.

Questions: Phone 204 927 6001

September 26, 2013

October 2013 Skywalk Concerts and Lectures l McNally Robinson: October Music, Deborah Cowley, Joe Mackintosh, Vivienne Poy, Barbara Edie

Bring your lunch and be informed and entertained by the Skywalk series of noon-hour events! Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:10 - 12:50 p.m. 
Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library

LECTURES

Wednesday, October 2
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 and Treaty-Making in Canada 
with Dr. Ryan Eyford, UWinnipeg History

Wednesday, October 9
Aegyptus: Egypt Under the Romans with Dr. Matt Gibbs, UWinnipeg Classics

Wednesday, October 16
Looking at the World From Above: How Satellites Influence Our Understanding of the World Around Us with Dr. Christopher Storie, UWinnipeg Geography

Wednesday, October 23
A Course in Canadian School Geography... 100 Years Ago 
with Matt Dyce, UWinnipeg Geography

Wednesday, October 30
The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Neuroimaging Human Memory 
with Dr. Bruce Bolster, UWinnipeg Psychology

CONCERTS

Thursday, October 3  
Jim McEwen Jazz Trio, 
with George Reznik, piano, Bob “Moose” Jackson, bass, and Jim McEwen, drums

Thursday, October 10
WSO Presents Allen Harrington, saxophone and Laura Loewen, piano

Thursday, October 17
The Flamenco Guitar with Philippe Meunier

Thursday, October 24
WSO Presents Isaac Pulford, trumpet

Thursday, October 31
Blue-eyed Blues with guitarists Sister Dorothy and Tim Cummings


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Prairie Ink Open Night
October 2, 8:30 pm in Prairie Ink Restaurant.
A Monthly Showcase Celebrating Singer Songwriters.

Hosted by Karen Nielsen, registration begins at 8:00 pm with 11 musicians selected by lottery. For more information call Karen at Prairie Ink Restaurant - 204-975-2659.

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Jeanette Cansino & Wayne Zelisney
Friday October 4, 8:00 pm
Contemporary Pop/Country

Burton Trio
Saturday October 5, 8:00 pm
Jazz

Maxine Peters
Friday October 11, 8:00 pm
Acoustic Pop-Country

Doug Edmond Trio
Saturday October 12, 8:00 pm
Singer/Songwriter

DB Blues
Friday October 18, 8:00 pm
Blues

The Bob Watts Trio
Saturday October 19, 8:00 pm
Jazz

Paul Cameron Miller
Friday October 25, 8:00 pm
Singer/Songwriter

Nightfall
Saturday October 26, 8:00 pm
Jazz


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October 3, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
The Library Tree: How a Canadian Woman Brought the Joy of Reading to a Generation of African Children

Deborah Cowley transformed a simple afternoon of reading to a group of children in her backyard in Ghana into seven large community libraries, support for more than 200 smaller initiatives in African countries, and a publishing venture that produces children’s books in English and Swahili.

Since 2000, Deborah has continued to work with Kathy Knowles as a volunteer in Ghana. This is her fifth book.

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October 3, 8:00 pm in Prairie Ink Restaurant
Chris McCubbins: Running the Distance

Chris McCubbins won the gold medal in the 3000-metre steeplechase at Winnipeg’s 1967 Pan American Games. Chris moved to Winnipeg in 1970 going on to set a Manitoba record in the 10,000-metre race in 1975. He was a caring teacher and a tireless advocate for youth. He also fought a final battle with leukemia.

Joe Mackintosh's first biography, Andy De Jarlis: The Life and Music of an Old-Time Fiddler was short-listed for the Alexander Kennedy Isbister Non-Fiction Award.

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October 4, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove
Passage to Promise Land: Voices of Chinese Immigrant Women to Canada

A revealing study of Chinese immigration to Canada from the end of the Second World War to the present through the stories of Chinese immigrant women. From the very first mention of Chinese women’s immigration in Canada’s Parliament in 1879, to the end of the twentieth century - when a Chinese woman was appointed Governor General - the road to equality has been arduous.

The Honourable Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, is an author, entrepreneur, and historian.

