Jaxon Haldane Birthday Release featuring the D-Rangers & Gordie Tentrees

Mean Old World explores the path of Gordie Tentrees from foster child to foster parent in songs like Rosetta, Every Child and the title track Mean Old World. Gordie spent time in the social service system before growing up to be a school teacher and youth worker, then coming back full circle as a foster parent to an indigenous child. Wind Walker is inspired by those of that beat to our own drum. Gordie’s days as a five-time Golden Glove boxer are recounted in Ring Speed. His gratitude rises in Far Away Friends, a tribute recognizing all those special off-the-stage hosts who supported him in his 2,500-plus concerts around the world. Further experiences in foreign countries pursuing record deals roll tongue-in-cheek throughout Danke. The learning gained from supporting a childhood friend through the last stages of cancer is presented in Train is Gone. Two best friends who break the mold once a year by adventuring together, leaving their domestic partners to muddle through, are featured in Lefties. Twice as Nice lets us know that the grass is never greener.

This recording is best listened to as a whole project. Each song is a treasure, beautifully sung, great instrumentation, wonderful production, fantastic lyrics, yet fitting together as a whole. Gordie has always had muscle and confidence in his music, but this project represents increased nuance and depth. The works reveal wit and poignancy. The work inspires the hero in us; it inspires courage, boldness, honour, strength, and confidence. Gordie reminds us that there are hardships but change is possible. He is helped by a score of artistic collaborators including members of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, an internationally renowned Inland Tlingit performance group based out of Whitehorse, Yukon.

Mean Old World explores humour, serious reconciliation issues, abandonment, glory, love, affection, danger, safety, fighting, fleeing, winning and losing. The call to action is to get up, get your toque on, pursue a red feather kiss, but don’t forget about the compost and recycling.

This is his 8th release and will be supported by 400 tour dates in North America, Europe, UK, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Australia in 2022-23.This authentic road poet travels North America, Europe, Australia, UK & Ireland with 7 records behind him either solo or with legendary sideman Jaxon Haldane (famed Winnipeg band-D-Rangers) never repeating himself on stage. From Celtic Connections (Glasgow, Scotland) to the National Folk Festival (Canberra, AU) his ability to hold an audience, weave melody, while juggling the dark with the light is infectious. Performed 750 concerts in 11 countries during the past 4 years armed with 10 instruments, brotherly harmonies and masterful storytelling. Influenced by touring with friends Fred Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Steve Poltz & Kelly Joe Phelps, Tentrees is just getting started.

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D.Ranger music is the spiritual ancestry of the hillbilly roots of Rock and Roll. In response to all that is bland and formulaic in modern country music, The D.Rangers approach their craft with an edgy, punk attitude, without losing any reverence for the traditions that started it all.

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COVID-19 Protocols

The West End Cultural Centre believes a healthy community is at the heart of everything we do. In accordance with the Manitoba Government and Manitoba Health protocols –

1. All performers, crew, staff, volunteers, and patrons must show proof of vaccination and photo ID before they can enter the venue.
2. Face masks are required on all WECC premises. Please wear your mask when not seated at a table and/or when not drinking or eating.

These practices are meant to keep all of us safe to enjoy all the art and music that Winnipeg has to offer.