Some of downtown Winnipeg’s most iconic attractions – many of them temporarily shuttered due to COVID-19 – will be filled with music and a spirit of resilience this month for a series called Downtown Sounds, and Manitobans are invited to join in online.
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is bringing some of the province’s most acclaimed musicians to downtown destinations including the Forks, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club for special, intimate performances that will be released online for free.
Performers will play to an empty venue, letting Manitobans hear music from some of the places they may be missing most during the pandemic. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ hopes that Downtown Sounds will serve as a reminder that a vibrant downtown is the result of business, arts and culture coming together in the heart of our city.
“COVID-19 has had a deep and devastating impact on downtown businesses, as well as the incredible arts and cultural community our city is known and celebrated for,” said Downtown Winnipeg BIZ CEO Kate Fenske. “This special performance series is a reminder that downtown will still be here as the place where citizens from all corners of our city come together, and we’ll do that again when it’s safe.”
On May 26, the first video will be released featuring Leonard Sumner on the top of an empty parkade at The Forks. Additional videos covering multiple genres at various locations will be shared every day throughout the week, including a brand new single from Sierra Noble. The free performances can be watched on the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ website, YouTube channel and social media platforms.
“We’re a proud downtown business and a place where people have gathered to watch live music for almost 20 years,” said Times Change(d) owner John Scoles. “Every venue has had to cancel or postpone shows, and this performance series reminds us just how much downtown Winnipeg’s cultural destinations enrich our lives.”
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ encourages Manitobans to continue supporting their favourite local downtown businesses, many of which are small and independently owned, operating at limited capacity. These businesses are taking extra precautions to reduce risk during this challenging time.
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For more information: Pamela Hardman, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications | Cell: 204.806.2506 | Email: pamela@downtownwinnipegbiz.com