Cold can’t stop the music
I always hear people say that Winnipeg is such a creative city because it’s so cold here – in the winter, we have to stay inside a lot, so we write, sing, play, make art, whatever creative expression we choose.
So if this cold/creative dynamic really works for us, odds are, it would apply in other cold places right? I’m testing the theory at the WSO New Music Festival starting today – they’ve got a Nordic music theme this year, which means they’re featuring a lot of Icelandic composers (including Sigur Ros) They’re packing in more than 50 pieces into 7 days – superstar cellists, modern dance pieces…and of course, no festival would be complete without a big party, so Uptown Magazine is hosting an afterparty on February first to finish up Icelandia evening.
There’s also a new indie festival this year that’s picked up on the idea of cold & creativity as well – Big Fun. It showcases whole bunch of different genres of music with more than 20 local bands playing. And instead of using bars & clubs, they’re taking the shows to new spaces all over the Exchange District – galleries, lofts, and warehouses – all of them close enough to walk back and forth from. It started on the 26th and is running until the 29th. (FYI if you’re a Parlour Coffee fan, a Big Fun wristband will snag you 10% off your caffeine fix of choice) It’s the first year, but they’re planning to make it an annual festival – how cool would it be to have this weekend packed with music every year?
So yes, it’s cold – let’s celebrate! Want ticket info for the shows? Check the links above!
