The Back 40 Festival’s annual 70s Show, which took place February 21st, brought down the house at the P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall, serving as a major fundraiser for the festival’s upcoming outdoor event in June. With a packed audience and a stage full of passionate musicians, the evening was a celebration of live music, community, and collaboration.
A night of music and connection
Scott Bell, chairperson of the Back 40 Festival, expressed his gratitude for the musicians who donated their time to make the event a success.
"It was so much fun. I'm so grateful to all the musicians that donated their time and just did an amazing job. The audience loved it," Bell says. "It was so nice to have the community's support—we looked like we had a full house, and it was great to see so many people come out to enjoy live music and a shared experience."
The camaraderie among musicians was a highlight of the night, with many performers coming together for the first time. Bell emphasizes how the event strengthens relationships within the local music scene.
"This event really builds connections among musicians," he says. "There were people playing together on stage who had never played together before, and that kind of collaboration is exciting. It opens doors for future projects and keeps the local music scene thriving."
A standout debut: Steven Baker
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the performance by Steven Baker, who made his Back 40 debut with a powerful rendition of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind.
"Steven did it in such a brave way," Bell remarks. "His voice and piano started the song solo, which meant all eyes were on him. Then, with Tim Hodges on saxophone, the two created an amazing interplay. I've heard nothing but raves about Steven’s performance."
Fundraising for the future
As the festival’s main fundraiser, proceeds from the 70s Show go directly toward making the Back 40 Festival in June possible. Bell explains how the funds help cover entertainment and logistical costs.
"This event provides most of the funding for the outdoor festival in June," he says. "Since the musicians donate their time, we’re able to put that money into bringing in more acts, renting tents and equipment, and covering other festival costs. Ticket buyers were incredibly generous this year, which makes a huge difference."
A new date for 2025
Exciting changes are ahead for the festival, as organizers experiment with a Saturday evening event.
"The Back 40 Festival has been going strong for 35 or 36 years, so we thought it was time to try something new," Bell says. "By moving to a Saturday and starting later in the day, we hope to attract a larger and more varied audience."
Call for volunteers and festival lineup news
As the festival gears up for its June event, Bell noted that volunteers are always needed and encouraged anyone interested to reach out via the festival’s website or by contacting board members directly.
"We’re always looking for people to get involved in whatever capacity works for them," he says.
While the festival lineup is still being finalized, Bell hints that an exciting mix of established Winnipeg acts and local musicians will take the stage.
"We still have a couple of contracts to finalize, but we’ll be making announcements soon," he says. "It’s going to be a great mix of talent, and we can’t wait to share it."
A community effort
As another 70's show came to an end, Bell reflected on the many people who helped bring the event together, from musicians and organizers to sound engineers like Dustin Thiessen, who handled audio at the concert hall.
"I hope it was a positive experience for everyone who attended," Bell says. "Whether they were on stage, in the audience, or behind the scenes, everyone played a role in making this event special."
With a successful 70s Show behind them, the Back 40 Festival team now looks ahead to June, ready to bring another unforgettable musical experience to the Pembina Valley.
Files from Robyn Wiebe