The West End Cultural Centre Annual Report 2016-2017

Annual Report 2016-2017 | 1 OUR PURPOSE From our President The West End Cultural Centre is the best place in Canada to play and This past year was my first as board president of the West End Cultural Centre, The West End experience music. We present artists at all stages of their careers and support a full 21 years after I first began volunteering as a wide-eyed teenager who had feels like home. artistic development through education, collaboration and community only been to one concert in my life. My formative years were defined by my I’ve had the privilege of gracing the programming. relationship to this place, and my adult life in has been built through stage a few times now and every my exposure to the richness of the music scene and time I’m taken aback by the energy Our Principles Our People people in it. I rejoined the board having lived in Spence of the room and the care that is 1. We strive to create amazing experiences through music: The West End Neighbourhood for the better part of the last decade, Board of Directors put into delivering a great show. is committed to presenting and developing musical artistic expression having lapsed as a volunteer but grown more interested The sound is always impeccable that is progressive, cutting edge and exciting for audiences, artists and President...... Cory Bellhouse in the institution as a community member. This year, I and the staff are a pleasure to the community. really developed a deep feeling and appreciation for the Vice-President. . . . . John Kendle work with. One of my absolute 2. We curate and produce artistic presentations: The West End is more multifaceted cultural engines that drive this place and favourite rooms in all of Canada. than a rental venue. All presentations are thoughtfully considered to Past President. . . . . Krista Law make it unique. ensure they meet our vision of presenting bold, diverse and dynamic Treasurer...... Jamie Abbott music. First and foremost is the community we exist in , musician Vice-Treasurer. . . . . Jon Taylor William Prince 3. We invest in artist development: The West End is committed to and aim to serve – the West End. This year saw an fostering the next generation of artists through opportunities to Secretary ...... Mary Agnes expansion of our community concerts; a particular present talent, to hone craft and to share skills and abilities with others Welch personal highlight is the monthly concerts that through community programming and education. happened for seniors at Lions Manor, an idea that Directors...... Patrick Boggs The first live concert 4. We work in partnership and collaboration: The West End seeks makes so much sense. Tune In has become a fantastic institution, and it is Jason Klainchar I ever went to was partnerships and collaborations with artists, other organizations and so fun to drop by as a board member (for stuffy and official purposes) on a Nanette McKay at the West End community to strengthen the development and presentation of music given afternoon and see all these kids running amok indulging themselves in in the early ‘90s. The venue quickly in Winnipeg and across the country. music. And the drop-in yoga became a huge success, giving many community Ainslie became part of my childhood. I fell in 5. We are committed to maintaining high standards: Excellence in members a reason to use the space outside of attending concerts. Schroeder love with live music there. Recently, presentation and support through technology, professional staff and Sara Stasiuk Another driving force of the West End is, of course, the shows. Particular I had the opportunity to launch my engaged volunteers is key to the West End’s success. highlights from my memory include some shows that showcased the West upcoming album on their stage, 6. We demonstrate environmental sustainability: The West End Staff End’s long-standing commitment to local artists, from the John K. Samson solo which totally made my 14-year-old minimizes its impact on the environment through a number of Executive shows in November (which vividly brought me back to volunteering at some self so nervous and excited! This sustainable practice initiatives, especially the maintenance of LEED Director...... Jason Hooper of The Weakerthans’ first shows ever), to the Royal Canoe-scored adaptation place is more than a venue. It’s a standards for its building. Marketing Co-ordinator/ of Shakespeare’s Richard II, Am I Not King? in December to the sold-out album community and a house of memory. Artistic Assistant. . . Kerri Stephens release of the supremely talented emerging act Begonia in March. , musician, Community Outreach The West End would also not exist without the continual contributions made WCMAIskwe’ winner, Juno nominee Co-ordinator...... Jessee Havey on two ends of the spectrum – through our donors and through our volunteers. The donors are too numerable to thank individually in this message (although Production there is room further on in this document for that!), but your contributions are Co-ordinator...... Matt Duboff certainly appreciated and needed. To the volunteers that provide us with the Technical service that keeps