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October 6, 2:00 pm in the Travel Alcove
Breakthrough: Inspiring Strategies to Live an Audaciously Authentic Life

Barbara Edie is the co-author of the Manitoba Book of Everything, and her new eBook Sparking Change Around the Globe: 5 ways to make your difference in the world, recently became a #1 Amazon Bestseller. In Breakthrough award-winning authors and 18 experts share their secrets on how you can create the life you’ve always wanted.

Barbara is also the former editor of two Manitoba lifestyle magazines: The Cottager and Winnipeg Women/Winnipeg Men.

Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)

September 25, 2013

The Winnipeg IF… Improv Festival l King's Head Pub's Free Laughs


The Festival Sampler Platter  | Free 
King's Head Pub, 120 King St.
October 1, 9:00 pm

Stephen and Lee from CRUMBS host the opening show of the 2013 Winnipeg Improv Festival by doing scenes with out of town guests and local players. 

The Festival Sampler show is a part of the ongoing Free Laughs Comedy Series that puts on free live comedy shows at the King's Head every Tuesday night. 


At The Gas Station Arts Centre, 445 River Avenue:

The Dungeons & Dragons Improv Show
October 2, 8:00 pm | $10

Evil warlocks.
Giant dice.
Bloody battles (don't worry, it's fake blood).

The show is based on the much-loved game of Dungeons & Dragons, which is a role playing game and just happens to be a perfect fit for improv. 

**
CRUMBS feat. DJ Hunnicutt 
October 4, 11:00 pm | $10 

Winnipeg's CRUMBS and DJ Hunnicutt create some of the very best long-form improv on the globe.

**
The Saturday Mainstage Show 
October 5, 8:00 pm | $10
  • Set 1: Ensemble Cast Performance
Featuring Alistair Cook, Warren Bates, Shawn Norman, Kory Mathewson, Daniel Maslany, Lucy Hill, Fraz Wiest and Stephen Sim.
  • Set 2: Outside Joke (Showcase Performance)
Outside Joke combines the genre of musical theatre with long-form improv based on audience suggestions. The ease with which they invent hilarious lyrics (while staying in key or busting out harmonies) will blow your mind. 

September 24, 2013

UWinnipeg Artsfest 2013 & Boys Club l Eva Stubbs l Cancer Killers l Girls! Girls! Girls! Fundraiser


The University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue

The University's cultural heritage collection will be on display at the UWinnipeg Artsfest.

To kick off the 9 day celebration there will be a Wine & Cheese Art Auction and Live Cabaret Performance co-hosted by Wanda Koop and featuring a cabaret performance by Tony Award winner Len Cariou on Sept 27 at 6:30 pm.  Get Tickets

The university will showcase highlights from its large visual art collection, rare books, ancient artifacts and historic letters, as well as productions from Theatre Projects Manitoba, Virtuosi Concerts, The Downtown Jazz Band and the UWSA Freestyle Festival.

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Boys Club
Public reception Oct 3, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Gallery 1C03, University of Winnipeg
Featuring remarks by U of W President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy

Panel Discussion Oct 25 at 12:30 p.m., Room 2M70 (Manitoba Hall) at The U of W
Moderated by Boys Club curator Jennifer Gibson and 
featuring speakers Dr. Bruno Cornellier, Bill Kirby and Kegan McFadden

Gallery 1C03 at The University of Winnipeg invites you to Boys Club, a group exhibition of artworks from the University’s collection that explores representations of masculinity, featuring works by Canadian artists David Barbour, H. Eric Bergman, Kelly Clark, Ivan Eyre, E. J. (Ted) Howorth, Yousuf Karsh, Gerry Kopelow, Bill Lobchuk, Tom Lovatt, Murray McKenzie, Tony Tascona, Patrick Treacy, Linus Woods and others. 

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October 3 
Gurevich Fine Art Gallery, 200 - 62 Albert St. 
Telephone 204 488 0662 or email

A tribute to Stubbs will be given by Stephen Borys and Andrew Kear, WAG Curator of Canadian Historical Art. 
The dinner will be held in the gallery surrounded by Stubbs’ studio work and maquettes. 

In celebration of the 52-year career of Winnipeg artist Eva Stubbs, the Winnipeg Art Gallery has commissioned a bronze cast of Generation to add to the five works by Stubbs already in their collection. 

