We continue to stay safe and stay home into 2021. Here are 10 ways you can explore Manitoba from the comfort of your home and help to support local:
1. Watch a Manitoba Chamber Orchestra concert
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Friday, January 15 | 7:30 pm
The MCO is releasing a full version of their October 4 concert for free on YouTube. It took place originally for a small, distanced gathering at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and featured some of Winnipeg’s talented musicians, including oboist Caitlin Broms-Jacobs, bassoonist Allen Harrington, percussionist Victoria Sparks, violinist Karl Stobbe, and oboist/English horn player Tracy Wright. Audiences were impressed by this concert, and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra wants to share its magic with music-lovers as we all strive to stay connected, and appreciate beauty, from home.
2. Whoop and Hollar at home
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Saturday, January 16 | 7:00 pm
Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival is launching its Spirit of Manitoba Winter Concert Series and Open Mic Night, a series of free, local concerts. January through March, the festival will offer six virtual shows, followed by an interactive open mic night where audience members can register in advance to perform. The events are free and will be streamed on Whoop and Hollar’s Facebook page and Youtube channel.
3. Folklorama at home: The Virtual Experience
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Launches Friday, January 15 | 7:00 pm
Folklorama is offering a series of programs that bring your favourite aspects of the festival into your home. The video series includes online and interactive elements, with Q&As. Some of the workshops will have activity packages that match the theme of the week. All packages will be curated, packaged and delivered by local vendors with all supplies required, at no charge to Manitoba families. Register for free in advance. The January lineup:
• Friday, Jan. 15, 7 pm - A Voyageur Adventure
• Friday, Jan. 22, 7 pm - The Songs of the Pow Wow. Sounding the Drum
• Friday, Jan. 29, 7 pm - For the Love of the Bead
4. Watch Absolute Classics: Mozart & Strauss
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Saturday, January 16 | 7:30 pm
Enjoy the classic works of Mozart and Strauss with Maestro Daniel Raiskin. Support the WSO by purchasing a livestream ticket to the concert for $25. Once purchased, you will receive an email the day of the concert with an exclusive link to watch the livestream. The concert will be available for viewing for approximately 72 hours after the first livestream.
5. Join Stitchen’ Saturday
Online/Treaty 1 territory
Saturday, January 16 | 10:30 am
Stitchen’ Saturdays is a new group for needle-craft enthusiasts featuring instruction and social crafting time for people of all genders, ages 14 to 30. Hosted by Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art, it is an online, creative space for learning and hanging. January 16 is an embroidery workshop were you will learn hand embroidery basics and a variety of stitches that can be adapted and personalized for your own projects.
6. Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba: Virtual Exhibition
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 Territory
Friday, January 15 | 12:00 pm
Join curators of A Prairie Vernacular exhibition – Jennifer McRorie and Joanne Marion, will discuss the genesis of the exhibition project. Their conversation will focus on the works from their home provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Q & A will follow.
7. Join Masterclass Series: Theatre Arts Edition
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Weekends in January and February
Winnipeg Studio Theatre, in partnership with Safe at Home Manitoba, presents 26 free sessions of the Made in Manitoba Masterclass series. Instructors are highly trained, hold many impressive accolades and all have strong ties to Manitoba. Open to youth age 9 to 17 with separate sessions for adults, register for the opportunity to learn from outstanding Manitoba talent. Upcoming sessions:
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 1 pm - Voiceover Technique Youth
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 2:30 pm - Voiceover Technique Adult
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 4:15 pm - All Access Dance Adult
• Sunday, Jan. 17, 1 pm - Theatrical Make-up
• Sunday, Jan. 17, 2:30 pm - All Access Dance Youth
• Sunday, Jan. 17, 4:15 pm - Mime & Physical Storytelling for Deaf and Non-Deaf Artists All Ages
8. Celebrate Lohri Mela virtually
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
Wednesday, January 13 | 5:30 pm
Lohri is a seasonal festival of North India and is traditionally celebrated by sitting together around the fire, singing the traditional songs, dancing and enjoying time with children, family & friends. This year, the Asian Women of Winnipeg is hosting a virtual Lohri Mela Festival to showcase culture and preserve traditions and heritage. This online event is free and open to all to join and celebrate.
9. Explore the universe
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
The Manitoba Museum presents DOME@HOME, a video program inviting Manitobans to explore the universe. Join Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young to identify constellations and planets in the real sky, and explore space science with hands-on activities and experiments. Episode dates:
• Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 pm - explore the moon
• Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 pm - Uranus
10. Have a laugh with the HUNKS podcast
Online/hosted on Treaty 1 territory
New episode every Sunday
Winnipeg-based sketch comedy groups HUNKS collaborate with the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Safe at Home Manitoba to release 10 episodes of the HUNKS podcast. Each week HUNKS, from the safety of their homes, invite a new guest to sit around and be hilarious with.
Looking for more virtual activities to do at home? Be sure to check out www.safeathomemb.ca frequently for content featuring culture, arts, entertainment, fitness and more.
Wherever you travel throughout the province, please remember to continue to practise physical distancing and be COVID careful.
— For more Manitoba travel ideas please visit www.travelmanitoba.com