Monster on the Horizon!
Hello and Happy Friday from the land of Linz!
So much has happened since I last had a moment to update my e-Community. Not only have I moved, changed vehicles and announced the forthcoming release of a new music video. I also played some lovely shows in Gimli (at The Ship & Plough) & Steinbach (with The Octopus), Fringed my face off in Winnipeg, celebrated a birthday and my man and I are getting a dog… which is pretty much the biggest news in the world. :)
Anyway, I hope you’ve been enjoying these lovely summer days. Winnipeg has been hot and is only heating up in every way! August 23 is in just a few weeks and I can’t tell you how I’m looking forward to sharing the brand new official video for “Monster” with the world! It was shot and directed by James Rewucki of Absurd Machine Films last year and portrays a certain Monster with absolute clarity as well as my band, doing what we do.
We’re using the release as an opportunity to raise much needed support for two music programs in Winnipeg: The Garrison (Music and Arts) and Children of the Earth High School’s Drop-in Program. Both offer free, inspiration based music sessions to youth and adults who face barriers or otherwise lack access to music, equipment and other aspects of Artistic Community. Children of the Earth is an Indigenous School with a strong cultural component, but no regular music program other than our after-school sessions. Both projects are made possible by partnering with the MCMA or Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, which has been one of the most awesome and prolific partnerships of my career. We share a common aim of making a difference where it is most needed and a similar approach in creating opportunities for musicians of all ages, tastes, backgrounds, needs, skills and desires to find their musical voice. Finding mine has made the most difference in my life of any skill I’ve ever pursued… and I continue to find it anew every day, which empowers me to grow and encourage growth in my world. Wouldn't it be nice if more of us humans felt empowered? We think so too! I’m so grateful that the MCMA and I have worked together for so many years to offer these opportunities to participants at Valour Rocks, The Peaceful Village, The Collegiate (at The UofW), Inkster School, The Salvation Army’s Anchorage Addictions Program as well as many other Schools and Community organizations in addition to Children of the Earth and The Garrison. And we’re continuing to pursue more and greater things with the help of more great people!
The other musicians and artists involved with this show are not only truly wonderful music makers, but also cool people who are connected to the programs in some way. We are coming together and the West End Cultural Centre is partnering with us all to maximize the support we can generate. If you can come, there will be custom merchandise, door prizes, super great live music and the brand new video up on the big screen! If not, support tickets are available and are still eligible for door prizes!
BUY A REGULAR TICKET NOW ($15)
bit.ly/monstervidrelease
BUY A SUPPORT TICKET NOW ($10)
bit.ly/monstervidsupport
And between now and the 23rd, there are so many other great things happening:
Tonight (August 10) I’ll be in McNally Robinson’s Prairie Ink Cafe with Mitch Dorge on cajon, starting at 8:30pm.
Tomorrow (August 11) I’m chatting and playing cribbage with Broose on UMFM’s “Beer for Breakfast” radio show around 9am.
Next Saturday (August 18) I’m at Shannon’s Irish Pub with The Octopus (Jamie Rumley on bass & Kelly Walters on cajon) starting at 9pm.
Post-Monster release on the 23rd, you can find me at The Forks for Ribfest on the 25th at 2pm!
And then September brings the ever-cool Sherbrook Street Festival, which is always a fun time.
Hope to connect with you at one (or all) of these super cool, diverse events and that you will consider supporting Winnipeg music programs by picking up a ticket or few to the Monster Video Release and Music Program Benefit.
Thanks in advance for helping us to make music more accessible and for listening…
’til soon,
Linz
