Takin’ Care of Business at new outdoor venue

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This article was published 25/10/2018 (2848 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prior to the Winnipeg Jets taking care of business on the ice, Winnipeg native Randy Bachman was doing it outside Bell MTS Place on Wednesday afternoon.

Bachman and his all-star band — along with Manitoba country band Doc Walker and singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot — performed as part of the first event held at the new outdoor True North Square, kitty-corner from the arena.

The event was a closed one, with passes given only to Jets fans, Jets Reward members and corporate partners. However, the National Hockey League said the concert would be shown before the Wednesday Night Hockey broadcast of the game between the Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs on Rogers Sportsnet and NBCSN.

Bachman, 75, who has been a member of both the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, kicked off his show with the Guess Who 1969 hit No Time.

Bachman has sold more than 40 million records and received more than 120 gold and platinum album and singles awards. Other classic hits he wrote or co-wrote include Takin’ Care of Business, American Woman, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet and These Eyes.

Local country music band Doc Walker has scored more than 20 top 10 singles and have been honoured with several Canadian Country Music Awards, while Lightfoot has released four albums and been nominated for a Juno Award.

True North Square officially opened last month. The space includes a 56-jet water feature and a grand staircase with wood-clad steps.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the world to Winnipeg through the eyes of national broadcasters from both the United States and Canada,” saidRob Wozny, True North Sports and Entertainment vice-president communications and community engagement.

“Wednesday Night Hockey is our first official event at the public plaza at True North Square. We’re excited to share it with our ticket-holders, partners and fans, and look forward to hosting many other worthwhile events in the plaza in the months and years ahead that will showcase our city and celebrate the best fans in the NHL.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca