Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/581380
PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 2015 ProudlyStanding withFirstNations, Inuit&MétisFamilies Deanne Crothers MLAforSt.James 204-415-0883 DeanneCrothers.ca Greg Selinger MLAforSt.Boniface PremierofManitoba 204-237-9247 GregSelinger.ca Nancy Allan MLAforSt.Vital 204-237-8771 NancyAllan.ca Tom Nevakshonoff MLAforInterlake 204-664-2000 TomNevakshonoff.ca Ron Lemieux MLAforDawsonTrail 204-878-4644 Ron-Lemieux.ca Ron Kostyshyn MLAforSwanRiver 204-734-4900 RonKostyshyn.ca Clarence Pettersen MLAforFlinFlon 204-687-3367 ClarencePettersen.ca Kerri Irvin-Ross MLAforFortRichmond 204-475-9433 KerriIrvinRoss.ca Sharon Blady MLAforKirkfieldPark 204-832-2318 SharonBlady.ca Melanie Wight MLAforBurrows 204-421-9414 MelanieWight.ca James Allum MLAforFort Garry-Riverview 204-475-2270 JamesAllum.ca Amanda Lathlin MLAforThePas 204-623-2034 AmandaLathlin.ca Gord Mackintosh MLAforSt.Johns 204-582-1550 GordMackintosh.ca Dave Chomiak MLAforKildonan 204-334-5060 DaveChomiak.ca I had the pleasure traveling to Victoria in September for the annual BreakOut West music conference and Western Canadian Music Awards. Several years ago, they began featuring a showcase of Aboriginal talent to give industry delegates a chance to see celebrated artists from across the country. It has since become a very popular event, and this year it was sponsored by APTN. Here's my review of line-up. Kim Beggs, a folk roots artist from the Yukon, opened the evening. It was early, so not many people had arrived at the venue yet. However, this seemed to be ideal, because it allowed her sweet sultry voice to fully envelope the space and resonate off each wall. Her performance while fairly mellow was incredibly powerful leaving those in the room holding their breath, hanging off every word and wondering what was coming next. Most of all, it left us wanting more. Next up was Dee Erin Band from Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Manitoba, fronted by lead singer Darren Bignell. I remember Bignell from years ago when he played in a band called Heritage. They had a song back then that I believed could have been a hit, and I've never forgotten his rich melodious voice that rivals the best you'll hear on country radio. So imagine my surprise – and delight – when I heard that voice again! I'm glad to see Bignell is still making music, because that's what he absolutely should be doing. I can't wait to hear what he puts out next. The next band almost blew the roof off the place – literally. Three songs into Digawolf's set, chunks of stucco began to fall from the ceiling. The crowd didn't mind at all, who by now had started filling the place to groove to the sounds of this heavy trio lead by gravely- voiced singer/guitarist Diga – named after the Tlicho word for wolf. They hail from Yellowknife, and grinded out tunes that at first seemed strange, but by mid-way were strangely captivating. Their music draws inspiration from the earth and the north, and might be described as metal-meets-blues. Definitely a band to check out if ever you have the chance. Iskwé is originally from Winnipeg, but has lived in Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. Her tripped-out blend of soul, painted face, and flowing white gown mesmerized the now-packed house. Her name – pronounced iss-kway – means 'woman' in her native language and her sound weaves together Irish and Cree/Dene roots with hip-hop breakbeats, left-field R&B and traces of piano pop. You might describe her style as Esthero-meets-Alicia-Keys but you should watch her play live. I guarantee you won't forget it. The lovely Leela Gilday closed the night. Also based out of Yellowknife, she's a soulful performer and passionate singer/ songwriter with a voice that comes straight from the heart. She shared her stories with the audience weaving her experiences as a northerner, a member of the Dene nation, and a traveler into a beautiful world that transports the listener. She seeks to connect with the audience – and certainly succeeded that night. I've known Gilday for quite a while now and am very glad I finally got to see her perform. It was well worth the wait. eNtertaimeNt beat RoseAnna Schick. RAS Creative Dee Erin Band from Opaskwayak Cree Nation