our shows running: you are our lifeblood. I know this well. The West End Director...... Andrew Toffen Cultural Centre Finally, of course, I would like to acknowledge our staff and board. After House is Winnipeg’s original Church nine years working in almost every position in the West End, Jason Hooper Managers...... Michelle Slota of Song. What the Progressive steps into the new role of executive director, following the departure of our Mark Cohoe Conservatives called a cover for outgoing General Manager Jack Jonasson. This new year provides us with new Robyn Holmes communist propaganda helped to opportunities to engage staff in their areas of strength, and I feel excitement and develop the careers of everyone from Set-up & confidence moving forward with our team of Kerri Stephens, Matt Duboff, Jessee John K Samson and Serena Ryder Maintenance . . . . . Nathaniel Good Havey, Andrew Toffen and Nathaniel Good. I feel similarly towards our fantastic to Stan Rogers and Stephen Fearing. board, which is full of capable, skilled and thoughtful people whose level of care Finance...... Heather Hall On and on it goes. It’s Canada’s Folk towards this organization is something that resonates with me strongly. Church and the neighbourhood Thanks for everything this year. is lucky to have them. c all Photos by Matt Duboff designed by tracey o’Neil, simplelifedesigns.ca Cory Bellhouse, Board President , musician 3 | The West End Cultural Centre Annual Report 2016-2017 | 4 Scott Nolan From our Executive Director OUR MUSIC It’s been another year of transitions here at the West End Cultural Centre. Season Highlights A few of our favourite shows This past year we said good-bye to marketer extraordinaire Lauren Swan who • We witnessed the growth of some amazing emerging Danny Michel from December 2016. No one besides has moved on to work for a local publicity company. In her place we were artists, including William Prince - from playing an Danny could pull off a concert by not only playing his very pleased to hire Kerri Stephens. Kerri has been with us for six years, most opening slot for New Customs in our 80-person ACU guitar but also holding his phone up to the mic so we could recently working as our community programmer. Her passion for music and Hall to selling out a mainstage show with Scott Nolan listen to his recordings from the ship he had just been on in love for the West End is beyond question. In her place at Community Outreach and taking home a Juno award! the Arctic, to give the full effect with the full band. we hired Jessee Havey — lead singer - Robyn Holmes, house manager for the Grammy-award nominated • We fostered new band The Duhks. Jessee practically work by local artists grew up in the venue, and her mother and celebrate several Am I Not King? The Last Concert of Richard II in and father helped paint and put up successful album December. This show was spectacular. It was especially drywall to get the West End open and releases - from Begonia incredible for me that I was able to bring my son, who still, then went on to serve on the board to Joey Landreth and to this day, talks about how much he took home from it. He of directors for many years. We are Kevin Roy. We also was so inspired after the show and has kept the creative very lucky to have two capable and hosted the album energy flowing since that night. It’s always incredible for passionate people on staff. releases for JD & the me to go with family and friends and see how much they Sunshine Band, John take away from different performances. The past year has been an exciting K. Samson and Leonard Kerri Stephens, marketing co-ordinator and artistic assistant one. After many years of hard work, Podolak. Am I Not King finally came to fruition • We increase our Jonathan Byrd in April. Wanted to see him for a couple with a five-night run. This piece of partnerships and of years. Great songwriter, and his band members are tops musical theatre based on Shakespeare’s collaborations with other local arts groups, including in their field. Richard II was a critical and audience Theatre Projects and Zone41 Theatre. - Chris Farquharson, crew chief hit. It demonstrated our flexibility, We co-produced six shows with the Winnipeg Folk adaptability and willingness to experiment and take ideas from the cockamamie Festival in the month of March alone. to reality, with the help of good friends. I’d like to say thank you to Zone 41 and John K . Samson show in November. It made me feel Krista Jackson for inviting us to participate in this unique endeavour. • We focused on improving the diversity on our stage. like I was back in my early 20s again, in Winnipeg, in Of our 70 West End-produced shows, one-third were the middle of January. And I mean that in a really “good We had another year of incredible artists. John K. Samson started the next fronted by female artists. This is a statistic we’ve memories” kind of way. begun to track and hope to improve upon. chapter of his career launching his new album Winter Wheat over two - Jason Klainchar, board member nights. The Good Lovelies made their first appearance on our stage. Nunavut • Also focusing on sensation The Jerry Cans made their Winnipeg debut and Polaris