Latest news with #WesternCanadianMusicAwards
Hamilton Spectator
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Inspiring force': Royal Canoe bassist remembered after crash in Manitoba kills 3
WINNIPEG - Staples in Winnipeg's music scene and beyond offered condolences and tributes Thursday after learning the bassist in a beloved band died in a highway crash with two others. Indie pop band Royal Canoe, on social media, said Brendan Berg died in the crash Tuesday, a day before his 43rd birthday, along with his partner, Olivia Michalczuk. Berg's death has left an 'enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him,' the post said. 'Over the last 15 years of cross-country tours, late studio nights — through the high highs and low lows, Brendan's relentless positivity, big smile, and considerate nature were a stabilizing and inspiring force for us,' the band posted Wednesday. 'He was always the first to volunteer his time to pick up the trailer from the shop or load gear after tour. His generosity and selflessness were legendary.' Mounties responded to the crash north of Swan River in western Manitoba, where two vehicles were found in a ditch. RCMP said a vehicle crossed the centre line and hit a vehicle parked on the edge of the road. They said a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in the parked vehicle were taken to hospital, where they died. A 29-year-old man who was a passenger in the first vehicle later died of his injuries. The 36-year-old male driver was listed in stable condition. Royal Canoe has been a Winnipeg favourite for more than a decade and has played shows with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, the group received a Juno Award nomination for alternative album of the year for 'Today We're Believers.' The same year, they won best independent album at the Western Canadian Music Awards. The band has toured with English rockers Alt-J and Bombay Bicycle Club and played major festivals, including Iceland Airwaves, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Osheaga in Montreal. 'So sad and sorry to hear this news. Much love to you all,' the Sam Roberts Band said in a response the band's announcement. Songwriter Dan Mangan called the crash 'absolutely tragic and devastating.' 'It's all so fleeting. Love you, guys,' he posted. The Park Theatre said Berg was a fixture at the popular Winnipeg live music venue. 'Whether on stage or in the crowd, he was always present, always smiling and always showing love for the music and community around him,' it said on social media. Not-for-profit promoter Manitoba Music said the deaths of Berg and Michalczuk are a 'deep loss.' 'Both have left an immeasurable mark on the music community and have meant so much to so many for their creativity, kindness and generosity.' Michalczuk, also well-known in the local music scene, was a juror for the Polaris Music Prize, an annual music award that recognizes the best full-length Canadian album. '(Michalczuk) was a strong voice in the Polaris community, having served on the jury since 2019,' said the award group. Royal Canoe said her energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Berg. 'Her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.' RCMP spokeswoman Michelle Lissel said charges could be laid against the lone survivor. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Dozens of Manitobans up for regional music awards
Local artists and music companies are up for 31 awards in 21 categories at the Western Canadian Music Awards, which will take place at the BreakOut West Festival & Conference in Winnipeg in September. Country-roots act Boy Golden, a.k.a. Liam Duncan, is a triple nominee with nods for BreakOut Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Burnstick, the duo of Jason and Nadia Burnstick, earned nominations in the same three categories. Field Guide, the alter ego of singer-songwriter Dylan MacDonald, is a double nominee with nods for BreakOut Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. Former multiple WCMA winner Kelly Bado earned two nominations: Francophone Artist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year. DXXN and Tommyphyll picked up noms in the new Afrobeats Artist of the Year category, introduced in 2025 by the WCMAs. Manitoba's classical community garnered nominations in two categories: Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year for the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (MCO) and Classical Composer of the Year for Glenn Buhr's work with Ariel Barns and the MCO. The remaining artistic nominees are Andrina Turenne (Francophone Artist of the Year); Begonia (Pop Artist of the Year); Big Dave McLean (Blues Artist of the Year); Danielle Savard (Spiritual Artist of the Year); Holy Void (Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year); Jade Turner (Country Artist of the Year); Leaf Rapids (Roots Artist of the Year); and Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (Jazz Artist of the Year). On the industry side of the awards, Birthday Cake Records is up for two trophies (Impact in Artist Development and Impact in Music Marketing), while John Paul Peters of Private Ear earned a nomination for the Audio Engineering Award. Paquin Artists Agency is up for Impact in Artists Development and Impact in Live Music. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files Field Guide is a double nominee at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Local venues Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club and the West End Cultural Centre are nominated in the Impact in Live Music category, while music events Soul Supreme and the sakihiwe festival scored Community Excellence Award nominations. Winners will be announced during BreakOut West, which runs Sept. 24-28 and will feature 50-plus artists performing at venues across Winnipeg. — staff
