September 28 marks the return of art’s one night stand.
Nuit Blanche is one of my favourite nights of the year. Once the sun goes down, the city transforms into an open canvas for local and international creatives. As in previous years, the Culture Days event promises to showcase a number of exciting artistic projects including performances, interactive installations, gallery openings and workshops for Winnipeggers to explore – both in popular hubs and unexpected alleyways.
For those in pursuit of sound and looking for places to party like a nocturnal animal, I’ve broken down the most interesting music-themed #nbwpg events that’ll keep you awake and bopping from dusk til’ dawn.
Millennimania: 2000s Sing-Along
- Where: Cinematheque (100 Arthur Street)
- When: 8pm – 1am
Calling all millennials who want to feel #nostalgic. This one’s for you. Artspace’s Cinematheque will be hosting an all 2000s sing-along throughout the night featuring “the best and worst” hits from the last decade. Bring some friends, sing some tunes and relive the golden days of mixtapes and velour tracksuits.
Field Trip Sessions Bus Concert
- Where: 191 Inkster Boulevard
- When: 7pm – 1am
Anyone who’s seen the film Almost Famous knows that nothing brings people together like singing songs on a bus. This year at Nuit Blanche Winnipeg, Field Trip Sessions will be transforming a grocery store parking lot into a make-shift concert venue by closing it off with large school buses. The show will feature artwork by Lauren Wiebe, performances by hoop dancers and a lineup of local musicians.
#groovyruby Launch Party
- Where: Chocolatier Constance Popp (180 Provencher Boulevard)
- When: 9pm – 11pm
Music and chocolate? Oh-yeah baby! To launch their all new passionfruit and saffron chocolate, #groovyruby, Chocolatier Constance Popp will be hosting a 1960s themed party complete with retro tunes from Vav Jungle (Eve Rice) and go-go dancers. The chocolate will be exclusively sold on Tuesdays following the event but you can sink your teeth into some before they go on shelves.
Coffee Canvas
- Where: X-cues’ Cafe & Lounge (551 Sargent Avenue)
- When: 6pm – midnight
Whether you’re looking for a caffeine buzz or a creative buzz, X-cues’ Cafe & Lounge in the West End has all the materials to make your Nuit Blanche a night to remember. Check out their outdoor art studio and make some coffee grind paintings. If painting’s not your thing, head inside to hear The Lockdown perform some killer tunes (set from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.).
Pollination Ceremony performance by Riel Gentlemen’s Choir
- Where: 75 Albert Street
- When: 9:45pm – 10:45pm
Yes it’s technically a fertility rite but I promise, it’s not as cultish as it sounds. For the third year in a row, the jean-jacket-clad Riel Gentlemen’s Choir will sing to celebrate nature’s beauty. Watch as a procession of puppeteers make their way through Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The performance is set to feature a 25 ft tall queen bee so if you’re in the area you pretty much can’t miss it.
Bring Your Own Record Party
- Where: Into The Music (245 McDermot Avenue)
- When: 6pm – midnight
Audiophiles unite. You can be a DJ for a night at Into The Music. Bring in your favourite LP from your collection and have it played throughout the store. While you’re there, you can explore Into The Music’s top-notch vinyl selection.
For a full list of Nuit Blanche Winnipeg events, visit the Culture Days website.
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