Prize winner diversity, this year we Tanya Tagaq in March 2017. Visceral, funny, Tanya Tagaq seared a performance into the minds of a sold-out audience. You presented two of the challenging, hypnotic: Nunavut artist Tagaq has a can get an idea of just how powerful her performance was from some of the most exciting artists reputation for unforgettable performances and she did not quotes about favourite shows in this report. from Nunavut currently let us down. working - Tanya Tagaq Julie Penner, board member Of course, none of this is possible without a team of dedicated people. We are and The Jerry Cans. forever grateful for the dedication and contribution made by our incredible We also presented Begonia’s EP release in volunteers - 150 strong. We simply could not function without the support of Juno winner William March, 2017. Winnipeg’s our community who comes out and works our bar, our box office, takes tickets Prince and are looking best songsmith Alexa and serves our patrons with grace and enthusiasm at every show. forward to presenting Dirks backed by some of Iskwé in the upcoming Winnipeg’s best talent To our funders and donors, your support ensures that we can continue our season. Executive had me humming songs work in the community, whether providing free music lessons, free concerts or Director Jason Hooper all week! the annual street festival. These are vital contributions to a neighbourhood that and Artistic Assistant Kerri Stephens will be Mark Cohoe, is often underserved, overlooked, and considered off limits by too many, but it attending Breakout West in Edmonton with the house manager & crew chief is the one that we call home. Thank you. goal of identifying other artists that we can bring to Winnipeg. Jason Hooper, Executive Director

5 | The West End Cultural Centre Annual Report 2016-2017 | 6 Charlie Parr, in April. He is one OUR MUSIC OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH of my absolute What’s Next? Tune In favourite artists Our strategic plan calls on us to stretch our ability to take artistic chances Since 2004, the West End has offered this free, after-school drop-in music and experiencing without endangering our sustainability and to make full and creative use of program at which neighbourhood kids can learn to play such instruments him live for my the building. In the next year, we hope to continue being a place for artists as the guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals under the guidance of local first time right to drop in and practice, jam or write a song. We will work to become a home professional musicians. If you wander in to the West End during Tune In, here at the West End was nothing for Indigenous artist, locally, nationally and internationally. We will lead you’ll see budding musicians sprawled around short of magical. reconciliation through culture and shared musical experience. the lobby and the ACU Room, strumming guitars, Jessee Havey, We will continue to provide a space for young musicians to perform for each hunched over keyboards and making a delightful community outreach coordinator other gaining valuable performance experience in a safe and welcoming racket. In recent years, a music workshop series environment (such as acoustic nights). We will continue to support and was introduced into the program in order to give John K . Samson and encourage cross-discipline collaboration, experimentation and push the limits more advanced students some focused training The Winter Wheat . I feel like I’ve of the venue in terms of programming and its physical space. and instruction in areas such as songwriting, live grown up with John. I used to go watch performance and group collaboration. him at the Albert when he played bass Total WECC-presented Shows Emerging Artists Presented for Propagandhi. Seeing him headline Thanks so much to our fabulous instructors Brian 201 2014-15 19 two brilliant, sold-out shows here was 6- James, Frank Rizzuto, Meg Dolovich, Bobby Desjarlais 20 17 2015-16 15 a proud moment. It’s great to see “one 15 2016-17 31 and Sheena Grobb and volunteer teaching assistant 82 95 -1 201 6 of our own” become so successful and 4 Lacey Siemens for all their great work with the youth. -

1 then return here when he could be 5 Partnership Presentations playing a larger venue. Free Community Yoga 70 2014-15 9 Jason Hooper, executive director 2015-16 21 Begun in 2015, we offer free yoga twice a week at lunchtime with the generous Lions Manor Concerts 2016-17 14 help of Moksha Yoga’s Madeline Bogoch. Appropriate for all ages and skill and Singalongs levels, this program brings the community into the building during off-peak Bobby Bazini on March 28. In 2015, the West End launched a times and makes yoga accessible to those otherwise unable to afford classes. Although he was obviously shy Average Attendance at monthly concert series for the seniors The benefits of a yoga practice are endless – stress relief, an improved state of and didn’t have much to say, his WECC-presented Shows at Lions Manor down the street on mind and better physical health are but a few which contribute to the overall Sherbrook to bring arts programming unadulterated talent shone through. 2014-15 142 wellbeing of the community. to an underserved demographic in Great performance, and it was the first Canadian Artists 2015-16 154 2016-17 182 our neighbourhood. These monthly time my daughter and her husband 20 Ellice Street Festival 16- one-hour concerts usually attract got to attend a show at the West End. 2 17 015 For nearly 20 years, a section of Ellice Avenue has been closed down for a free about 40 to 60 seniors and last year They liked it and said they would -1 Local Album Releases 201 6 street festival that marks the start of summer in the neighbourhood. Booths, we expanded the partnership to come back. 4 - artisans, bouncy castles, a community barbecue, a kids carnival and, of course, 1 include bi-monthly singalongs. Lions