Stubbs’ remaining works will be shown at an exhibition at Gurevich Fine Art in October.

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October 5, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
Maples Community Centre, 434 Adsum Dr.

How much do we really know about cancer? 
Maximized Living will show you that cancer’s cause is actually its cure, as well as build the blueprint for the “Don’t Get It” plan that will transform you into a Cancer Killer. 

TICKETS: Maples Chiropractic, 1297 Jefferson Ave
COST: $25 / family, which includes “The Cancer Killers” book
204-632-4080 

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October 27 
Gas Station Arts Centre, 445 River Avenue 
Girls! Girls! Girls! fundraiser, themed Tools of the Trade in support of Gas Station Theatre.

Gala Reception 6:00 p.m. l Gala Performance 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 available at the Gas Station Arts Centre
Phone: (204) 284-9477

Artwork will be hung on October 26 and may remain on display until December 30. 

September 23, 2013

WNDX l The Foxy Shoppe Soiree l NUIT BLANCHE


Sept 25 - 29, 2013
406 - 100 Arthur Street

The 8th Annual WNDX Festival of Moving Image turns the Winnipeg cinema world on its head with a massive bonfire of innovative new work in experimental film, video, installation, and moving image performances from Canada and around the world.

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September 28
The Foxy Shoppe, 87 King Street

We invite you to our all day soiree where we welcome Dano DanoTanaka Illustrator, The Polished Pinup Parlour, Whipped Cosmetics and VINTAGE by Drakestail Jewellery. 

Stop by anytime between our special hours of noon and 7 pm. 
You can WIN a number of wonderful PRIZES!

1-204-338-FOXY(3699)

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NUIT BLANCHE WINNIPEG
September 28
A free event. An amazing event. 

The Cyclotrope Circus - 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at MAWA, 611 Main Street

The Cyclotrope Circus is a kinetic sculpture based on the idea of a zoetrope, an old cinematic apparatus that creates the illusion of motion from a sequence of static images. Inspired by Eadweard Muybridge’s photographic experiments of the 19th century, The Cyclotrope examines everyday gestures.

The Cyclotrope Circus was created by Montreal-based artistic collaborators Jacquelyn Hébert and Megan Turnbull and Winnipegger Nathalie Coulson. 

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Bike Jams presented by Rainbow Trout Music Festival 
at Graffiti Art Gallery, 109 Higgins Avenue, 8:00 pm until 12:00 am

Get there between 6-9 for pre-game activities including bike decorating and community bike art collaboration.  Stick with us to check out galleries in our city centre.  
After party at Union sound hall!

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Bannock and the Big Screen 
Neechi Commons, 865 Main Street at 8:00 pm

Neechi Commons and the Winnipeg Film Group are proud to present a sundown screening of short films and music videos (total 76 minutes) created by First Nation and Métis filmmakers for Nuit Blanche Winnipeg! 

We will be projecting films on the exterior of the Neechi Commons building. 
Several filmmakers will be in attendance. 
Bannock and refreshments will be served.
If possible please bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the screening. 
In case of rain the screening will move indoors to the Come N Eat Restaurant.

FEATURING:
Wab Kinew’s Good Boy 
        feat. Lorenzo & Little Hawk, by THE YOUTH OF NDINAWE (music video) 
Patrick Ross by ERVIN CHARTRAND
Nikamowin (Song) by KEVIN LEE BURTON 
OK, Now What? by JEFF BRUYERE 
I’m Métis by CHRISTIAN GOULET 
R Seymore Goes North by RHAYNE VERMETTE 
Kwoni by CAROLINE MONNET 
Two Scoops by JACKIE TRAVERSE 
IKWÉ by CAROLINE MONNET 
504938C by ERVIN CHARTRAND 
Journey My Heart by REIL MUNRO 
Zwei Indianer Aus Winnipeg by DARRYL NEPINAK 
Good Morning Native America by DARRYL NEPINAK
Maiden Indian by THE EPHEMERALS  
Drezden’s Nightstand by JOE E. IRONSTAND (music video) 
Empty by JACKIE TRAVERSE 

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The Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd presents
  • "Set and Re-Set" - 8:00 pm until 12:10 am, in Gallery 7
Gearshifting Performance Works is pleased to present the premiere of "Set and Re-Set", a site specific installation dance created by Jolene Bailie for The Winnipeg Art Gallery's Nuit Blanche. 

