We’ve had a chance to dip our toes into the first bit of summer and with the City of Selkirk’s Concert Series, sponsored by South Beach Casino and Resort, just around the corner, it’s time to dive right in. The Selkirk Record is also on board as media sponsor, helping share the excitement.
Events kick off June 7 with the Season Opener
The annual summer event series – which features outdoor concerts on the Waterfront and Manitoba Avenue – kicks off June 7 with the Season Opener, featuring Kates Outlaw and Bluestem.
Ellie Longbottom, the city’s Culture Coordinator, says the summertime staple is a favourite.
“People really look forward to it,” Longbottom says.
“It’s free entertainment for the whole family and it’s just so nice to get outside and listen to music, dance in the streets and celebrate life in Canada and life in Selkirk.”
There’s a country flavour to the Season Opener, with Dauphin’s Kates Outlaw providing a high-energy country rock show that brings the fun. They formed in 2015 and have evolved from a garage cover band into songwriters and performers who are in demand playing in small towns and larger events. Bluestem will open the show with their own party atmosphere, delivering country cover songs that’ll have you toe tappin’ and boot scootin’.
Rocking the Waterfront on July 19
Rock the Waterfront takes place July 19 and features Van Halen cover band Unchained headlining and Foreigner cover band Hot Blooded opening the show.
Unchained brings you the ultimate Van Halen experience with over-the-top vocals and screaming lead guitar playing, and Hot Blooded celebrates the legendary sound of Foreigner, nailing songs like ‘I Wanna Know What Love Is,’ ‘Juke Box Hero,’ and ‘Feels Like the First Time’.
The Season Opener and Rock the Waterfront both start with opening bands at 7pm and headliners at 8:30pm. Food trucks will be on site.
Music on Manitoba August 9 – so much more than just music
“There’s music of course, but there’s kids’ entertainers, there’s food trucks, a market and a real sense of community with people gathering and spending time with
Ellie Longbottom – Program Coordinator, City of Selkirk
family and friends. It’s a highlight of the summer without a doubt.”
Music on Manitoba returns Aug. 9 and is so much more than just music; it’s a festival that celebrates Selkirk, summer, families and community.
“It’s become a really big event, with a couple thousand people coming out during the day,” Longbottom said.
“There’s music of course, but there’s kids’ entertainers, there’s food trucks, a market and a real sense of community with people gathering and spending time with family and friends. It’s a highlight of the summer without a doubt.”
Kids activities run from 4pm to 7pm and include the Bubble Barn Farm, Mr. Circus and Sleepy the Clown, whose alter ego is Charles Lauder, a Canadian legend who has been entertaining kids for almost 30 years.
He’s taken his act all across the prairies and even jumped the pond and created legendary balloons and humorous skits for children in Dubai and India.
The night market in partnership with Bud & Bloom runs from 4pm to 9pm and features an array of unique, handmade treasures by talented artisans.
The music starts at 7pm with Jivetown, a Canadian recording act, who play original songs plus covers of the best music from the ‘60s till now. They’re known for their harmonies and excellent musicianship.
Dr. Rocktopus takes the stage at 8:30 pm and they bring the party. Their high energy covers and hard rock take on fun dance beats make it hard not to get up and dance.
Food Vendors, Music, Kids Activities and more – all in the heart of Selkirk’s Downtown
The city’s Community Strategic Plan makes having a vibrant, safe and healthy community a priority and the event lineup achieves that goal by making use of Selkirk’s natural features and outdoor spaces, providing the best recreational opportunities for residents and by revitalizing downtown.
There’s more to come over the summer months, with the Selkirk Port Market, Canada Day, annual K9 swim & splash at the Selkirk Park Pool and the Under the Stars Movie in the Park, an event in Selkirk Park that’s part of Culture Days, all still to come.
More information on all those events to follow.
All concert series events feature food vendors and the events are never cancelled due to rain. If it rains, the event will be moved indoors and the city will post information on its social media channels as well as on the website MySelkirk.ca.
For more information on the Concert Series, go to myselkirk.ca/ConcertSeries.
