BIG FUN

Thank You!

2012-01-30T15:18:00.001-06:00

photo cred: Chris Friesen

Thank you to everyone who came out to the first Big Fun festival! Our artists were great, our venues and volunteers were great, and the crowd was great. A special thanks goes to all our sponsors, we couldn't have done it without you.

See you at next year's fest, and stay tuned for photos from the weekend, and more Big Fun events happening throughout the year!

The Lytics at The Urban Bakery

2012-01-28T14:20:00.000-06:00

The Lytics paired up with Bill Acheson and The Urban Bakery to film a Big Fun promo video. Here they are rehearsing for their show at The Atomic Center (167 Logan)

Thanks to The Lytics, Bill Acheson and Kevin Trosky/The Urban Bakery crew!

Big Fun

BIG FUN FESTIVAL Day 1

2012-01-27T18:35:00.001-06:00

Big thanks to everyone that came out last night to our kick off show! Especially to Pop Crimes, This Hisses and Mahogany Frog for putting on incredible performances. More photos to come soon!
Now that the kick off show is off the ground lets get into some serious BIG FUN.

Tonight you have the choice between:
Blunder S Publik, Vela & Tim Hoover @ Ace Art: 290 Mcdermot Ave. Music starts @ 9:30pm Facebook Event
The Girth, Atomic Don and the Black Sunrise, Rock Lake & The Mystics @ Atomic Center: 167 Logan Ave. Music starts @ 10:00pm Facebook Event
And there is no way you are getting to bed early with this closing the night:

Jamall Knight & Gold N' Grams Spinning in a secret location till late!
Facebook Event

Narwhal Strike Video

2012-01-25T14:42:00.000-06:00

Big Fun Presents:
Narwhal Strike in a Basement!

narwhal strike from crvenzon on Vimeo.

It was dusty, it was hot, it was Friday, and it was BIG FUN.
Check out more big fun videos and other Charles Venzon videos by clicking the link above.

Big Fun

Friends of Big Fun 5

2012-01-21T14:59:00.000-06:00

Parlour Coffee

The newest spot in the Exchange District, Parlour Coffee is a great place to stop in for your next caffeine fix. Located at 468 Main St., Parlour sells and brews 49th Parallel, Phil & Sebastian and Detour Coffee. With a warm and friendly staff and a beautiful decor, (check out the amazing refurbished wood counter, and wooden chandelier) Nils Vik has an eye for the aesthetic and a taste for quality coffee. Parlour Coffee will be giving 10% off drinks and food for wristband holders from January 26-29, as well as a free espresso (1 per person) between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday January 28th to volunteers and performers. Stop by Parlour and try their Gibraltar, it's our favourite.

Parlour Coffee

Berns & Black

Located next door to Parlour Coffee, Berns & Black is one of the city's only eco-friendly salons. Providing an array of salon and esthetician services, as well as straight razor shaves, Berns & Black has created a unique environment with friendly and knowledgable staff to help you look your best. Kitty Berns prides herself on providing a paraben, sulphate, ammonia, and artificial fragrance free, vegan salon to her clients and stylists. Berns & Black will be giving $25 blowouts and style consultations as well as $10 express manicures to anyone with a festival pass from January 27 - 30. Make sure to call before you go and let them know you're with Big Fun so they can book you in, and give you all the details!

Berns & Black

Friends of Big Fun 4

2012-01-19T13:26:00.001-06:00

Natural Cycle

If you're an avid cyclist, you've probably heard of Natural Cycle, located at 91 Albert Street. Natural Cycle is a full service bike shop open all year round and is full of very helpful and trained bike mechanics, who can help you with virtually any (bike related) problem. You may recognize them from our Ultra Mega promo video, as they graciously let us film 4 dudes making it rain in their workshop. Natural Cycle will be offering free brake adjusts from January 26 through to February 26th, to those who have a wristband or festival pass. So grab a pass and bring your whip down to Albert street!

