Alex Reid

Four bands and four filmmakers.

Support the infamous Cinematheque at the West End Cultural Centre this Thursday, June 2nd (tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door). Music by John K Samson, Nathan, The Jaxon 3 & The Shallow End. Images by Mike Maryniuk, Heidi Phillips, Clint Enns & Aaron Zeghers.

Last Thursday night, a day before the last evening of the year, On rapper M.I.A.  (Maya Arulpragasam) released a Wikileaks styled 36-minute free download-able mix called ViCKi LEEKX.

The Federal government via MP Shelly Glover and the Province of Manitoba via Trade Minister Peter Bjornson have announced a shared funding boost of $1.8 million to Manitoba Music (which New Winnipeg Media is a corporate sponsor of) – a not-for-profit industry association designed to help local artists and companies market their music beyond Manitoba’s borders.

The money is part of a four-year plan under the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), in which both the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada are contributing $25 million each over four years to “to strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in western Canadian communities.”

Documentaries are good.

Especially those that focus on the local institutions of a community; that ‘something’ that supports and fosters a subculture of the community. The Royal Albert Arms is definitely that ‘something’ worthy of praise, and Randy Frykas captures it in his new doc Call to Arms: The Story of The Royal Albert.

“The Royal Albert is of a dying breed”, says Producer Jeff Newman.

“Most of the world’s legendary punk clubs have closed their doors, and with each one a piece of music history is extinguished. It’s time to talk about how important the place is, the careers it’s launched and the culture it preserves. At The Albert, people feel a sense of belonging and they’re utterly passionate about it. There’s a sense of ownership among the bands and the fans that comes across so clearly in ‘Call to Arms’.”

Check out this new doc at The Royal Albert this Thursday, October 8th – doors open at 8pm, screening is at 9pm, and tickets $5 at the door.

Epic.