Eastman Stories

5 Toe-tappin’ Events Happening in the Eastman


Who's ready to shake their groove thag? The Eastman Region is bursting with talent! Experience stories, journeys, and much more through live music and maybe even discover your new favorite band!

By Eastman Tourism

March 5, 2020
Read time: 5 min

Who’s ready to shake their groove thag? The Eastman Region is bursting with talent! Experience stories, journeys, and much more through live music and maybe even discover your new favorite band! By going to any of these events, not only are you supporting the venues, but also the musicians that share their passion with you!

Octavious in Transition/ Dan Frechette

March 11/March 25 – The Listening Room – Lac du Bonnet

The Listening Room is a new music venue making a storm in Lac du Bonnet! Every three weeks, The Listening Room brings out musicians and bands of various genres and styles, focusing on local bands in the surrounding communities. In March they have two performances taking place – Octavious in Transition (March 11) and Dan Frechette (March 25).

Octavious in Transition was formed a year or so ago, as a local group of musicians getting together to play music and have some fun. As their repertoire of songs grew, Octavious decided it was time to start hitting the road to do some gigging. They started showing up regularly at open mics across southern Manitoba and have played numerous fund-raising events and outdoor bashes. Their song list includes a mix of country, bluesy jazz, easy listening, and light rock favourites. Seven members strong, Octavious in Transition delivers vibrant tunes with little twists here and there to keep audiences listening.

Dan Frechette is a musical force; for over 20 years the award-winning Canadian songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator, now based in California, has performed major folk festivals and travelled throughout North America and Europe, sharing his songs and ebullient personality, and warming stages with the likes of Dar Williams, Richard Thompson, and Ron Sexsmith, among others.

In addition to his explorations as a multi-instrumentalist across a number of genres, Dan celebrates a wealth of song knowledge encompassing everything from oldies and classic Rock & Roll to Vintage Blues, R&B, Motown, Classic Country to Old Tyme, Woody Guthrie to Bill Monroe and world music traditions.

Andrew Collins Trio

March 13 – EMCA – Pinawa

The Eastern Manitoba Concert Association works tirelessly (and succeeds I might add) to bring premium entertainment to the Eastman! Bring to stage local, Canadian and international bands that will appeal to everyone. This March, they will be bringing out The Andrew Collins Trio!

The award-winning Andrew Collins Trio have been playing together for about 10 years. Based out of Toronto, they have toured extensively both nationally and internationally.

Get ready to hang onto your hats as their lively mix of music races past your ears. They are masters of spontaneous improvisations and humour on stage as they blend genres including folk, jazz, bluegrass, celtic, and classical with multiple instruments including mandolin, mandola, mandocello, violin, guitar, bass and vocals.

Doctor Rocktopus

March 13 – Ste. Anne Hotel – Ste. Anne

Everyone get ready to move! Doctor Rocktopus is heading to Ste. Anne on March 13.

Recently discovered under the funky coral reef found in and around the Winnipeg area. Dr Rocktopus is here! Now accepting new patients to feel the funk and rock that makes ya wanna dance till your legs don’t work no mo’!

Dr. Rocktopus was formed in August of 2017 by Reed Hein, Daniel Devain, Brian Teichroew, and Tyson Lavallee. The group’s sound primarily focuses on funky grooves, sweet beats, and sing alongs that are sure to get anybody on the dance floor, regardless of age or dancing skill.

Matt Zimmerman

March 13 – Hespeler’s Cookhouse & Tavern – Niverville

Let’s get country! On March 13th you’ll have hootin’ hollerin’ good time with Matt Zimmerman!

Matt Zimmerman is a singer-songwriter born in Winnipeg, raised in Steinbach, and just moved from Brandon to Kleefeld, Manitoba, Canada. He has been musical since the age of two, when he picked up his first instrument. Matt has been lucky enough to sing and play music from St. John’s NL, all the way to Banff, AB.

A versatile performer, Matt can engage audiences as a solo act, as part of a duo, trio, or with one of his two bands. Matt is currently recording his first solo album, “Work Hard Play Hard”. In his spare time, Matt loves to enjoy the outdoors and take his boat out fishing on as many of Manitoba’s beautiful lakes as possible.

Richard Inman

March 20 – Moon Gate Guest House – Whitemouth

When you go the Moon Gate Guest House, you get more than just music, you get a whole experience! Enjoy fantastic music by Richard Inman and delicious Metis food!

Richard Inman is quickly becoming a staple of Winnipeg’s folk and country scene. With a rich baritone voice and delicate musical touch, he crafts mature songs that feel at once deeply familiar and bracingly fresh.

Splitting his time between south eastern Manitoba and central Alberta, Richard shares authentic stories and songs about the everyday people and places he comes across.

He has released three full length albums to date 2015’s 30 Days, his self-titled CD Richard Inman produced by Winnipeg’s singer songwriter Scott Nolan, and his latest project Hasta La Vista released in November 2019.

Between relentless touring and a residency at the legendary Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club, Richard has proven himself a gifted songwriter and true prairie gem.

The menu for the night is: Manitoba Braised Bison, Horseshoe Lake Organic Wild Rice Casserole with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Roasted Squash with Emma’s Garden Garlic, Bannock with Wild Blueberry Compote and Cream, Highbush Cranberry with Whitemouth River Wild Mint Mock Tail, and Coffee and Tea – Serving locally roasted Trail’s End Coffee

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