Arts & Culture

Right now and running until April 28, the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq is presenting a marvellous retrospective exhibition of the work of American-born Canadian artist Tim Gardner called Tim Gardner: The Full Story.

Working primarily in watercolors, oils and pastels, Tim Gardner draws inspiration from various sources; nature, urban scenery, the mundaneness of everyday life, masculinity and the idea of being alone in vast spaces. These are just some of the subject matter that Gardner takes creative energy from.

A multi-day event explores the idea of building community through musical collaboration.  

Drawing musicians from around the world, Dream Big Collaborative Piano Conference runs from Thursday, February 22 through Saturday, February 24 at the University of Manitoba and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.  

“Our specialty is playing with other people,” says Dr. Laura Loewen, collaborative piano professor and Associate Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Music who co-founded the conference. 

Music ‘N’ Mavens has returned to the Rady JCC’s Berney Theatre after a short hiatus and the first musical selection features an album synonymous with Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles work.  

Released in 1973, “Band on the Run” is the third album by Paul McCartney and Wings and is considered to be their greatest critical and commercial success.  

Have you ever been out for a walk and seen one of those little libraries that people have on their lawns encouraging people to take a book, or leave a book? Sometimes you find a book that looks interesting and sometimes not so much. Regardless, it is always fascinating to see what is there and try to figure out what books have been left by strangers and what books were donated by the owner of the house.

Delve into the marvelous sound world of Florence Price every day this week at 1:00pm  as we continue to celebrate the lush tapestry of music of black composers.

Monday, February 19: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major (1939)

Tuesday, February 20: Symphony no. 3 (1938-1940)

Wednesday, February 21:Piano Quintet in A minor (1936?)

Thursday, February 22: Mississippi Suite (1934)

Friday, February 23: Symphony no.1 (1931-1932)

The Manitoba Band Association’s (MBA) Family of Festivals is quickly approaching.  

Next week, the Concert Band Festival takes place at the RBC Convention Centre with the Jazz Band Festival at the CCFM the week following.  

Ahead of their performance at the MBA, a group of 11 Grade 8 saxophonists popped by the Classic 107 studio to perform live on Thursday morning.  

Under the direction of band teacher Vanessa Nowastawski, the ensemble performed two iconic tunes: “Summertime” and “Celebration!”  

Starting on February 16 and running until February 24, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) in collaboration with Le Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke from Quebec, and La Parenthèse Ensemble from France, will be presenting a show that gets children and parents thinking about stereotypes we often project on ourselves and others.

The Problem With Pink is a show that explores such cultural issues as Gender, tolerance, openness, diversity and living together.

The ultimate love story plays out on the Centennial Concert Hall stage this week as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet.  

Move over, Shakespeare.  

A timeless tragedy by the great bard won’t be the only story playing out on the Centennial Concert Hall stage this week. 

“Like Romeo and Juliet but we’re not a couple,” quips Craig Ramsay. “It’s a love story, a friendship, that has been through a lot.”  

Alongside best friend Catherine Wreford, the pair reprise the roles of Lord and Lady Capulet in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet production. 

A little bit of Monday morning jazz opened the week as a seven-piece ensemble packed horns, bass, piano, kit and vibes (yes, vibraphone!) into the Classic 107 studio!