Dancers: Janelle Hacault, Jill Groening and Krista Nicholson 
Six performances throughout the evening. Each performance is 22 minutes. 
Showtimes: 8:00 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:15 pm, 11:00 pm, 11:45 pm.

Look at how re-direction, interruption and play can impact one’s perspective and reactions at any given moment as well as re-fresh one's energy and re-start one's journey. 

This is the third time that Jolene has created for The Winnipeg Art Gallery's Nuit Blanche.

9:00 pm until 2:00 am:
doing unique audio-visual performances through out the night, creating a groovy audio-visual soundtrack for the Beer Garden. 

September 22, 2013

Fruit Share Fundraiser and Workshops l Gentle Barn Gala to Help Children


Fruit Share's Pie and Cider Fundraiser running now until Sept 25. 
Once all the orders are in we'll be making pies for pick up 
on October 5 - just in time for Thanksgiving! 
Proceeds will help ensure that Fruit Share continues to pick and share unused fruit.

Winnipeg Free Press article on Fruit Share

Register today by emailing Joanna
All classes are FREE at Churchill Park United Church (525 Beresfod Ave)
Beginner and expert pie makers all welcome.
Demonstration followed by lots of hard work and a fun time! 
You’ll be helping make many pies for our fundraiser!

Making pie dough from scratch
October 1, 6-9pm

Making apple pie
October 2, 6-9pm

Making pumpkin pie
October 3, 6-9pm

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The Gentle Barn Fundraising Gala
September 28, at 8:00 pm 
Serenity West Recording Studio, 5540 Hollywood Boulevard.

Please join us for vegan food, cocktails, music, and a live auction! 
Please come in cocktail attire and support the animals and children we heal.

We are requesting a $250 donation per person. 
www.gentlebarn.org/donate - select The Gentle Barn Gala under One Time Donations. 
Please RSVP and include your donation confirmation and names of guests in your party. 
You must RSVP and make your donation in advance. Adults only. 
The animals and children thank you!

The Gentle Barn's Violence Prevention Program for at risk, inner city and special needs kids starts this month. Our 10 month program hosts kids who do not respond to traditional therapy and who are kept either on medication, in foster care or in jail because they have no where else to go. 
Coming to The Gentle Barn can change their lives forever. 
The foster homes, probation camps, drug and alcohol rehab centers and inner city schools that desperately want to bring their youth to our program this year cannot afford to come, so we need to raise the funds for them. Our program costs us $400 each time the kids come and $4,000 for the entire year.  Help bring  youth to The Gentle Barn to learn kindness, compassion, confidence and find themselves.

Our beloved Cinnamon Apple Pie left us this week. 
She was very old, in her 30's, and was in bad shape when we brought her home 10 years ago. The weekly acupuncture, chiropractic, ultrasound and massage therapy made her feel better, kept her mobile and gave us many years with her. 
We are so sad to see her go.
                  

The Gentle Barn Foundation, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA

September 21, 2013

THIN AIR: Lauren Carter and Lucie Wilk / Marie-Louise Gay l Dale Watts l Melanie Dennis Unrau

THIN AIR Afternoon Book Chat
  • September 27 , 2:30-3:30 pm in the Atrium
Lauren Carter sweeps us into a frightening future of environmental collapse, 
and Lucie Wilk immerses us in a gritty hospital in Malawi. 

Lauren Carter has been nominated for the Journey Prize. Swarm is her first novel. 
Lucie Wilk's short fiction has been nominated for the McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize Anthology. The Strength of Bone is her debut novel.

  • September 28, 10:30 am in the Atrium
Read Me a Story, Stella
Stella introduces little brother Sam to the pleasures of reading. 

Marie-Louise Gay is a world-renowned author and illustrator of children’s books. She has won many awards, including the Governor General’s Award. Gay is best known for her books about Stella and Sam, now honoured in a set of stamps from Canada Post. 

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September 27, 7:00 pm in the Travel Alcove
Four on the Floor: One-Act Stage Comedies

These comedic and farcical plays were written to make audiences laugh. However, each play also offers a perspective about some aspect of contemporary life. 

