What’s up: Michael Redhead Champagne, Pantera, Ron James, Louis Riel Day

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/02/2024 (939 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Michael Redhead Champagne book launch

• Saturday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.
• Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave.
• Free admission — register at wfp.to/jsm

Winnipeg speaker and community organizer Michael Redhead Champagne is finally adding the role of children’s author to his many accomplishments.

Champagne launches his picture book for children, We Need Everyone, Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Manitoba Museum’s auditorium.

Illustrated by Winnipeg artist Tiff Bartel, We Need Everyone was published earlier this year by HighWater Press, an imprint of Portage & Main Press, after initially being slated to be released in fall 2022. The book invites young readers to think about what their special gifts are and how they can share them with the world — and help others in the process.

Champagne will be on hand to give a reading, and will be signing copies of We Need Everyone, which will be sold on-site by McNally Robinson Booksellers. Admission to the event is free but space is limited; register to guarantee yourself a spot.

— Ben Sigurdson

Buy on mcnallyrobinson.com

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Metal greats carry on Pantera legacy

Pantera, with Lamb of God and Child Bite

• Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
• Canada Life Centre
• Tickets: $48.75-$265.25 at ticketmaster.ca

Two longtime members of Pantera have recruited some heavy metal heavy-hitters for its 2024 tour that also serves as a tribute to two of the band’s founders.

Vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, who joined Pantera co-founders Dimebag Darrell and and Vinnie Paul in the group in 1983, have been honouring the deceased brothers during the group’s 2023 and 2024 concerts, including one Friday night at the Canada Life Centre.

Dimebag Darrell, 38, was shot and killed on stage by a fan during a concert in 2004, which led to Pantera disbanding. Paul was 54 when he died in 2018, from heart disease.

Anselmo has said in interviews his old bandmates would have wanted them to keep the Pantera name and music alive.

For the 2023-24 tour, Pantera has added Zakk Wylde, who played guitar for Ozzy Osbourne, and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante.

American metal groups Lamb of God and Child Bite are also on Friday’s bill.

— Alan Small

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City and Colour paints the town red

• With Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, and Ruby Waters
• Tonight, 7 p.m.
• Canada Life Centre
• Tickets: $47-$10 at Ticketmaster.ca

Juno winner Dallas Green is bringing you his love as his City and Colour project comes to the arena tonight. The St. Catharines-born songwriter is touring in support of the band’s new album, The Love Still Held Me Near, which came out in 2023.

The singer — who also performs with Canadian post-hardcore act Alexisonfire, and has a side project with Pink called You+Me — is joined by Americana/R&B band Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, whose latest album is 2021’s The Future on Stax Records.

City and Colour has also partnered with pLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes towards local organizations safeguarding people experiencing homelessness and ending the cycle of homelessness and poverty (www.plus1.org).

— Jill Wilson

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Ron James at Club Regent

• Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 7 p.m.
• Club Regent Event Centre, 1425 Regent Ave. W.
• Tickets start at $40, including fees, at Ticketmaster

Comedian Ron James brings his witty act and East Coast lilt through Winnipeg Friday night during his latest cross-Canadian tour.

The fast-talking Nova Scotia-born comedian and actor was last in town in 2022 for a post-pandemic victory lap and has been on the road intermittently ever since.

Beyond standup, James has dabbled in literature, releasing a memoir titled All Over the Map in 2021, and television.

He’s currently starring in the Bell FIBE TV1 show One Man’s Treasure. The faux documentary follows James as he gives up his life in comedy to pursue his true passion as a treasure hunter. Armed with an old map, he’s determined to uncover the long-lost treasures of Oak Island — in humorous fashion, of course.

— Eva Wasney

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Celebrate Louis Riel Day at the Forks

• Monday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Sites throughout The Forks
• Free admission

Keep it Riel at the Forks, and enjoy a day’s worth of free, family-friendly programming both indoors and outdoors.

For those who want to bust a move, GeNie Baffoe will be hosting mini dance battles outside by the Canopy, DJ Mama Cutsworth will be hosting an indoor family dance party, and Royal Dance will offer free lessons.

Those who want to enjoy the rewly reopened Winnipeg 150 Winter Park and Nestaweya River Trail can join a skate lesson with the Winnipeg Trails Association or go on a tour of this year’s Warming Huts — including Al Simmons’ Sounds Crazy Caboose, which he’ll be showing off at 4 p.m.

Attendees can also join elder Barbara Nepinak around the fire in the teepee for stories and drumming, and enjoy specials at many of The Forks Market food vendors.

For a full rundown of events, visit the forks.com.

— Jen Zoratti

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