Natural Cycle

Monday Profile

2012-01-16T14:26:00.002-06:00

This Week:
The Lytics

The Lytics have become legends in their hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba for their memorable live shows, addictive melodies and perfect cadence. They bring the life to the party. They have shared the stage with many big names over their short career. The Lytics will heat up the most stubbenly cold concert goer at The Atomic Center on January 28th. Bring your dancing shoes!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thelytics.bandcamp.com/track/im-here"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I'm Here by The Lytics&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Check em out

Website

Facebook

Bandcamp

AWRJ

BIG FUN

Spirit Children Video

2012-01-14T17:00:00.001-06:00

It was cold outside but when the members of Spirit Children started playing we began to get chills inside too..
Here is the newest video from Big Fun featuring members of Spirit Children performing one of their lovely tunes.

spirit children from crvenzon on Vimeo.

Special thanks to Britt and Justin for being the best.

Done by our pals Charles Venzon, Jeff Hammerback, Rom Cueto and Sacha Rosen

Big Fun

Friends of Big Fun 3

2012-01-11T11:00:00.024-06:00

Ace Art

Located on the second floor of 290 McDermot, Ace Art is an artist run centre dedicated to the development and exhibition of contemporary artists. They are dedicated to cultural diversity in their programming and support of contemporary artists. Our Thursday and one of our Friday shows are being held in their space during the festival, and they have been beyond supportive. Get a membership with Ace Art! It's only $25 and it helps assist in their research, development, and presentation of Canadian contemporary art. Also you get access to quite a few resources provided by them, including free access to a fully equipped woodshop and resource area. These guys are doing great things for the Exchange District and the art community in Winnipeg, so check them out!

Ace Art

Christopher Samms

Like this poster? well you can thank this guy. You can't really go down and visit Chris, but you can visit his site and give him a call if you have any design work. Christopher Samms, is a man among men, and also a designer among designers. When he's not doing his day job (as a graphic designer) he freelances, and he dances, and he has an iconic pair of glasses. He's the man behind the Big Fun logo (special shout out to Katie who is very gifted with a sharpie). If you don't need design work, at least give this man's hand a shake. He's been a big part of Big Fun from the start.

Christopher Samms

Friends of Big Fun 2

2012-01-10T13:18:00.000-06:00

The Black Sheep Diner

Do you like breakfast? (who doesn't like breakfast?) The Black Sheep Diner is another one of our Big Fun friends! Located at 540 Ellice, it's a bit of a walk from the Exchange, but the Choose Your Own Breakfast Adventure totally makes up for it. Open for breakfast and lunch Tues - Fri 8am - 3pm and Sat/Sun 9am - 2pm, they use locally produced vegetables and have vegan options. You can also buy your Big Fun festival passes here while you eat!

The Black Sheep Diner

The Lo Pub

If you were at our launch party on December 9, you were at the Lo Pub. Located at 330 Kennedy, the Lo is a great venue, has delicious vegetarian food, and free wifi. The Lo Pub is our unofficial club house for Big Fun meetings and Big Fun post meeting beers. It's also the location of our Bluegrass Breakfast on January 29, where the Lo will be debuting it's new breakfast menu. Pop by the Lo on your way to the Exchange; there's always an awesome show, and if not, they have this really great vegetarian poutine…

The Lo Pub

Monday Profile: The Girth

2012-01-09T17:49:00.001-06:00

This Week: 

The Girth

Brain child of long running freak out musician Steve Basham ( Fo!ps, J.R. Hill & the Oktars) backed by Ex Upsides members. The Girth blends eccentric surf style, Improvisational grooves and enough puns to shake your buns. Its all killer and no filler with no need to trim the fat because this quartet is thick with hits. Be sure to catch these guys Friday Jan.27th @ Pipe & Hat
Scablues by The Girth

Big Fun Posters

2012-01-09T17:25:00.001-06:00

Friends of Big Fun

2012-01-03T13:51:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of really great businesses in the Exchange District and the surrounding area that we here at Big Fun think you guys should check out. Each of these places are either integral parts of the Exchange District, or have been integral parts of Big Fun. So over the next two weeks, we'll be highlighting some of these great businesses, and what they can do for you. Some of the Friends of Big Fun are also providing festival pass holders with a little something extra. While you're coming out to support local music, be sure to support local business!

Rhymes With Orange

Rhymes with Orange is a new addition to the Exchange District. Located at 223 McDermot, this new vintage store is the love child of Vintage Glory and the ladies of Oh So Lovely. carrying men's and women's clothes, as well as vintage housewares, they specialize in items from the 40's - 70's. Open from Monday - Saturday, 11am - 6pm, stop by and say hi to our newest neighbour!