- Carol Ann Leschasin, crew chief 5 68 67 10 22 10 live music all help bring the community together, and introduce others to our Manor concerts this year featured vibrant West End. Though the West End Cultural Centre spearheads the festival, such artists as Leaf Rapids, Jess , March 18, 2017. Tanya Tagaq 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 it also allows us to work with many other organisation in the neighborhood. Reimer, Andrina Turenne, and Dave Passionate, raw, mesmerizing. I felt 57 Quanbury. like my heart was ripped open. This year, the Merchant’s Market quadrupled in size from its inaugural year Average Ticket Price Michelle Slota, house manager in 2016, featuring primarily artisans from within the community. And we added a Motion Zone to the family area brought to us by Fit Kids Healthy Kids. Performers this year included The Jerry Cans $21 $19 $16 the Rainbow Minotaurs of Jeff in February. International Artists (a band born out of our Tune A new (to 201 6- 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 In program), Sand Skyscraper, me) band that 20 17 15 Kakagi, JD and the Sunshine brought a great -1 201 6 4 Number of Tickets Band, Quinton Blair, Dancing - 18 party to the West 1 5 Spirit drum group, and drag End. It’s nice to see a band genuinely 20 Sold to All Shows performers from Sunshine having fun while performing. 19 11,438 11,722 11,783 House’s Like That program. Matt Duboff, production co-ordinator 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

7 | The West End Cultural Centre Annual Report 2016-2017 | 8 OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH Community Outreach Stats OUR VOLUNTEERS 2016-17 The Archies, and worked with him. Holiday Dinner 2015-16 He was so pleasant and just a real 2014-15 and Concert treat to talk to. He seemed keenly Our annual holiday dinner Tune In interested in having a conversation and concert welcomed 120 62 sessions with me. He just hung out with us a area residents – mostly 63 little bit. That’s unusual. families with children – to 61 the West End for a free, full Carol Ann: It was at a heavy turkey feast, entertainment metal show. You kinda had to be and gifts from Santa. there. It was a cultural experience. Performers this year 2016-17 2015-16 A whole flood of high school kids included Double the Trouble 2014-15 came through the door, and we and JD and the Sunshine couldn’t open the bar until a few Community 5 18 Band. Our MC was Ify Chiwetelu, host of CBC’s Now or Never and all the food more older people came and it was was catered by Spence Neighbourhood Association’s Youth Crew. concerts, including Lions Manor just a crazy evening, something we still talk about – ‘remember that Musical Notes and Lunch Totes 53 heavy metal night?’ This was the second year of our free summer lunchtime concert series at Saigon Park on Ellice Avenue. With the help of the West End BIZ and neighbourhood Dave and Carol Ann Leschasin are two long-time West End Cultural Centre Q: What’s one thing you wish businesses, the West End was able to connect artists more directly with 400 2016-17 volunteers. Dave is usually behind the bar, and Carol Ann is a crew chief. We more Winnipeggers knew members of our neighbourhood outside the traditional walls of our venue. nil asked them a couple questions. about the West End? Musicians this year included Raine Hamilton String Trio, Vince Andrushko, nil Dave: That the neighbourhood isn’t 90 Q: What made you first - I’m a huge bubble-gum pop fan so Possum / Opossum, Nation of Two, Jaxon Haldane and Mulligrub. Yoga as bad as people think it is. I know Classes volunteer at the West End? I got to ask one of the living legends that prevents some people from going Carol Ann: I actually started of bubble-gum pop a whole bunch of there and it’s just ridiculous. volunteering after the new building questions, silly little questions. I mean, Continued on page 10 opened. I was at the old venue he got to play with the lead singer for thinking ‘God, I like this place’, and then I heard it was being refurbished 100 and the time was just right. I put 87.5 12.5 2016-17 2015-16 my name down and went to the Total 18.75 2014-15 orientation and the rest is history. community 75 events 25 71 213 Dave: She was short of help a couple of times so I stepped in and just loved 108 it. I’ve been volunteering for about 62.5 37.5 six years. How I got hooked on it is I 50 100 just love music. I have thousands of 87.5 12.5 CDs and records but I started getting 2016-17 7 Workshops exposed to artists I would otherwise 18.75 2015-16 2014-15 6 never have seen, like Danny Michel, 2 75 25 Sarah Slean. They just blew me away What’s Next? and I said, ‘Wait a minute, I’ve got to see more of this.’ Our strategic plan calls for us to expand the reach and breadth of educational 7596 and community programming, which is well underway.62.5 In the next year we37.5 50 Total Q: What’s your most will run our first Girls Rock Camp and continue hosting the new Tapportunity Participation 2944 memorable moment as a program (free tap dancing lessons for youth aged six to 12). We also hope to add volunteer? more workshops, school concerts and free community shows. 4553 Dave: When Andy Kim was performing, before he even went on 100 87.5 12.5 9 | The West End Cultural Centre Annual Report 2016-2017 | 10 18.75

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Volunteer Stats Continued from page 9 It’s much better now. We’re even The West End Cultural Centre very careful in the bar, if there’s a folk gratefully acknowledges the Total Volunteer Hours Carol Ann: I think that a lot of artist, to not clink the beer bottles too donations and sponsorships people don’t realise it’s an all-ages much when we’re filling the fridge so received in the 2016-2017 year . venue and you can bring your we don’t bother people in the back of 6,170 5,985 5,945 teenager with you, even if he’s not 18. the room. The Manitoba Arts Council He can still come to any show at the The Winnipeg Arts Council West End Cultural Centre. Carol Ann: The unique thing for 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 me is that it’s the core volunteers that Canadian Heritage Dave: The thing that strikes me about keeps the place going. I don’t know if Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage the West End is the number of times there are many venues of this size that Canadian Arts Presentation Number of Volunteer Shifts Worked the artists speak about it like a shrine. aren’t commercial ventures, so the Program Fund They go out of their way to say what West End is pretty unique. 6,170 5,985 5,945 a privilege is it to play there and how Winnipeg Free Press they love it, and you can see it in their Dave: Yeah, and our crew really UMFM Radio 101.5FM performances. They give it extra. gets along well. We look forward to Assiniboine Credit Union 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 This place has national magic to it. seeing each other. We especially look The Winnipeg Foundation And the price is right. Tickets are so forward to the end of the night when cheap for such amazing top talent and we sit and have a drink and some Manitoba Music Total Number of Volunteers the separation of the bar and merch pizza. It’s a really social night, and I’m table from the performance is to be not a very social person (laughing). Charlene Birdsall cherished. Before the renovation, the I look forward to being with these Ron Birt 242 273 185 191 Stephen Brodovsky bar noise would kind of interfere with people. We all share a common love What’s next? 2014 2015 2016 2017 Margaret Colledge your enjoyment of the performance. of music. Our strategic plan calls for us to create interest in and commitment to the West Brent Corrigan End’s vision and programming through stewardship and communication to Janet Evans audiences, artists, donors, community, partners and media. In the next year Jim Gladstone Jan Hawkins Top Volunteers 2016/17 we hope to launch a major fundraising campaign to improve our audience This year, 13 volunteers worked 16 Jason Hooper experience and better engage our valued supporters. Shaleem Hosein or more shifts. Here are a few of our Jason Klainchar most prolific volunteers. Thank you Jason Klassen to them and to the nearly 200 people Krista Law who make the West End work! How you can help Nanette McKay Simone & Allan Penner Chris Farquharson (Crew 1) Volunteer! Donate! David Plummer The West End is always looking for The West End Cultural Centre Pat & Bill Reid 48 shifts worked Nichole Riese music-lovers to volunteer at shows is a registered charity and relies James Schoemperlen Tom Rhodes (Crew 7) and at community events. on donations to fund much of its Sara Stasiuk 36 shifts worked For more information, community reach programs, such Rob Walger email Matt at Volunteer@wecc .ca . as Tune In and the Lions Manor Dave West Anonymous - 3 Patricia Timms (Crew 2) Concerts. Your support is vital and Stay in touch! 31 shifts worked most appreciated. www.wecc.ca We would also like to thank: CBC Manitoba employees Carol Ann Leschasin (Crew 4) Donate Online: Join our email list by emailing CKUW 25 shifts worked Via Canada Helps at [email protected] The Winnipeg Folk Fest www.canadahelps.org Half Pints Brewing Pat McPhillips (Crew 5) Phone us: (204) 783-6918 Donate by Phone: Music Trader Spence Neighbourhood Association 24 shifts worked (204) 783-6918 @TheWECC and the Daniel McIntyre - St. Matthews Community Association Donate by Mail: www.facebook.com/ Lion’s Manor 586 Ellice Ave. West End BIZ WestEndCulturalCentre Winnipeg, MB R3B 1Z8 John Howard Society @thewecc Moksha Yoga

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