ABORIGINAL DAY MUSIC IN THE CITY

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JC Campbell, Tracy Bone, the Freebird Band and C-Weed are some of the Aboriginal recording artists that will be entertaining multiple crowds on National Aboriginal Day this year in Winnipeg. Their performances will be part of four different celebrations around the city, hosted by the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Host Committee (Manito Ahbee Festival), Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba, the National Aboriginal Day Selkirk Avenue Committee and a partnership between Strongfront A/V Productions, Terminus1525.ca and NCI FM.

National Aboriginal Day provides all Canadians with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. It’s held each year on June 21, which is also the summer solstice, a significant day for many Aboriginal groups across the country. This annual celebration was first introduced in 1982 by the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) and was entitled the National Aboriginal Solidarity Day, reflecting the civil rights mantra of the group.

The Manitoba Aboriginal Music Host Committee event will be held at the Red River Exhibition Grounds and offers a sneak peak into the festivities planned for the Manito Ahbee Festival in November. The National Aboriginal Day during the Red River Ex includes a Competition Pow Wow and Music Showcase. The pow wow runs from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm with $4,000 in prize money up for grabs. The showcase includes a number of MARIA members and begins at 8:30 pm. Admission is free between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, with regular ticket prices in effect thereafter.

National Aboriginal Day during the Red River Ex
Manito Ahbee Music Showcase
Start Time: 8:30 pm
Information: 204.956.1849
Lineup:
C-Weed
Jay Ross
Rayne DeLaronde
Edward Gamblin
Tracy Bone
JC Campbell
Ryan D’Aoust
The Freebird Band
Adam Courchene
Carl Swan
Colin Mousseau
Spirit Sands Singers
Shingoose
Norbert Ducharme

Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba is the host of the longest running National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Winnipeg, with nine years under their belt. The 10th year will include a sunrise ceremony, breakfast, a parade, children’s activities, lunch, a pow wow, a Metis showcase, children’s entertainment, a music showcase, and fireworks. The events will be spread across Winnipeg’s downtown, with The Forks serving as the day’s focal point. Admission is free.

National Aboriginal Day at The Forks
Music Showcase
Start Time: 4:30 pm
Information: 204.989.6392
Lineup:
Charlie McIvor
Breaking The Silence
Kimberley Dawn
Norbert Ducharme
Tracy Parenteau
Venus Mantrap
Hunter
Little Hawk
Lucien Spence
Little Dog
Sierra Noble
C-Weed
The Freebird Band
Grace Murillo
Blaze
Joe Thorassie
Stu & Jay-T

The National Aboriginal Day Selkirk Avenue Committee has plans for a smaller event for the residents of the Northend. Entertainment, games and a BBQ will be held in the Amphitheatre Space beside the Indian Family Centre at 470 Selkirk Avenue from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm. Larissa Tobacco of MuchMusic’s VJ Search and APTN’s Upload is slated to host. Admission is free.

National Aboriginal Day Selkirk Avenue Committee
Information: 204.586.8393

Strongfront A/V Productions, Terminus1525.ca and NCI FM are partnering to present Aboriginal Night: The future sound of Native Canada at the Ramada Entertainment Centre from 8:00 pm ‘till close. The celebration will be recorded by CBC Radio for a future broadcast and will include a fashion show, live art by local graffiti crews and a music showcase. The show is an all ages event, so the entire family is welcome. Admission is $10 and tickets will be available at the door.

Aboriginal Night: The future sound of Native Canada
Start Time: 8:00 pm
Information: 204.772.6500
Lineup:
Team Rezofficial
X-Status
Dead Indians
Don Amero & Focus
Surly
JC Campbell
Tracy Bone
Tall, Dark & Hammered
Dominique Reynolds
The Freebird Band
DJ Endless

Recent Native American Music Award winners, Eagle & Hawk, Metis music man Don Freed and Sunshine Records artists the Jig Band are stepping outside the province to participate in the Ottawa celebrations for National Aboriginal Day. Eagle & Hawk and the Jig Band are scheduled to perform during the National Aboriginal Day Music Festival on Victoria Island, while Don Freed will be hosting a workshop on Metis tradition. Check the National Aboriginal Day- Ottawa website for more information:
www.nadottawa.com

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