The stage is set for one of Manitoba’s most exciting showcases of homegrown talent. The Manitoba Voice is returning this fall, taking over the William Glesby Centre in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and audiences can expect an evening of live entertainment, community spirit, and plenty of big-stage energy.
A platform for local performers
This amateur talent contest will feature a strong lineup of local performers, including Jo-Hannah Atchison, Brett Forzley, Ryle Steeden, Ella Rintoul, Jordan (Dilla) Thorsteinson, Penny Buhr, Shawn Pallister, Eric Nash, Janalee Bell, and Tylor Baer.
Co-organizer Colleen Flynn says each contestant will take the stage in front of a live audience, performing under professional sound and lighting, an opportunity that organizers say is all about giving community members their moment to shine.
“The whole idea behind the show, at least for me, is that it gives people within our community and surrounding area a chance to be on a stage,” says Flynn.
A tradition of showcasing talent
It originally launched in 2017 as The Manitoba Country Voice, the event has since evolved into The Manitoba Voice, opening the stage to all genres of music and performance. The change reflects the contest’s commitment to showcasing a wider variety of talent, giving performers the freedom to share their artistry beyond just one style.
Over the years, many participants have gone on to new opportunities, while others simply treasure the chance to perform in front of their hometown crowd.
This year’s show will also feature a special performance by "Busted", adding another exciting layer to an already packed evening.
More than competition
Co-organizer Charlie Brennan explains while there are prizes and recognition on the line, including cash awards, organizers emphasize that The Manitoba Voice is more about creating memories and celebrating local talent.
“We want people to walk away saying, ‘I got to play on a concert-size stage, in a professional venue, in front of my community.’ That’s something that lasts.” says Brennan.
With its return this October, The Manitoba Voice promises an unforgettable night of music, performance, and community pride, celebrating the incredible talent found right here in Manitoba.
Forzley brings rock to the stage
Among this year’s contestants is Portage la Prairie musician Brett Forzley, who first appeared in the competition when it was still The Manitoba Country Voice.
Forzley recalls hearing about the contest, sending in an audition video, and getting the chance to perform a Waylon Jennings classic. He ended up winning the People’s Choice Award that year, something that helped cement his desire to continue performing.
“At that time I sung a Waylon Jennings song, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, and this time since they’ve opened it up to all kinds of music I do intend to sing some kind of a rock and roll song,” says Forzley. “Nothing against country, but rock and roll is more of my thing.”
He adds that his plan is to perform one of his original songs.
Forzley explains how his invitation to this year’s contest came about.
“Charlie reached out to me and said, were you planning on auditioning? And I said, yeah. And he says, well, don’t bother sending a video. We know what you’re like. And at first I thought that was negative, and then I reread the e-mail and realized that he meant we know how you sound, we’ll work something out.”
Lifelong passion for music
Forzley has been playing since the age of 10, writing songs since 12, and singing since about 14. Guitar is his main instrument, but he also plays drums and bass.
“Of course I’ll bring a six-string cannon to the show and see what we can do,” he notes.
His passion for music goes back to his teenage years when he played in a local high school band called Retro.
“Yeah, rock and roll band in high school, performed around town and stuff, and guys went their separate ways at graduation so that fizzled,” he says. “There’s a couple of Beach Boys tunes, but a lot of my original material is what it was. Mine was inspired by older stuff, so that’s not new rock, you know?”
Looking ahead
While music remains a personal passion, Forzley says his focus is simply on performing whenever he can, whether in competitions like this one or on smaller stages.
“Oh it’s fine, it’s wonderful, it’s great to perform, and I’ll do it no matter what. It doesn’t have to be a gig no one’s coming to see me, I know that. So I’ll just use the place to go and play.”
He continues that his hope is for a strong turnout and a night to remember for both performers and the audience.
“I hope it’s a good turnout. I hope it comes out nice in my performance and everyone’s, you know, sounds good and people like it and good turnout and stuff.”
With files by Mike Blume.
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