We have two (until the next column!) more great weekends to look forward to in Flin Flon, the arts and culture centre of the North.
This Saturday, June 27, the Cabar-eh! to raise funds for the Recycling Centre will feature both out of town and local performers.
Coming “from away” is Alan Gerber, from Val David, PQ. Alan has been here before and will bring his special brand of blues and boogie piano to entertain.
He is a high-energy performer who doesn’t seem to know the meaning of “take it easy.” He will perform mainly original songs, along with his young adult daughter, Hanna. He is a force of nature on stage and should not be missed!
Sharing the stage is another configuration of local and used-to-be local performers. This band, which didn’t have a name at this writing, features Brent (Lefty) Lethbridge, Johnny (Val Jean) Bettger and Corey (Li’l Krazz) Krassilowsky with the ever-awesome Jennifer Hanson (Atlanta, GA) and equally talented Chris Freeman (Winnipeg, MB). This group will rock the stage and provide dance music late into the night.
This all takes place at the RH Channing Auditorium, doors open at 7:30 pm for $20. Remember, it is for the environment, something artists care deeply about and is especially poignant in Flin Flon and area. Contact Greg East for tickets.
The following weekend, after July 1, is Trout Festival weekend. The Flin Flon Community Choir will present another fabulous Variety Evening at Johnny’s Social Club, 177 Green Street, on Friday, July 3 at 8.
The June event was completely sold out. The performers were wonderful and the band was fantastic.
The only trouble, if we dare call it that, was that oodles of performers were not able to strut their stuff. There was just not enough time in one evening.
A whole new batch of talented singers and musicians will perform for our enjoyment this time around, with some returning favourites joining in.
Mark Kolt has assumed the reins as musical director so the quality of music will be high. zThe name of the event is now Wood ’n’ Wire.
This style of event will be happening throughout the year at Johnny’s, to raise funds for the bigger cultural events we have come to expect and enjoy here in Flin Flon.
These evenings are very budget conscious, $15 admission and bring your own treats to share. They can only happen because the local arts community gives of their time and talent. Bravo!
Susan Power, a member of the Flin Flon Arts Council and an alto in the Flin Flon Community Choir, went to the Manitoba Arts Network Contact Showcase in Brandon last October.
She was at a workshop when she heard about a grant to introduce music into the lives of underprivileged kids in the community.
She came home and made an application to the MB4Youth strategy, which has resulted in $1,000 being made available in Flin Flon elementary schools to teach at-risk kids to play the guitar.
École McIsaac School has purchased 10 guitars, five full size and five junior sized, which the children will be able to take home to practice on and retired school employee Doug McGregor (get well soon, buddy) will teach the program at lunch and after school.
A little goes a long way when you have a community as devoted to music as this one.
