West End, Corydon host concert series

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This article was published 21/07/2022 (791 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WEST END

CORYDON

Summertime in west Winnipeg is sizzling with a lineup of free outdoor musical performances.

The West End BIZ and Corydon Avenue BIZ are each hosting public concert series featuring genres for all sensibilities.

The West End BIZ has partnered with Folklorama and Curbside Concerts Canada to energize Central Park with noon-hour shows on Wednesdays and Fridays from now until Fri., Aug. 12.

“We’ve got a good mix of different performances from local musicians,” said Aurora Debreuil, communications and marketing director for BIZ.

On Wed., July 27, the traditional stylings of Bavarian Musik Werks will fill the square. Singer-songwriter Jess Rae Ayre is scheduled for Fri., July 29.

The list of August performances, including a set from JD Edwards, can be found on the West End BIZ website, www.westendbiz.ca. The Winnipeg Public Library will visit on Wed., Aug. 3 to give away books and offer library card signups.

Debreuil explained that this summer’s concert series is a jumbo version of last year’s, which saw about five shows.

“We heard a good response,” Debreuil said. “We found it was a good way to get people out to the park and bring some life to the area.”

Debreuil said the concerts are perfect for people looking to spend their lunch breaks outdoors. The shows have a run-time of 30 to 45 minutes.

The West End BIZ is also partnering with the West End Cultural Centre on another free concert series at Saigon Park, with details soon to be revealed.

Corydon Avenue BIZ has gone all-out this year with a concert series that has enough names on the bill to fill a three-day festival. Fortunately for those who don’t want to miss a show, the performances will run from now until September.

At press time, the BIZ was only eight acts into its 22-show summer concert series. The performances occur on Fridays and Saturdays at various locations in the neighbourhood.

On Fri., July 29 Rock the House will rock the stage at Cockburn St. S. On Sat., July 30, attendees will be encouraged to groove along at Lilac St. S with the ballroom beats of Ricky Bogart and the Casbah Band.

Katia von Stackelberg, executive director of the Corydon Avenue BIZ, said the response to this year’s concert series has been phenomenal. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the shows in 2020 and 2021.

“I was getting dozens of emails from people in Winnipeg, and even outside of Winnipeg, wanting these concerts,” von Stackelberg said. “We’re really happy to be able to hold them this year.”

The list of August and September Corydon Avenue BIZ concerts is available online at www.corydonbiz.com