Oh So Lovely

Facebook Page

RagPickers Anti-Fashion Emporium

Rag Pickers Anti-Fashion Emporium is an icon of the Exchange District. Located at 216 McDermot, it is known for it's vintage clothes and costumes rentals as well as the famous "All You Can Wear Sale", where once a year you pay $20 and get to leave with whatever you can put on your body. Stop by here to see an Exchange legend, and to get any of your last minute costume needs.

Monday Profile

2012-01-02T17:17:00.000-06:00

This week:

Departures

A great new addition to the Winnipeg scene, Departures has been busy opening up for high profile gigs such as the Handsome Furs, Women and Braids. Touring across North America playing their own brand of chaotic pop music filled with catchy riffs and heavily distorted melodies. Make sure to keep an ear out this summer for their long awaited debut album, recorded at Hotel2Tango. These fine rockers will be taking the stage Jan.27 at the Exchange Community church and check out an unreleased track from the upcoming album below.

Winter Friend by Departures

Ultra Mega At Natural Cycle

2011-12-30T17:18:00.003-06:00

Untitled from Aaron Johnston on Vimeo.

A Big Fun promo video featuring: Ultra Mega performing 'Party at the Casino' in Natural Cycle (91 Albert Street). ...They made it rain.Film and sound by: Charles Venzon, Jeffery Hammerback and Sasha Rosen.Check out more videos by Charles on his Vimeo

Monday Profile

2011-12-26T00:00:00.002-06:00

This Week:

Mahogany Frog

Originally from Saskatoon, Mahogany Frog have been blowing the minds of Winnipegers for almost a decade. This group of psychedelic-noise provocateurs have carved a solid fan base in Winnipeg and throughout Canada. Loud and fast, they rarely cease to amaze the audience with their epic style math rock and bizarre live show. Just saying, if you have been living under a rock and haven't seen Mahogany Frog then do yourself a favor and come to this show on Jan 26.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://bigfunfestival.bandcamp.com/track/expo-67"&amp;gt;Expo 67 by Mahogany Frog&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Check em out:

AWRJ

BIG FUN

Monday Profile

2011-12-19T10:37:00.001-06:00

This Week:

Bog River

Bog River are a roots n' bluegrass outfit from Winnipeg. With the essence of a dusty old wooden spoon scooping red river porridge and rattling on a washboard, this prairie trio blend their voices to sing beautiful ballads and up-beat jammers alike. Well that's my best attempt at blue grass jive talk. We are especially excited for this show which will feature a delicious breakfast at the Lo Pub!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bigfunfestival.bandcamp.com/track/all-of-heavens-angels"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;All of Heavens Angels by Bog River&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Check em out:

AWRJ
BIG FUN

Monday Profile

2011-12-12T00:00:00.007-06:00

This week:

Rebel Yell

Rebel Yell is by far one of Winnipegs rowdiest duos. These guys don't just shred guitars and spit crushing rhymes at their shows, they throw an incredible party. With two full length albums under their belts, they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. We're pleased to announce that these guys will be hitting the stage for the Big Fun festival in January. Bring your thermal underwear because everyone's going to be getting sweaty up in this one.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bigfunfestival.bandcamp.com/track/rookie-move"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Rookie Move by Rebel Yell&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Check this out:

Rebel Yell.com

AWRJ
BIG FUN

2012 BIG FUN Festival Line-up

2011-12-10T00:00:00.007-06:00

We would like to bring your attention to our line-up page to show you our 2012 BIG FUN Festival Line-up and schedule. A pdf. version of the program will be available shortly. Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!

BIG FUN

Jenny Berkel CD Release

2011-12-06T19:17:00.002-06:00

On Saturday January 14th, 2012 Big Fun Productions presents the Jenny Berkel CD Release for her debut full length, Here on a Wire. Live at the Exchange Community Church Jenny will be performing with a band composed of the many talented musicians featured on her record. To cap it all off long time friends the Crooked Brothers will also be performing.

Tickets are only $10 and will go on sale in time to make excellent holiday gifts. Keep your eyes open to find out when and where they can be purchased.

Check out the event on facebook and watch the poster poles in your neighbourhood!

