Two Crows for Comfort
MCMA’s 2021 Roots Duo/Group of the year, Two Crows for Comfort, are a touring folk-roots duo from the prairie wonderland of Manitoba. These wandering troubadours, accompanied by their pup, Elliot, travel across North America in an 18 foot camper, playing countless shows from coast to coast to coast. Whether it's a major festival or intimate house concert, Two Crows will have you whisked away to the coziness of your living room as they weave a warm blanket of fine crafted lyrics, powerful lead vocals and intricate harmonies. The duo's unique arrangements and memorable melodies will stay with you long after the night is over. They have opened for some of their heroes including Bruce Cockburn, Ani DiFranco and Pokey LaFarge and have released two full-length albums. Their third album, “Next To Me”, is available now.
The F-Holes
Don't let their tongue-in-cheek name fool you, rather let their raucous live performance be a testament to their unique blend of country, Dixieland, and Manitoba roots music. Their unmistakable vintage inspired sound and zeal for live performance has garnered them acclaim from an array of critics and audiences alike.
The Dry Bones
Some things in life are greater than the sum of their parts. This band is an excellent example, in particular because the parts are already some of Canada’s most celebrated performers and songwriters.
Dry Bones bring an element of traditional folk but turned up a notch or two on the dial. Leonard Podolak (The Duhks) provides the melodic hook and banjo hustle every band dreams of having. JD Edwards (Small Glories, JDEB) is the soulful voice of all the lonely spaces in between one side of this country and the other. He plays guitars and harmonicas. Nathan Rogers (w/ Dale Brown, Unglüd) plays guitar, stomp and kazoo and he’s a throat singer with a vocal range approximate to a piano. He makes it all sound pretty. They are sometimes lucky enough to be joined by Jeremy Penner and on violin/fiddle and Gilles Fournier on bass.
They are the true synergistic, energetic, synchronistic, syncretic heroes of modern folk music. They are an indefatigable force with which to be reckoned.
Emma Peterson
Consistently recognized as one of Manitoba’s most promising young country stars, Emma Peterson is known not only for her captivating performances, but for a powerful voice and all too relatable lyricism. It’s that gift for telling familiar, relatable stories that continues to set the singer/songwriter apart, as well as setting the scene for her new single release "Got It Back".
Growing up in Winnipegosis, MB (which at last count boasts a population of about 617), Emma knows first-hand what it’s like to grow up country proud. And while she may have since moved on to bigger digs, it’s those fond hometown memories that continue to fuel the fire, and initially lit the spark on her country music career — no matter how cheesy she thinks her origin story may sound.
In 2016, Emma’s debut took home top spot in CMT’s Chevy Tailgate Contest, resulting in one of her original songs being featured on the Chevy Top 20, while she made a name for herself as one of the Top 4 finalists in the country. Over the past few years, Emma has continued to perform at numerous venues across the province and beyond, including Dauphin’s Countryfest and Niverville Fair, sharing a stage with some of the country’s biggest stars, The Reklaws, Charlie Major, and Andrew Hyatt. Upcoming,
Emma is opening for Jason McCoy on the "Backroads to Countryfest Tour", as well as, opening for Tim Hicks and Cory Marks this summer. Most recently Emma won Female Artist of the Year, Interactive Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the Manitoba Country Music Awards 2023.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/63SuE0LZ3YeV8aMGH3lunR?si=z3spDzYfTCCbTVNMKIcucg
Dirty Catfish Brass Band
Dirty Catfish Brass Band’s aim is to inspire, create and instigate – but, mostly, they just want you on your feet. Undeniably tight, yet reckless as hell, Dirty Catfish Brass Band deals in powerful phrasing and performances drenched with rhythm. Invoking the sounds of brass bands and funk ensembles, the collective dares to reimagine the streets of a prairie city as one that is hot, alive, and brimming with soul.
Based in Winnipeg, MB, the crew strives to surprise, challenge, tickle and pay homage to the New Orleans tradition by giving it a new audience in an unsuspecting locale. From street corners to festival stages, and community celebrations to sporting events, DCBB use the power of music to bring joy to their audience. Get ready to move.
David Graham
David Graham is a notable prairie artist with some serious guitar chops, undeniable vocal skills, and incredible songwriting. Some call him Manitoba’s best kept secret, but maybe he likes it that way. This musical enigma known as David Graham has a rich musical background that is as multicultural as his heritage and has a multi-instrumentalist nature to rely on as well. Normally found on the backside of a guitar, David Graham is dedicated to the glorious task of mixing up your ears with his melodious, harmonious nature. Get ready to relax and enjoy something beautiful from this wonderful artist from small-town Manitoba.
