What’s Up: WSO, pink drinks, Creole tunes, and a berry-licious meal

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This article was published 29/06/2023 (1150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra takes it outside

Thursday, June 29, 7 p.m.
The Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park
Free Admission

Assiniboine Park will come alive with the sound of music as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of orchestral music al fresco, led by associate conductor Julian Pellicano.

The wide-ranging 90-minute concert will feature music from everyone from classical masters Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Handel to legendary film composer John Williams. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

“We absolutely love bringing orchestral music to beautiful outdoor venues like the Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park,” Pellicano said in a media release. “In the open air is a wonderful way to experience the orchestra with magical music for adults and kids alike. And, if you’re new to symphonic music, it’s a fun and relaxing way to experience the WSO. I guarantee there will be something for everyone.”

The concert is part of Assiniboine Park’s Summer Entertainment Series, which runs through August. All events are free and open to the public.

— Jen Zoratti

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Drink pink, sip fizz on WAG rooftop

Rosé the Night Away
Thursday, June 29, 7-9 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery rooftop, 300 Memorial Blvd.
Tickets $75 plus fees at winnipegwinefestival.com

While the Winnipeg Wine Festival’s main public tastings aren’t until September, organizers are taking advantage of warm city summer nights, pouring all manner of sparkling wines and rosés.

The Rosé the Night Away ancillary event returns tonight, with more than 50 fresh, fizzy sparkling wines and crisp, refreshing rosés being poured across the Winnipeg Art Gallery rooftop from 7-9 p.m.

Sample a range of fizzy and pink wines and pair them with appetizers created by the team at Wow! Catering, or simply sip through the offerings and find your new summer favourite.

— Ben Sigurdson

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Crown prince of zydeco brings Creole beat to the WECC

C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band
Wednesday, July 5, 8 p.m.
West End Cultural Centre
Tickets: $53.81 or $59.08 at jazzwinnipeg.com or showpass.com

The accordion won’t ever sound as cool as it will when C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band take the West End Cultural Centre stage July 5.

Chenier and Co. are among the standard-bearers of zydeco, a musical gumbo of rock, blues and R&B, which when combined with Chenier’s accordion, creates one of the signature sounds of Louisiana and Mardi Gras festivities.

Chenier, 65, is touted as the Crown Prince of Zydeco, following in the musical footsteps of his father, Clifton Chenier, who was known as the King of Zydeco for pioneering the Creole music form from 1954 to his death in 1987.

In addition to eight studio records and eight more live albums recorded from his performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Chenier was part of Paul Simon’s 1990 album Rhythm of the Saints.

— Alan Small

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A berry-licious meal

Prairie Berry Farm; 2385 Andrechuk Rd., Glenlea
Now until July 9, 6 p.m.
Tickets $140, visit prairie-berry.com or email prairieberryfarm@gmail.com to reserve

A local strawberry farm has traded berry baskets for fine dining this season.

After pausing their u-pick operations, the proprietors of Prairie Berry Farm have launched The Patch, a series of farm-to-table dinners hosted on their rural property 18 kilometres south of Winnipeg.

The two-week, berry-infused affair is currently underway with chef Luc Jean of WOW! Catering wrapping up a five-day field residency on Friday.

Chef ​​Jenni Lessard, interim executive director of the Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations, takes over the kitchen next Monday and Tuesday with a four-course dinner featuring a bannock crumb-crusted bison cutlet with strawberry and cabbage slaw.

Chef Matty Neufeld, Prairie Kitchen Catering, moves in on Thursday and Friday with berry-braised beef short ribs.

Chef Christa Bruneau-Guenther, Feast Café Bistro, closes out the event with coffee and maple-braised brisket with strawberry sumac relish on Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket price includes taxes and gratuity. Appetizers will be served at 6:30 p.m, with dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

— Eva Wasney