Dale Watts is the author of 17 plays to date, 11 of which have been produced since 2005. He has works in many areas, recently retiring as the Interim Vice-President Academic and Research at Red River College.

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September 30, 8:00 pm in Prairie Ink Restaurant
Happiness Threads: The Unborn Poems

Unrau’s debut collection is an elegantly spare, thoughtful, and fiercely tenacious meditation on the trials and tribulations of modern motherhood. 

Melanie Dennis Unrau is a former Editor and co-Publisher of Geez magazine. 


Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)

September 19, 2013

THIN AIR: Souvankham Thammavongsa & Jay MillAr / Jim Lynch & Ian Williams l Barbara Joyce-Hawryluk l Susanne Olver: Manitoba Gardens l Elizabeth Comack, Lawrence Deane, Larry Morrissette and Jim Silver l Richard Kamchen

THIN AIR Afternoon Book Chats
  • September 25, 2:30-3:30 pm in the Atrium
Souvanhkham Thammavongsa and Jay MillAr allow us to share their private perceptions. 

Souvankham Thammavongsa's second collection, Found, explored the traces of life her father kept during their time in the refugee camp; made into a short film by Paramita Nath, it was screened at festivals worldwide. Her new collection is Light.  Jay MillAr's collection, Timely Irreverence, is a philosophical investigation of work, love and family.

  • September 26, 2:30-3:30 pm in the Atrium
Jim Lynch and Ian Williams explore how dreams can inspire great effort and accomplishment, but they can also lead people astray. 

Jim Lynch's novel, Truth Like the Sun, was a finalist for the Dashiell Hammett Prize. 
Ian Williams’ poetry collection, Personals, was shortlisted for both the Robert Kroetsch Poetry Book Award and the Griffin Poetry Prize. 

**
September 25, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
Wounds: A Scarlet Force Novel

Within minutes of arriving at the dilapidated trailer, one officer is fatally shot and his partner is left wounded. Ghosts from their pasts resurface and intertwine, leading the officer and her husband into a terrifying trap set by a psychopathic predator. 

Barbara Joyce–Hawryluk worked as a Clinical Social Worker for eighteen years. She published several academic papers. Wounded is Barbara’s first fiction novel.

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September 25, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove
Gardening Talk on Manitoba Gardens in the 19th Century
The development of gardening in Winnipeg and St. Boniface; of special interest are the settlers gardens in places like Lower Fort Garry, Point Douglas, and rural areas.

Susanne Olver worked for thirty years as supervisor of the U of M Department of Botany greenhouses. She also lectured and was a frequent guest on CBC Radio. She has been a member of The Prairie Garden since 1976 and ran her own home plant care business.  

 **
September 26, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
“Indians Wear Red”: Colonialism, Resistance, and Aboriginal Street Gangs

With the advent of Aboriginal street gangs such as Indian Posse, Manitoba Warriors, and Native Syndicate, Winnipeg garnered a reputation as the “gang capital of Canada.” Beyond the stereotypes, little is known about these street gangs.  Elizabeth Comack, Lawrence Deane, Larry Morrissette, and Jim Silver will speak on their work.

**
September 26, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove
Don’t Call Me Goon: Hockey’s Greatest Enforcers, Gunslingers, and Bad Boys

In professional hockey, enforcers get the crowds out of their seats, the sports-radio shows buzzing, and the TV audience spilling their beers in excitement. 

Greg Oliver and Richard Kamchen highlight the players who have perfected the art of on-ice enforcing and explore the issues that plague the NHL’s bad boys.


Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)

September 18, 2013

Canada One Travel l THIN AIR: Lauren B. Davis and Andrew Kaufman l R. Bruce Logan and Elaine Head l Beryl Young and Jason Doll

Canada One Travel
September 24, 2:00 pm in the Community Classroom

Join Vicky Lubyk for this talk on an 11-day cruise that combines highlights of the 
Society Islands with the Cook Islands. Please RSVP at (204) 287-8228 or e mail.

**
September 24, 2:30-3:30 pm in the Atrium
THIN AIR Afternoon Book Chat with Lauren B Davis and Andrew Kaufman 

Lauren B Davis is the author of bestselling novels The Stubborn Season, The Radiant City, and Our Daily Bread. Her new novel, The Empty Room, is a raw portrayal of alcoholism. 