Redboine
RedBoine is Manitoba expat Patrick Alexandre's latest project which delves into the rich tapestry of his Métis heritage, offering a poignant series of stories and songs that illuminate the struggles and triumphs of his ancestors during the Red River Resistance amidst the backdrop of Canada's confederation.
With a career marked by innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to musical authenticity, Patrick Alexandre continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic stage show, and carve his legacy as a stalwart figure in the roots and blues landscape.
The Prairie Sons
Born and raised on the prairies and having been exposed to diverse musical influences, Prairie Sons combines a power-driven bottom end, funky country rhythms, bluesy lead guitars with soaring vocals to create their own unique sound.
Check them out at:
https://www.prairiesonsmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/prairie_sons_band?igsh=OGh6andsYzE1ZXFq&utm_source=qr
Stanley County Cut-ups
From hard drivin’ banjo solos to four part harmony singing, blues infused mandolin breaks and hair-raising fiddle tunes, this quintet covers all the bluegrass bases.
This group has been playing together in different configurations for close to 20 years and their performances have been described as “more than fine” and “refilling my folk music cup” by audience members.
The Cut-ups include Jess Reimer on bass, fiddler Jeremy Penner, Jeremy Hamm on mandolin and fiddle, banjo/dobro player Tim Osmond and guitarist T.J. Blair. Vocal harmonies are featured prominently in two, three or four parts in a bluegrass style over original compositions and traditional numbers. To hear them come together to perform as a bluegrass band is sure to lure fans of The Stanley Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Bill Monroe, Hazel Dickens and others from the bluegrass canon.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wZSxjGxF9gJTvCKAa9gkI
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StanleyCountyCutups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleycountycutups/
Photo credit: Little Jack Films
Mulvey Street Maniacs
Comprising four seasoned musicians whose passion for music transcends genres. Known for their infectious energy and dynamic stage presence, Mulvey Street Maniacs guarantee a musical experience that compels you to groove or dance your pants off, whichever suits your mood. Their performances are a journey through rich four-part harmonies, mesmerizing guitar monies, and jams that whisk you away on an unforgettable ride.
From intimate venues to festival stages, their diverse musical palette and genuine love for connecting with audiences ensure every performance is a one-of-a-kind experience. Get ready to rock, sway, and let loose with Mulvey Street Maniacs—the band that makes it happen every time.
@mulveystreetmaniacs (Instagram) https://www.facebook.com/MulveyStreetManiacs (Facebook)
The Listening Room Vibes
The Listening Room is an intimate performance venue housed in Lac du Bonnet's oldest building - and home to the Open Mic Sessions presented by Fire & Water Music Festival.
This year's Vibes workshop will showcase some of our Open Mic performers, all Manitoba musicians. Listeners will be treated to a sampling of the musical talent that we enjoy at these sessions - a mix of unique originals from our singer-songwriters, as well as some iconic cover tunes that you will not want to miss.
This year's Vibes performers are Bernadette, Keith Lillies, Tyson Wagner and Wes Parisien.
The Cat's Advice
The Cat’s Advice are Red River Tommy on acoustic guitar and Laughin’ Lexx on harmonica & bass.
Harmonies and hijinks abound. They are songwriters influenced by Folk, Ballads, Country & Rock. Their songs are written from life experience and vivid imagination.
15 years, countless shows, still creating, still performing, still loving it all. They released their debut album entitled “Makin’ It Right” in February of 2020, and well we all know what happened next! They are currently recording their next project!
https://open.spotify.com/track/66idyjgKoAzvrLFyYhk74c?si=JGc3fxP1QBWldLT4zAvd5g&pi=u-j87FMskJRbeU
Bernadette
Listeners will want to be ready when they hear Bernadette. Most people say it’s because of her storytelling voice and unique style, passed down on the family porch that resonated with the sounds of her father's voice. Those who know her think it’s the songs she creates from the ether, or the cover tunes that she echoes into broken places. But mostly, it’s the emotion you feel when you hear her sing. Her music will take hold of you as it ignites the spark of human connection. You’ll want to be ready for that, in case you can’t let go.
Bernadette is based in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Her debut CD "On My Way" was released in 2022 and the stories and songs keep coming.
More bands to come
