WINTERRUPTION – Alex Maher / Ila Barker / Vsuvius

Alex Maher

Alex’s music is a masterclass in instrumentation. Fusing jazz chops with classic soul influences, funk, and electro-pop, his songwriting explores human connection in the Anthropocene.

A Filipino-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and loop artist, Alex’s solo performances showcase his musical instincts. Layer by layer, he performs percussion, electric guitar, soulful vocals, keys, synth, SPDS drum pad and alto sax. With lush layers, complex harmonies, and a driving rhythm, his music will make you move.

Based in western Canada, Alex has had a varied career both as a solo performer and a band member (DNA6, Flannel Jimmy). He’s opened for the likes of Weezer, Wide Mouth Mason, Bachman Cummings, Mother Mother, Sam Roberts, Robert Randolph, Shred Kelly, Begonia, Royal Canoe, and The Proclaimers, and played alongside performers like Tonye Aganaba, Kyprios, Daniel Wesley and Vince Vaccaro.

The seasoned professional has toured Canada and the U.S. and his music has been featured in shows like Roadtrip Nation and The Collector. February 2020 saw the arrival of Alex’s second EP, Dream Final.

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Ila Barker

With soul and voice as smooth as warm honey, singer songwriter Ila Barker captures audiences with her sweet melodies and dynamic presence. Ila is of mixed Anishinaabe and settler heritage with roots running deep in the Manitoban prairies, seasoning her craft with rich history and powerful textures.

Coming from a long line of storytellers, she fuses authentic and timeless notes creating moments of serenity and blissful escape. Ila has brought her craft to an array of national festivals and stages including the Regina Folk Festival, the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the sākihiwē festival. In the summer of 2019 Ila opened up a sold out show for Jeremy Dutcher at the Indian River Festival in PEI.

In February of 2020 Ila released the “Let Go” single, an atmospheric and stripped down collaboration with UK based artist Milan André that was recorded off the floor in one take in

the northern Cree nation of Nemaska, Quebec. “Let Go” landed on the National Indigenous Music Countdown, and climbed up the charts for three months straight hitting the top 15. Currently Ila is in the planning stages of future releases. Ila has been songwriting and sharing her stories for over 10 years now. In 2011 she was awarded first place in the NCI Jam for her original song “The Tree Song”. In 2013 Ila released her debut self-titled EP which continues to be heard on radio and satellite stations across North America. Her songs “Home” and “Complete” charted on the Indigenous Music Countdown and both hit the #1 spot quickly. Having started her career organically, Ila keeps roots in the community by offering and participating in artistic and professional development workshops and local art initiatives. Currently Ila is sitting on the Manitoba Music Indigenous Music Steering Committee and the FACTOR Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She created and facilitates a nationally- funded local music workshop program called AIRsessions, which primarily hires local Indigenous artists, and delivers mentorship to youth ages 13-25. During the school year she works with Indigenous youth in Cree communities in northern Quebec, teaching songwriting and music production.

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Vsuvius

Your friendly neighbourhood dynamic range production & DJ duo comprised of members V + S and based out of Treaty No. 1 Land aka Winnipeg, MB.

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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.