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Our Winnipeg: The whole city’s a stage for this musician

By: Dustin Harder

Posted: 05/13/2012 9:24 AM | Comments: 0

Dustin Harder, organizer of 8 Days in May, Eh!, took some time out at the midway point of the music festival to tell us about his favourite places in the city — music venues, of course. The festival, now in its third year, runs each weekend in May with various Métis and aboriginal artists performing at several venues in the city. (MELISSA TAIT / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

If you have met me or seen me perform in Winnipeg, you know I love and live for music.

Whether I’m performing with my band, the Dusty Roads Band, or showcasing artists at many of my favourite venues during the annual 8 Days in May, Eh! Urban Gatherings Festival, music is a big part of my life.

When asked what my favourite place in Winnipeg is, I have to say it really depends on what night of the week it is.

The food, staff and talent at both Le Garage Café and Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club are two of my favourites. (If you haven’t been to the Times on a Sunday night for Big Dave Maclean’s blues jam you don’t know what you are missing. It’s a gathering of some of the best local talent Winnipeg has to offer.) When I feel like dancing to live music, the sound and atmosphere at the Pyramid Cabaret is very inviting.

I’ve been able to hone my craft and see some amazing artists at the Windsor Hotel over the past 10 or so years (Fabulous Saturday Afternoon Jam).

Then there’s the Cyrk’s remarkable sound system and very cool folks who run that place.

I can never go wrong performing or seeing a show at both the Park Theatre or the West End Cultural Centre.

I also love spending time at the Manitoba Music office (great coffee). The staff and resource centre are key in the development of any artist in the music industry no matter what level they are in their careers. I’d like to take a moment to thank them — especially Alan Greyeyes, director of Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program.

This city has so many great places from which to choose for a live music lover like me. It’s so hard to pick just one.

The time of the year also plays a factor in my decision on my favourite place in Winnipeg.

What Winnipegger doesn’t love February and Le Festival du Voyageur?

Or what about the amazing artists the Winnipeg Jazz Festival brings to the outdoor stage at Old Market Square in June (free to the public)? I also have to mention the Winnipeg Fringe Festival at the same location.

Even though it’s not within the city limits, I love the month of July, when the Winnipeg Folk Festival runs at Birds Hill Park. I’ve made many friends and memories and been inspired there over the past 16 years.

Last year, I took my daughter, Emma Leigha, to her first folk festival and after she got offstage from performing Mr.

Sun with Fred Penner, I was poked at by many friends and colleagues saying "Great job Emma, your dad’s been trying to get onstage there for how many years and you did it your first time out? Way to go!" I’m so proud of you, Emma. (You can catch her perform with my band on father’s day at 3 p.m. June 17 for Jazz Fest at the Cube in Old Market Square.) Anyway, back to the question: "What is your favourite place in Winnipeg?"

After all the deliberation, I’d have to say my favourite place in Winnipeg is WINNIPEG. This city has so much to offer a culture and music lover like me and I am very proud to call it my home.

Hope to see you around. Feel free to say hello to a fellow friendly Manitoban.

Dustin Harder is a local Métis singer/songwriter/father and lover of Winnipeg. You can see him perform this month in Winnipeg during the 8 Days in May, Eh! festival. For more info, visit www.dustyroadsband.com or www.8daysinmayeh.com or contact him at thedustyroadsband[at]gmail.com

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