[ Winnipeg’s annual showcase of Mennonite young adult art and music took place Feb. 23 and 24. It included an art opening at a downtown gallery, A Label for Artists, on Feb. 23, and a concert at the West End Cultural Centre the next evening.
“Martyrs and monsters are similar because they both horrify and entertain us,” said MennoFolk Committee member Aaron Epp. “We are taken aback by their stories and appearances, but, at the same time, they can be something of a guilty pleasure for us—we can’t look away. Martyrs and monsters disturb us and I think that’s one thing that good art does. They disturb us and make us look at things in a new way.”
“Mennonites are pervasive through all art scenes here in Winnipeg,” said Jeff Friesen, another MennoFolk Committee member. “MennoFolk is a chance for us all to celebrate our common roots—religious and cultural—and the different artistic places our roots have taken us.”
A compilation CD of Winnipeg musicians who are affiliated with the Mennonite community called MennoFolk: A Constant Reformation, was released at the two-day festival. The CD includes Mike Petkau, Cara Luft, Mahogany Frog, Doug and Jess, Carter Monrose, Chris Neufeld and more.
Friday’s art opening featured pop-folk duo The Land, singer-songwriter Donovan Giesbrecht and Ben Dyck. Faspa—a traditional, light Mennonite supper—was served. Saturday’s evening event featured pop quartet Quinzy, adventure-funk quintet Flying Fox and the Hunter-Gatherers, and folk band Paul Bergman and the Decomposers. ]
Canadian Mennonite
Volume 11, No. 5
March 5, 2007
MennoFolk Manitoba 