Facebook Event Page

Jenny Berkel: Band Camp -JennyBerkel.com -Facebook

The Crooked Brothers: CrookedBrothers.com - Facebook

EWM
Big Fun Productions

BIG FUN Festival Volunteer Submission Form

2011-12-06T18:17:00.000-06:00

It is time for us at Big Fun to call on all you sexy Winnipegers and ask for a helping hand in our endeavour. We need volunteers if this fest is going to work so take a second and ask yourself in this month of the holy day.. What would Jesus do? Then fill out the friggin form and report to duty when we call for you! amen.

here's the link:

BIG FUN Volunteer Form

AWRJ

BIG FUN

Monday Profile

2011-12-05T03:44:00.002-06:00

This week:

Ultra Mega

Ultra Mega may sound like adjectives to nowhere but be assured this group of Winnipeg song writers live up to the name. Well known for their adaptation of Wu Tang Clan and other hip hop icons, as well as for their high energy live shows, Ultra Mega have secured a place in Winnipeg's music community. The lyrics of J.D Ormand describe a distinctly Winnipeg view of urban life and the oddities of our cold city. Their music crosses genres but focuses on anything that will get your head nodding and your fist pumping. These guys will be playing a special in store event on the Saturday of the fest at In To The Music. If you haven't seen these guys yet then do yourself a favor and get to their next show. It's always a good time when they hit the stage.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://bigfunfestival.bandcamp.com/track/a-quick-rest"&amp;gt;A Quick Rest by Ultra Mega&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

More sites to check em out at:

AWRJ
BIG FUN

Cover Issue

2011-12-03T18:21:00.000-06:00

Check this out, Big Fun has made the cover of Stylus Magazine

You can pick it up at any local Stylus vendor or you can read the interview online HERE

Big Fun Launch Party

2011-12-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

The long awaited wait is almost here. We are proud to announce our line up and compilation launch party December 9th at the Lo Pub with:
                          Slow Dancers
                           Departures
                 Woven Records artists:
                              The Blisters
         Beauchamp

Two dollar cover
Music starts at 10pm sharp!
Come down and pick up a free download card with great tracks from upcoming Big Fun Festival performers and the festival program with answers to all of your Big Fun questions.

Monday Profile

2011-11-27T23:59:00.002-06:00

This Week:

Narwhal Strike

Somewhat a nu-gaze outfit, this group of young Winnipegers are gaining momentum in the local scene here. Getting a nod from CBC radio3 earlier this year has no doubt given them the confidence to make the move into the studio. Spacey melodic guitars and a heavy emphasis on rhythm makes the listener start to sway almost immediately. Levis' voice is relaxed and inexpressive at times and grungy and loud at others which reminds me a bit of Billy Corgan. I look forward to an album from these guys and I also look forward to seeing them Live at the Festival in January. Listen below.

you can listen to more Narwhal Strike here:

Narwhal Strike Sound Cloud

AWRJ
BIG FUN

Monday Profile

2011-11-21T14:13:00.052-06:00

Hey everyone! Here is the first installment of the Monday Profile where we will focus our attention to the bands of the Festival. Each week will feature a different band.

This Week:

Slow Dancers

Thats right, we here at BIG FUN are very excited about our friend Jessie Hill and his band of local music entrepreneurs to be playing this years festival. Throaty melodies sing over a caressing soundscape of deep heavy music as slow as molasses. They are the perfect example of a band that really makes you "feel it". Listen below.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://slowdancers.bandcamp.com/album/spring-demo"&amp;gt;spring demo by Slow Dancers&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Some sites to check em out at:

AWRJ
BIG FUN

New Video!

2011-11-15T16:46:00.002-06:00

Check out our newest promo video with Tim Hoover, featuring a Blunderspublik remix of "Numbers" off his More Napkins album:

2011-10-17T20:57:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Big Fun!

We're a group of people and we want to throw a party, a Big Fun party. Keep your calendars open for the last weekend of January (26-29, 2012) because we're throwing you a new kind of music festival, in new venues, in the dead of winter. Featuring an all Manitoban cast, Big Fun showcases our province's two most notorious assets, our great artist community, and our bitter winter.

Check out the rest of our site for more information, videos, and our Facebook and Twitter pages!