Manitoba Music Teams Up with Manitoba Arts Network for Indigenous Artist Development Program at Manitoba Showcase 2018

Five local artists are set to participate in the Manitoba Arts Network's inaugural Indigenous Artist Development Program taking place at Manitoba Showcase 2018 in Portage la Prairie. Making the trip this year will be hip hop artist Winston Chubb, songwriter/artist/producer Dale McArthur, and singer/songwriters Brandi Vezina, Sonia Eidse, and Kris Paul.

In partnership with Manitoba Music’s Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP), the artists will work with music mentors  Vince Fontaine, Crystle Lightning, and Wayne Lavallee,over three days in addition to attending live performance showcases of artists from across Canada.

Winnipeg-based musician, composer, producer, and festival curator Fontaine has won several awards, including JUNOS and Indigenous Music Awards and more, throughout his music career and founded renowned groups Eagle & Hawk and Indian City. 

Los Angeles-based artist Crystle Lightning, who was recently added to the mentors list, has earned acclaim as part of hip hop group LightningCloud.  

Wayne Lavallee is a singer, songwriter, and multi-JUNO Award winner and nominee based in Vancouver. 

This program is a unique opportunity for up and coming, entry-level Indigenous artists, bands, songwriters and musicians to receive guidance, make connections and learn about the workings of contact events like Manitoba Showcase. These artists have never showcased before so exposing them to a new world of touring possibilities will give them a great start to their new careers.