Federal Lights set to shine

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This article was published 11/09/2013 (4628 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jean-Guy Roy has always been a special musical talent. His last band, The Morning After, was an under-appreciated rock act that shoulda, coulda, woulda…

But shoulda, coulda and woulda never showed up, and the group imploded. Now, though, after a couple of years away from music and a couple more spent writing songs, Roy’s musical vision is being fully realized with his latest project, Federal Lights.

Comprised of Roy on guitar and vocals, his wife Jodi on keys, bassist Rob Mitchell and drummer David Pankratz, Federal Lights made big waves across the country this summer when the song I See Love, the first single from the band’s inaugural album, We Were Found in the Fog, debuted at No. 1 on the influential CBC Radio 3 chart.

Disarmingly emotional songs are Roy’s specialty, and Federal Lights brings them to dynamic fruition on the album, which was officially released on Aug. 27.

To kick the album off in style, the band is throwing a release party this Thurs., Sept. 12 at the West End Cultural Centre, with Rusty Matyas of Imaginary Cities opening.

Tickets for the bash are $12 at the West End Cultural Centre. Doors for the 8 p.m. show open at 7:15 p.m. and the WECC is offering free bike valet service.

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If you’re a fan of the Winnipeg or Brandon Folk Festivals, you will surely be interested in attending the Harvest Moon Festival this weekend in Clearwater, Man.

Located approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg, Clearwater is home to the Harvest Moon Society, a progressive, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable local food system in the area. Formed over 10 years ago, it has grown to become a model for similar societies across North America and has even turned the former Clearwater elementary school into the Harvest Moon Learning Centre.

The Harvest Moon Festival began as a way of celebrating the annual harvest and recognizing the efforts of those involved in the society, but it has grown to become a significant musical event.

This year’s edition, the 12th, runs Sept. 13 to 15 and features the following performers:
Animal Teeth, Boats, Cannon Bros., Chic Gamine, Eagle Lake Owls, Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers, From Giants, Kieran West and His Buffalo Band, Mama Cutsworth, Mariachi Ghost, Red Moon Road, Shotgun Jimmie, The Burning Kettles, The Crooked Brothers, JD Edwards Band, Woodshed Havoc, Kipp Kocay, Lakes and Pines, Mika Cavers and the Family and the
Riel Gentlemen’s Choir.

For a complete entertainment schedule and ticket information, visit harvestmoonfestival.ca