Andrew Kaufman has written The Waterproof Bible, All My Friends Are Superheroes, and The Tiny Wife. His latest, Born Weird, is the choice for this month's SHAW TV Book Club, which will be held on September 24 at McNally's.

**
September 24, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove
Back to Vietnam: Tours of the Heart

This memoir sweeps the reader back through the battle-torn history of beautiful, bewildering Vietnam and across the now recovering nation. 

Bruce Logan and Elaine Head, have crafted an intriguing tale of their struggles and delights in becoming volunteers. They travelled to Vietnam to retrace Bruce’s steps as a young lieutenant in the 60s.

** 
September 24, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
Would Someone Please Answer the Parrot! 

Twin seven-year-olds are given a talking parrot named Guapo. When nasty Auntie Pattie visits she is disliked by everyone, and the children devise a clever plan to use Guapo to get rid of her. 

Beryl Young is the author of three best-selling books: Follow the Elephant, Charlie: A Home Child’s Life in Canada and Wishing Star Summer. She won the 2012 Chocolate Lily Award for the best B.C. Novel and a 2010 Silver Moonbeam Award. 

Jason Doll is an award-winning cartoon animator and illustrator. His first picture book Freddie’s Problem was selected for the 2011 Best Books for Kids & Teens publication.


Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)

September 17, 2013

Happy Fourth Birthday, Winnipeg is Better Than Chocolate by Margaret Ullrich


Happy Fourth Birthday to Winnipeg is Better Than Chocolate!!
Yes, Winnipeg is four years old!
THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to visit since 2009!


Winnipeg is Better Than Chocolate is a continuation of Better Than Chocolate, 
a radio show Sophie Kolt and I produced every Thursday morning on the
University of Winnipeg's campus and community radio station, CKUW 95.9 FM.

We presented an hour of happenings, news, music, humour and local personalities.
Our show was voted People’s Choice for Favourite Spoken Word Show in 2008.
Not bad for a radio show's first year's run!!

Doing this blog is a little different from doing a radio show.
It has been a learning experience for me.
Originally I had planned to do three posts a week.
I soon learned there were more than just three events happening each week.
There is indeed a plethora of things to see and do in Winnipeg.

At first I made each event an individual post.
Then I realized that was a confusing way to keep track of everything,
especially if people were visiting here to see what was happening.
So, I've been grouping events that were happening at about the same time.
Hope the new format has been making things easier for you.


Winnipeg is Better Than Chocolate started as an arts and social events blog.
Every so often I also posted about more serious news.
It looks like you cared about these topics, too.
In July 2010 Blogger started keeping track of the posts' visits.
I took a look at the 2,236 posts' numbers to see what you've been reading.
Some of the more serious news posts really caught your interest.
Forums on the arts, culture, immigration and election candidates, along with political issues, such as the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, were the top posts.
Thank you for reading them.
I'll try to keep bringing you news about issues as well as the arts.


Blogger also keeps track of where visitors live.
I'm still amazed at how the internet brings everyone together.
In the top 10 countries for Winnipeg's visitors, Canada is number one, and is closely followed by the United States.
No surprise there, especially since folks from the States vacation in Canada.
I imagine they visit Winnipeg to plan what to do.
People in Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Slovenia, Poland and Japan are, in that order, Winnipeg's other top visitors.
This month folks from Serbia, China, India, the Netherlands and Latvia also visited.
Shouldn't be a surprise - lots of folks like to vacation in Canada.
Thank you for visiting!
Hope what you read here helped make your vacation more enjoyable and that you'll come back for another vacation soon.


A huge THANK YOU to everyone who sent me news about upcoming events.
Please, keep those e mails and messages on Facebook coming.
This blog wouldn't be anything without your news.
I'd also like comments.
Just click on Comments and write.
Or send me a message through Facebook.


On to another great year in this fantastic city!
As I said when Sophie and I signed off our weekly show...
Have a great weekend. How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!

September 16, 2013

Morley Vinsky l Wayne Grady and Lewis DeSoto l Susan Thomas l Michael Matthews & Yuri Hooker

September 22, 2:00 pm in the Atrium
Cruel Deception

Obsessed with the disappearance of his father during the Vietnam War nearly two decades earlier, newly minted FBI Agent Jeff Riley will stop at nothing to fulfill his mother’s dying wish: uncover the truth of his father’s fate. 

