Blueswoman, her friends, and all that jazz

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This article was published 18/11/2019 (2525 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WOMEN IN JAZZ: To create a funky night at the Park Theatre on Dec. 5, noted blueswoman Lady Lee has organized a lineup of female jazz musicians — much as she did with her Women In Blues experiments where she packed the place several times over. “I also play with a jazz trio in Winnipeg” she said. “I realized there are a lot outstanding female jazz singers who also don’t get the forward recognition they should.” So, she started plotting again.

A peek at the evening’s lineup includes hot choices such as Elizabeth Sadler, Chelsey Young, Helen White, Tracey K., Nadia Douglas, Marcie Campbell and Katrina Van Humbeck. And everyone’s back on stage together for two final songs: a tribute to Fats Waller.

The mostly male backup bands include a list of well-known jazz names in the Peg, but Lady Lee says she suspects White will be accompanying herself on piano with her usual panache. Oh, what a night! For tickets, check out the Park box office, Into the Music and Long and McQuade stores.

SPECIAL MOMENT: Country singer Cindi Cain, who sings like a honky-tonk angel, was inducted into the Manitoba Country Music Association Hall of Fame Sunday at the Metropolitan Theatre. The MCMA acknowledged her years of contribution to and support of country music.

“It felt surreal,” she said. “I was given an award for doing something I really love to do. I felt flattered and very honoured.” Previous inductees include Bob Nolan, Ray St. Germain, Ray Martin, Betty Thorsteinson, Craig Fotheringham and Eric Irwin.

Cain, 57, performed and recorded traditional country music until 1993, when she said “crossover artists such as Shania Twain and Garth Brooks changed everything.” Cain got off the road and became a popular singing teacher with Voice Shack and continues to do private gigs, often entertaining the 55-plus crowd. “I especially enjoy playing at assisted-living places, where people can’t get out for live music anymore. I love those people.

“I’m looking forward to being part of The Titans of Country — a show that honours some of the best country music of all time,” Cain said. The show is hosted by Martin, formerly of the Foster Martin Band, with Tom Dutiaume and the Titans of Country band, which features special guests such as Cain, Michelle Anseeuw, Shandra Levreault, Jeff Chabluk and Travis Barre.

CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS: The Winnipeg Steel Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert sells out early every year. The orchestra, directed by Ruthven Nimblett, takes Winnipeggers away from the cold and into the warmth of the sun. It happens Dec. 8 at the St. Boniface University auditorium at 2 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a break with snacks and drinks. For tickets, call 204-952-6172 or 204-951-0521 while there are still some left.

YULETIDE ARTISANS MARKET: Imagine stepping into a Christmas card! That will be the feeling at a giant weekend sale of exquisite handmade items on Dec. 13-15 at the Trappist Monastery house. It’s now the home of the non-profit St. Norbert Arts Centre. The tall, 1912 building is situated off Rue des Trappistes, south at 100 Ruines du Monastere, surrounded by snowy trees and next to the LaSalle River.

“More than 50 artisans will show off their wares and artworks in a unique gift-giving sale on all four floors of the building,” organizer Louise May said. The first night is a presale of all the goods before the wild weekend shoppers get there. It will be dark on the road. Look for the big bonfire blazing outside the building.

The night entrance fee is $10, as it’s a fundraiser for the centre. Saturday and Sunday are free-admission days, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so why not bring the kids?

“There’ll be some critters from my (Aurora) farm there,” May said. She’s famous for her goats and multi-coloured alpacas who sit in the snow together, and actually hum on the same note.

HOLIDAY HOUSE CONCERT: CKUW radio host Stu Reid, a roots-loving man, is well known for his hoppin’ house concerts. The fun’s happening Dec. 14 at the Studome at 1025 Grosvenor Ave.

Reid is showcasing Keri Latimer and Leaf Rapids in his living room, which will be packed with fans and friends. Joanna Miller and Chris Dunn, a.k.a. Knob and Tube, are performing as well. Nothing like a double bill! Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

“We can’t think of a better way to wrap up a great year of music,” says Reid (host of Twang Trust), who throws a concert every couple of months.

“We’ve always wanted to do a show during the holidays.”

The man’s clearly up to the task. There will be free snacks, plus complimentary copies of the 2019 Reid Family Christmas Spectacular CD (Psst! They’re off-the-beaten-path Christmas tunes Reid roots up and slaps on a disc every year.)

“And the dancin’ is free,” he laughs. Tickets at Eventbrite are $25 (plus fee) or through Reid at 204-453-2021.

Got tips? Cool things happening in your world? New clubs, restaurants or funky businesses opening? Email Maureen’s Tips at mscurf@shaw.ca.