Keeping things current

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This article was published 29/06/2022 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FORT ROUGE

WEST END

ST. VITAL

Sometimes, the best things come to those who wait.

Because of the pandemic-related restrictions of the last two years, Monica Derksen has had to wait at least that long to launch a new festival in Winnipeg this summer, which had to be postponed in 2020 and 2021.

Derksen is the founder and festival director of CURRENT Winnipeg, which is scheduled to be held at The Forks from Aug. 12 to 14. Subtitled Sips/Sounds/Art/Eats — and billed “as a weekend of summer luxury” — the three-day event is intended to showcase some of the best culture, entertainment and hospitality Winnipeg has to offer, and it will feature local musicians, breweries and distilleries, a kitchen run by chef Ben Kramer, and interactive places for grown-ups to play, organizers say.

While this is Derksen’s first major venture on her own, she and her team have been managing projects for clients for the last decade or so, including Winnipeg’s Santa Claus Parade, Nuit Blanche, and Table for 1200.

“I’ve been doing events in Winnipeg for 10-plus years, and I specialize in unique events. I like to see events through a different lens and with a different perspective,” Derksen said.

“This event is a combination of art, music, food and drink in an urban setting.”

Derksen said part of the motivation behind the creation of this event is to not only support and showcase Manitoban businesses — not least because of all the disruptions resulting from COVID-19 — but also to give local people an experience on their own doorstep at a central location.

“Instead of people leaving and taking their festival dollars somewhere else, lots of people like the idea of not having to travel and shuttle somewhere else,” she said, noting the success of the Interstellar Rodeo events that came to Winnipeg from 2015 and 2017.

CURRENT Winnipeg’s roster includes partnerships with three local breweries — the downtown Winnipeg-based Nonsuch, the Fort Rouge-based Sookram’s, and the West End-based Barn Hammer. Another event partner is Prism Kombucha, which is based out of the St. Vital-based Jardins St. Léon Gardens.

In terms of the musical lineup, the three-day schedule includes Begonia, Leonard Sumner, Sierra Noble, Super Duty Tough Work, Cassidy Mann, the Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Field Guide, Ila Barker, Iskwē, Royal Canoe, Attica Riots, Kelly Bado, Mise en Scene, The Bros. Landreth, and William Prince.

Art and aesthetics at the event will be courtesy of Fireside Design, and include interactive art and playful activities, and visitors will be able to enjoy an upscale lounge/patio experience throughout the weekend.

And those with an appetite for good food will have the chance to tuck into a number of different culinary offerings created by Kramer.

“I think Winnipeggers are very passionate about supporting local, and people are looking for that elevated experience,” Derksen said, adding the event is for the 18-plus crowd. “It’s a celebration of our city.”

“On a personal note, it’s been quite a ride to get here, and now’s it only two months away. Winnipeg as a community has been so supportive, and I’m grateful to be approaching the finish line.”

Go online at www.currentwpg.ca for more information, including how to buy tickets.