Morley Vinsky is a semi-retired Winnipeg resident whose hobby is reading.

**
September 23, 2:30-3:30 pm in the Atrium
Using the chaos of war and terrorism as backdrops, Lewis DeSoto and Wayne Grady bring us two captivating stories of love and loss. 

Lewis DeSoto's first novel, A Blade of Grass, was an International Book of the Month selection. His new novel, The Restoration Artist, references his other passion: painting.  

Wayne Grady is the author of fourteen acclaimed non-fiction books and has edited eleven anthologies. He has won a Governor General’s Award for Translation. He has just released his novel, Emancipation Day, an exploration of the cross-sections of race and Canadian culture in WWII.

**
September 23, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
Forever Captured: Band Camp Chronicles: The Early Years

What happens when adults get together to play music 18-20 hours a day? Rules are made as you go along while stimulating the economy with liquor sales and trying to hide in the bushes from the Camp Director.

Sue Thomas has been an ADULT band camper for almost 25 years and rehearses with many bands both nationwide and in the United States. 

** 
September 23, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove

A presentation by Clearwater String Quartet cellist and WSO principal Yuri Hooker and composer and GroundSwell Artistic Director Michael Matthews. They will speak about works from GroundSwell, and about the appeal of the string quartet. 
The Clearwater String Quartet opens GroundSwell’s season on 
September 25, 8:00 pm at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church. 


Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)

September 14, 2013

Chris Hedges l Soul Gallery Inc. l Jonathan Chan l Getting It Right... The Handmaid’s Tale and The Butler Did It

September 21
The West End Cultural Centre
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm
$30 door l $25 advance at the West End Cultural Centre, Ticketmaster, Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store, Mondragon, McNally Robinson and Organic Planet.

An Evening with Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, author, activist and former New York Times foreign correspondent Chris Hedges, speaking on his latest book, Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt, about his experience as he travelled to report on recession-era America. What follows is a terrifying glimpse of the future for America and addresses Occupy Wall Street.

Chris Hedges writes and speaks extensively on war, religion, American culture, empire, and the conflict in the Middle East.  He is also the author of War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning; Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle;and Death of the Liberal Class

Presented by organizations celebrating significant birthdays this year - The West End Cultural Centre (25), Canadian Dimension Magazine (50) and the Uniter (65).

****
Sept. 25, 5:30 – 8 pm
Soul Gallery Inc., 163 Clare Ave.
“An Art Gallery in a Home”

  • Unique Bronze Sculpture from Belgium
  • Wood Sculpture: Lloyd Klassen
Artists:  Darrell Baschak, Katharine Bruce, Robert Bruce (1911-1980), Brigitte Dion,
Sue Gordon, Mandy Onchulenko, Roger Lafreniere, Hugh Rice and Eberhard Renner.

As this gallery provides a unique experience featuring an Art Gallery in a Home and Business, please make an appointment for visiting.

****
September 29, 7:30 p.m.
Broadway Disciples United Church, 396 Broadway
Tickets $20 / 15 / 7

Oleg & Friends presents
Jonathan Chan, violinist, playing Bach, Ernst, Martinez, Paganini, Ysaye.

******
Getting It Right - Researching the Past and Place to Breathe Life into Your Writing
Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library
October 24 at 7 p.m.
Call 204-986-6779 to register.

Authors Janice MacDonald (Randy Craig mysteries), Joan Thomas (Curiosity and Reading by Lightning) and Jan Horner (Mama Dada, Elizabeth Went West and Recent Mistakes) discuss tracking down facts and transforming library and archive visits into best-selling and award-winning works.

**
Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library
12:10 p.m.

The Winnipeg Public Library and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet celebrate the World Premiere of the ballet adaptation of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid’s Tale

October 1 
André Lewis, RWB Artistic Director on the transformation from book to ballet

October 8 
Vanessa Lawson,
Ballet Master, Former Principal Dancer on creating a new ballet as a Ballet Master

October 15 
Liz Vandal, Costume Designer on creating the look

Win tickets and a signed copy of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Watch for a draw box in your library.

