What's up: Dalnavert, Postmodern Jukebox, Lana Winterhalt, Grant's Old Mill's 50th, food tour

Winnipeg Free Press

4 days ago

Are you kicking yourself for missing another First Friday? Each month, the Dalnavert Museum opens its doors for free on the Second Saturday.
Built in 1895, the Victorian era manor was painstakingly restored — it's always either lovingly or painstakingly, huh? — in the 1970s before becoming a national historic site in 1990. On every second Saturday, the museum and visitor centre runs free games and craft activities while also offering a chance to explore what's considered one of Western Canada's finest examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture.
— Ben Waldman
Postmodern Jukebox brings its Magic and Moonlight Tour to Winnipeg on Saturday.
Led by American musician, pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee, Postmodern Jukebox is a musical collective that reimagines modern-day pop hits as 1920s jazz, swing, doo-wop and Motown classics.
In the early 2010s, Bradlee began experimenting with these throwback covers on YouTube — but it was 2013's 1930s jazz-inspired cover of Macklemore's Thrift Shop that first went viral. Sold-out live performances all over North America and Europe followed and now, a decade on, Postmodern Jukebox is bringing its Magic and Moonlight Tour to Winnipeg.
Any genre, any era, you name it, they've (probably) done it; covers of everyone from Chappell Roan to Radiohead to Green Day to Celine Dion have all appeared on recent PMJ setlists. As Bradlee recently told the Pacific Northwest Inlander, 'You're gonna hear basically 100 years of popular music styles in 100 minutes.'
Concertgoers are also encouraged to dress in their best vintage threads (any era acceptable) to achieve the full effect.
— Jen Zoratti
Megan Wilson photo
Indie-pop artist Lana Winterhalt
Megan Wilson photo
Indie-pop artist Lana Winterhalt
The Handsome Daughter has never been content to just sit pretty.
But the freshly renovated West Broadway bar – best known as one of Winnipeg's premiere punk, hardcore and metal venues – has been getting extra experimental lately.
Among its growing variety of eclectic programming it's added is Garage Days, a free two-set acoustic concert every Sunday in July. If you're not at the folk fest this weekend, consider checking out folk flavoured indie-popper Lana Winterhalt. ('Like Feist, but more self-obsessed!' reads her website.)
In their glowing review of Winterhalt's latest record, Recovering Theatre Kid, the magazine Exclaim! writes: 'Pairing heartfelt lyrics with tender and memorable melodies, Winterhalt deserves a standing ovation.'
Handsome Daughter's intimate patio may not accommodate a full house, but the warmth and talent emanating from last Sunday's concert drew plenty of passersby from the neighbourhood. They provided a standing ovation of sorts, cheering the performers from the sidewalk and across the street.
— Conrad Sweatman
SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS
Grant's Old Mill is on the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail.
SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS
Grant's Old Mill is on the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail.
The replica of a water-powered grain mill, originally built and operated by Métis leader Cuthbert Grant in 1829, turns 50 years old this year — and on Saturday Grant's Old Mill will play host to all manner of activities to celebrate a half century of the historic site.
Located on Sturgeon Creek just off of Portage Avenue (in front of Grace Hospital), Grant's Old Mill is located roughly in the same spot as the original mill, which operated between about 1829 and 1832. The site now offers demonstrations on how flour mills operated, as well as historical information about Grant and his fellow Métis.
The Cuthbert Grant Day celebrations kick off at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast that runs until 11 — get your fill for just $5. Throughout the rest of the day there will be free entertainment, including a jigging contest, a market featuring Métis and Scottish artisans, live music from fiddlers and pipers (as well as Catie St. Germain), cultural demonstrations and more.
With the exception of the pancake breakfast, all events are free — bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the green space around Grant's Old Mill all day.
— Ben Sigurdson
Blu Fish is a Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue.
Blu Fish is a Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue.
Ready, steady, eat your way through menus of Blu Fish, Amsterdam Tea Room and Deer + Almond during the Savour the Exchange Food Tour, which takes place every Wednesday evening throughout the summer until August 27.
Dig into to maki rolls, sashimi and tempura at the Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue then head to the Exchange's famed cocktail spot Amsterdam Tea Room to sample some of their best offerings before meandering down to small plate maestros Deer + Almond on Princess St.
Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and most imporatantly, and don't forget to bring your appetite. Advance booking required.
— AV Kitching