What’s up: Comedy showcase, Jeff Rubin, Bouncefest, Mitchell Makoons, HerbFest Posted: 3:00 AM CDT Thursday, May. 16, 2024

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This article was published 16/05/2024 (532 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Live, laugh, local

Winnipeg Comedy Showcase

Park Theatre

Sunday, 8 p.m.

Tickets $15 at myparktheatre.com

Stuck in the city this May Long? The Winnipeg Comedy Showcase will turn that frown upside down.

The quarterly show, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year, is back for its 36th instalment on Sunday. On the bill: Mike Green, Chad Anderson, Jon Wilson, Carson Košik and, making their Winnipeg Comedy Showcase debut, Dewey Parker and Kyle Gibson. And, as a special treat, Winnipeg comedy exports Ben Walker and Tim Gray happen to be in town and will be performing guest sets.

The evening will be hosted, as always, by Jared Story, whose Park Theatre-recorded debut comedy album, Good Ideas, came out last month.

Advance tickets are available at myparktheatre.com and from any of the comics on the bill.

— Jen Zoratti

Economist details our troubling ‘new normal’

An evening with Jeff Rubin

McNally Robinson Booksellers, Grant Park

Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Free

The COVID-19 pandemic threw the global economic landscape into chaos, with government assistance to those who couldn’t work and supply-chain issues wreaking havoc in many countries. Sanctions against Russia, owing to its invasion of Ukraine, have had widespread ramifications when it comes to trade, natural resources and more. Climate change has seen countries and global corporations pivot to greener initiatives, leaving some industries in the lurch.

In 2021, inflation began to impact both producers and consumers — and, as Canadian economist Jeff Rubin posits in his new book, A Map of the New Normal: How Inflation, War, and Sanctions Will Change Your World Forever, people should buckle up for a bumpy economic ride — things are likely to get worse before they get better.

Rubin, who also penned Why Your World Is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller, The End of Growth and The Carbon Bubble, will be at McNally Robinson Wednesday to launch A Map of the New Normal.

The event is free and will be streamed on McNally Robinson’s YouTube channel.

— Ben Sigurdson

Bouncefest and Pawshionista

Billy Mosienko Arena, 709 Keewatin St.

Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

Free. Registration required for pet fashion show

Promising to deliver one-of-a kind food finds and a plethora of kid-friendly entertainment options, this Victoria Day long weekend two-day event organised by FoodTrip Market features more than 15 bouncy castles, stuffed animal rides, live entertainment, a foam party and a feline-canine fashion show.

Billed as a celebration of community and togetherness, the event features food vendors such as Croffle Pop, who will be offering their new sweet mango tango croffle (a mix of a croissant and a waffle), as well as the savoury hama-nd-Swiss-on-a-stick croffles. Kyu Grill, Boba Lab Bubble Tea Shop and Baker’s Bowl Bakeshop will also be there.

Dress your pets in their best and get their best paws forward for the Pawshionista Cat and Dog fashion show, which kicks off at 2 p.m. each day. The most stylish kitten or puppy will win a $150 voucher from Seven Oaks Veterinary Hospital, gifts and a plaque to honour their style.

To register your pet, email foodtripwinnipeg@gmail.com with your name, the name and a picture of your pet, as well as a short story about them.

There will also be a chance to donate pet food in partnership with Food for Paws and the Animal Food Bank, and the opportunity to ask vet Dr. Raymond Reboja questions about your pet.

— AV Kitching

Mitchell Makoons, Kwiat and Erika Fowler

West End Cultural Centre

Friday, 8 p.m.

Tickets $15 plus fees

If Mitchell Makoons likes to relax, he likes to perform a lot more. When Free Press music writer Alan Small interviewed the Brandon-raised Métis singer-songwriter last June, he caught Makoons in the midst of a two-month stretch wherein the 25-year-old played 36 shows. “In my family, you can be three things: a musician, a mechanic or a disappointment,” he said at the time. “My brother is the mechanic.”

That would make Makoons — born Mitchell Mozdzen — the musician, but he is by no means a disappointment, quickly making a name for himself with high-profile gigs at Dauphin’s Countryfest and at the Winnipeg Folk Fest VIP afterparty.

Now, after releasing four EPs under his given name on Bandcamp, he’s releasing his first album as Mitchell Makoons with a show at the West End Cultural Centre. Produced over the last three years with producer Kieran Placatka, who has played keyboards with the Funky Miracles, Roman Clarke and William Prince, Lady Boots includes notes of bluegrass and pop-country, incorporating traditional hand-drum singalong.

Supporting Makoons, whose moniker means “little bear” in Anishinaabemowin, will be Kwiat, an avant-pop project of Ashley Bieniarz, a Métis and Polish artist from Winnipeg, along with singer Erika Fowler, who will be backed by the Red River Ramblers.

— Ben Waldman

A herbaceous celebration

The Leaf, Assiniboine Park

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free

Thyme, rosemary and catnip, oh my! The Herb Society of Manitoba is hosting its annual HerbFest gathering this weekend at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park.

Visitors can shop for a wide variety of herbs at the plant sale and consult with knowledgeable society members about the best ways to grow, use and store aromatic flora.

Herb-infused beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase. Find herbal and handmade products from local vendors.

The event will also include hands-on workshops at the indoor and outdoor classrooms of The Leaf.

The Herb Society of Manitoba was founded in 1995 by a group of enthusiastic herb-lovers keen to educate the public and promote the use of herbs. Meetings take place monthly and membership is $25 per year. Visit herbsocietymb.com for more information.

— Eva Wasney

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