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This article was published 24/07/2024 (727 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Romi Mayes album release

West End Cultural Centre

Friday, July 26, 8 p.m.

Tickets $25 plus fees at wecc.ca

After a nine-year recording hiatus, Winnipeg blues-roots-rock singer-songwriter Romi Mayes is back with Small Victories, her seventh full-length solo album.

In a recent four-star review in the Free Press, Mayes’ new album was praised for picking up where her last outing, 2015’s Devil on Both Shoulders, left off, “encompassing the depth and breadth of her decades of performing and songwriting experience — everything from achingly open ballads to swinging folk and blues to fire-spitting declarations of defiance.”

Small Victories is the latest in a line of musical victories for Mayes, including 2009’s Achin in Yer Bones, which netted her Western Canadian Music Awards for roots album of the year and songwriter of the year, and was nominated for a Juno.

Celebrate with Mayes at Friday’s hometown album release show, where she will perform alongside a who’s-who from the Winnipeg music scene who guested on the album: Chris Say­well, Twisty Fodey, Travis MacLean, Damon Mitchell, Joanne Rodriguez, Jax­on Hal­dane, Jason Now­ic­ki and T.J. Blair. Opening the show will be Thomas Cram and Mannon Smalley of Show Pony.

— Jen Zoratti

Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days

Friday through Sunday

Winnipeg Beach

Free

Another glorious summer weekend, another fun weekend festival of rides, food, live music and more beyond Winnipeg’s borders.

Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with a street market and rides courtesy of Wonder Shows, which will be up and running until 11 p.m. Saturday starts with a parade at 11 a.m. before the rides and market reopen at noon; in the evening the fun really ramps up, with Damn Straight playing the bandstand at 7 p.m. and a fireworks show at 10:45 p.m.

Sunday’s festivities get going with a pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. before the rides and market begin at noon.

Admission is free to the Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days, with tickets for rides available to purchase on site.

— Ben Sigurdson

Cooks Creek Medieval Festival

Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday feast 6 p.m.

Grounds of the Immaculate Conception Church, 68003 Cooks Creek Rd., Hazelridge

Tickets $25 for adults; $10 for ages 6-17 at cookscreekmedievalfestival.ca. Kids under five free.

Sharpen your swords, brace your quivers and grease your armour for a weekend of medieval merrymaking where the past comes alive before your very eyes.

The grounds of the Immaculate Conception Church, a century-old Ukrainian chapel, will once again be transformed for this much-awaited festival as it makes its long-awaited return after its last outing in 2018.

Celebrate the magic of the Middle Ages with jousting tournaments, archery competitions and Ukrainian songs and dances. Other less vigorous activities on offer include a chess tournament, a pageant featuring medieval fashions and a petting zoo.

There will be food vendors on the grounds as well as a market showcasing the wares of artisans and makers.

Resistance is feudal, so don your finest doublets and join the peasants, knights, jesters, kings and queens to forge memories.

Grounds are closed for entry from 5 p.m. onwards. On Saturday a feast will be held starting at 6 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Guests are encouraged to come in medieval costume.

— AV Kitching

A princely party

Saturday, 8 p.m.

Little Brown Jug, 336 William Ave.

Tickets $15 at Eventbrite

To mark the 40th anniversary of Prince’s Purple Rain album, local artists and harm reduction organizers are hosting a Purple Sunshine tribute party and fundraiser on the Little Brown Jug patio.

The iconic Minnesota musician died of an accidental drug overdose in 2019. Last year, 445 Manitobans died from drug-related causes.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to Sunshine House, which provides community resources and operates the province’s first mobile overdose prevention site.

Local DJs Mama Cutsworth, Hunnicutt, Jay Boogie and Rampage will be spinning through Prince’s catalogue with performances by drag artist Hari Vajayjay.

— Eva Wasney

High Tea at Lower Fort Garry

Lower Fort Garry, 5925 Provincial Trunk Hwy 9

Sunday, 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Tickets $40, includes a $10 tax receipt, at folfg.com.

Step back in time and experience the elegance of a Victorian-style high tea at the Big House in Lower Fort Garry. This event offers an afternoon of traditional tea fare in a historic setting.

Guests can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, sweet and savoury pastries and a variety of blended teas while enjoying the serene surroundings of the Big House veranda. Each ticket grants full access to the site, including its historic buildings and activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Lower Fort Garry.

In the spirit of Victorian community seating, tables will be arranged in groups of five, encouraging guests to meet and socialize with fellow tea-goers. A special Child’s Tea is available for ages 5-12 ($25), making this a family-friendly event for those looking to enjoy a historical and cultural experience together.

Reservations are required. More information and tickets at folfg.com.

— Thandi Vera

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