**
The Butler Did It...  Again! Mystery Day
Millennium Library, 2nd floor 
October 5

Match wits with masterful authors of crime fiction at a full day of mystery and mayhem.

  • 10:30 a.m. Mystery writing workshop by Doug Whiteway, aka C.C. Benison. 
  • 1:00 p.m. Doug Whiteway reads a preview from his forthcoming Father Christmas mystery, Ten Lords A-Leaping
  • 1:30 p.m. Jack Bumsted, owner of Winnipeg’s Whodunit? mystery bookstore, shares some of his favourite reads
  • 2:00 p.m. A panel discussion on the art and business of writing mystery novels with a trio of local mystery authors.

Call 204-986-6779 to register.

September 13, 2013

Winnipeg Design Festival l Quincy Davis l SEW Pillow Cases for Charities l Lobster Feast Gala

Storefront Manitoba Winnipeg Design Festival
September 18 - 22, 2013
All events are free and open to the public.
email Monica Derksen, or call 204.990.7317

Storefront Manitoba’s annual design festival celebrates design and architecture in our city, and Winnipeg’s reputation as a cultural hub. It promotes the value of good design of art, objects, architecture, and the built environment. 
Events include lectures, symposiums, interactive installations, tours, and exhibits. 

****
Quincy Davis: Songs In The Key of Q, CD Release Celebration!

September 19, 7:30 pm
Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, 340 Boulevard Provencher, Pauline-Boutal Hall
General - $20 l Students - $10

The concert will feature Larry Roy (guitar), Will Bonness (piano), Steve Kirby (bass), Quincy Davis (drums) and the newest member of the Marcel A. Desautels Jazz Faculty, Jon Gordon (alto sax, soprano), performing some new compositions that were written just for this concert!  There may even be a couple of special guests. 

****
September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Come and join us for a fun day!
Along with Judy Stupak we will be making pillow cases for various charities. 
If you have any fabric lying around you would like to donate, bring it along.
Please bring a bag lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. 

Please call 204-632-7200, toll-free 1-800-665-8958 or email us.

****
September 28
Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue

37th Annual Lobster Feast
Cocktails 6 pm
All-you-can-eat lobster, an evening of dancing with music by Ego Spank,
prizes, auctions and much more!

Tickets and information: 204-233-8053

This is a crucial event for Le Cercle Molière!
It is our principal fundraiser, enabling us to present high quality productions,
en français, in Manitoba.

September 12, 2013

Robert Chrismas l George W. Friesen l Sarah Klassen l Shannon Dee


September 18, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
Canadian Policing in the 21st Century: A Frontline Officer on Challenges and Changes

How can police remain effective and vital in an era of unprecedented technological advances, access to information, and the global transformation of crime? This book offers a look at street-level police work. 

Robert Chrismas is a police officer in Winnipeg with twenty-eight years of experience. He is also a doctoral student in Peace and Conflict Studies at the U of M.

**
September 18, 7:30 pm in the Travel Alcove
Holy Mackerel: A Quiz Book of Christian Themes: Volume One

This book provides readers with a glimpse of the work of the church expressed in the times and seasons of its long-standing duration. 

George Wolfe Friesen is former associate editor of The Canadian Mennonite. Friesen maintains interest in the wide spectrum of belief that represents Christianity in the West.

**
September 19, 7:00 pm in the Atrium
The Wittenbergs

Alice has given birth to her second child with a genetic disorder. Millicent has withdrawn into a depression. Joseph has to choose between being principal and the new English teacher. Mia finds herself at the mercy of an unsympathetic teacher. 

Sarah Klassen has won the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award, the High Plains Award for Fiction, the Canadian Authors Association Award for Poetry, and the National Magazine Gold Award for Poetry. 

**
September 21, 2:00 pm in the Atrium
Faith has Freckles and Walter has Wheels. But did you know... 

Peanut butter makes Faith puke. Walter is excellent at arm wrestling. As Faith introduces us to her circle of friends, she gives us the opportunity to join her in celebrating diversity and building community. 

Shannon Dee (Schultz) worked at an animation studio, and for a variety of people, including Al Simmons. 


Phone 204-475-0483
(Toll-Free 1-800561-1833)