Aqua Books has been a favourite hangout spot for me since I started Creative Communications last fall. Its combination of books and food fulfills pretty much every basic need, and its proximity to campus means I’m never more than a ten minute walk from a wealth of creativity. The bookstore also hosts over 200 events each year, and tonight I witnessed one of them. In celebration of the May Works 2010 Festival, I spent the evening listening to epic poetry and foot-tapping, head-bobbing music. Watching the performances gave me a much needed boost to continue writing the collection of short stories I have been slaving over for the past month. Sometimes the best way to find one’s inner creativity is through the celebration of another person’s creativity, and the “Bread and Roses” artistic evening gave me exactly what I needed.

Poet Ron Romanowski kicked off the evening with readings from two of his books, including Insurrection, a collection of poetry about the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. I purchased this book from McNally Robinson a few months ago, and it’s definitely worth a read. What drew me to this collection in particular was the historical aspect. I am currently in the research stage of my IPP, and most of the stories are set in Winnipeg. I was curious to see how another Winnipegger approached writing about the city, and was not disappointed. Romanowski also read a few new pieces, which will be published next spring. His delivery was honest, straightforward, and heartfelt, and I believe words on a page really come alive when they are read aloud by the person who has written them.

Following Romanowski’s poetry reading was a musical performance from Liliana Romanowski – Ron’s wife – and Ferruccio Moscarda – Liliana’s father. They performed a collection of songs together, and brought the audience through both the “bread” and “roses” aspects of the evening. Liliana’s vocals were very impressive, and she is currently training with an opera singer at the University of Manitoba. Moscarda accompanied her on guitar. After listening to him, I wanted nothing more than to run home and play my own guitar. Which I will. After writing this blog. My favourite part of the performance was when father and daughter sang an Italian love song together. There is something about song in foreign languages that simply can’t compare to English. Maybe that’s why I love the opera.

Finally, John Baillie read his poetry, and this man is absolutely hilarious. His poetry is great, but his delivery is simply superb. I have not laughed that hard in a long time, and he seems like the kind of interesting, animated individual you would want to buy a beer and talk to for hours. Writing is definitely an art, and the way Baillie constructs sentences to be both humorous and informative is artistry at its finest. I could learn a thing or two from this man.

The evening was fantastic, and I am impressed by how confidently and gracefully each of the presenters took the stage and shared their passions. I will strive to be able to present my work with such flair, and hopefully one day it will be me who has both the microphone and attention of an entire room. Watching fellow Winnipeggers do what they love is the perfect way to spend an evening.

(WINNIPEG) April 26, -International Workers Day is celebrated around the world on May 1st including Winnipeg. Join us at City Hall this Saturday, May 1st at 12:30pm for the opening ceremonies of this year’s May Day March and its theme of “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for all.”

This year’s march will also highlight the struggle for Women’s Rights and Opportunities and will include speakers:

Kevin Rebeck, President Manitoba Federation of Labour,
Denis Lemelin, National President Canadian Union of Postal Workers,
Cathy Woods, Chair Aboriginal Workers Council, Manitoba Federation of Labour,
Marianne Cerelli, Community Activist and RRC Instructor and the
FemRev Collective (young feminist group)

“May Day is an important historic day for all workers to remember and celebrate the struggle of workers for respect, justice and equality”, says Denis Lemelin, National President Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

“The notion that women could work alongside men in the paid workforce as equals has become a reality in our time. Equal access to training and education, to child care, safe workplace standards, equal pay for work of equal value, paid holidays, paid maternity leave and the right to not be fired when pregnant come to mind are economic rights that are still not secure for everyone. We have come a long way but are still working towards these securities for everyone. Until that security is real for everyone we work for bread and roses too”, says Marianne Cerilli, Community Activist and Former MLA.

From there we will take it to the streets celebrating this year’s May Day theme of “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for All. It is Time!” The route ends up at Old Market Square where the Buffalo Gals Drum Group, Hugo Torres-Cereceda and others will be there to celebrate working people everywhere!

The celebration of May Day is followed by another celebration; The Mayworks Festival of Labour and the Arts which is a multi-disciplinary festival that focuses on working class themes.

For more information please contact:

Chris Albi ∙Publicist ∙Mayworks Festival∙204-229-9660∙www.mayworks.org

All Month Long
Audio Resistance
During the month of May, MayWorks is pleased to continue its collaboration with CKUW. Tune in to Black Mask Radio every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on CKUW 95.9 FM for reports and interviews about MayWorks events.

Wednesday April 28
Day of Mourning
10 am: Canadian Union of Public Employees memorial ceremony, City Hall, 510 Main Street
11:45 am: Leaders Walk with Safe Workers of Tomorrow Union Centre, 275 Broadway
6:00 pm: Manitoba Federation of Labour, Candlelight Vigil
Union Centre, 275 Broadway, Room 2C
Performances by; Hugo Torres-Cereceda and Florence Marquez

Friday April 30
Photo Exhibit: In Their Footsteps
2 pm: Grand Opening
Millennium Library, 251 Donald Street
For the entire month of May, view the historical photos depicting the struggles of women at the turn of the century to more recent times. This exhibit will feature some of our more prominent female leaders in the struggle for justice and dignity for women.

Saturday May 1
Annual Winnipeg Labour Council May Day March
1 pm: Assemble at City Hall, 510 Main Street
Join us to celebrate International Workers’ Day

Saturday May 1
3 pm: Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street
One of Winnipeg’s best-known worker co-op’s and centre for progressive political and cultural activity, hosts a 24 hour telethon for the A-Zone Building before a live audience with simultaneous international broadcast, featuring non-stop entertainment through the evening and night.

Sunday May 2
11 am – 2 pm: Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street
Special Vegan Brunch hosted by A.B.C.
2 pm: Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street
A reprise of the Emma Goldman speech, “An Anarchist Looks at Life” performed, in costume, by the Actress Sharon Bajer.
For more information, contact Mondragon at 946-5241

Sunday May 2
May Day Banquet
Fort Garry Hotel, 222 Broadway
Cocktails: 6 pm, Dinner: 7 pm
Dinner to be followed by a cultural program and dance. Cash bar.
Tickets $25
For reservations and tickets, contact Ken at 479-8089

Wednesday, May 5 & Thursday May 6
Film Screening: Club Native
by Tracey Deer
7 pm
The WFG’s Cinematheque, 100 Arthur Street
Regular Admission
Club Native is a candid and deeply moving look at the pain, confusion and frustration suffered by many First Nations people as they struggle for the most important right of all; the right to belong. In Club Native, filmmaker Tracey Deer uses Kahnawake, her hometown, as a lens to probe deeply into the history and contemporary reality of Aboriginal identity. Following the stories of four women, she reveals the exclusionary attitudes that divide the community and many others like it across Canada.

Saturday May 8
Festival of Mandolins
8 pm
Ukrainian Labour Temple, 591 Pritchard Avenue
Free admission
Featuring the Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra,
the Praetorius Mandolin Ensemble and guest artists

Saturday May 8
Winnipeg Labour Choir presents
The Best of the Left: From 1994 to 2009
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Performance at 7:30 pm
Gas Station Theatre, 445 River Avenue
Free Admission
Featuring: Karen Dana and Harry Havey,
Patrick McGuire, Michael Desautels
Joseph and Michael Warbanski
For information and free tickets, phone: 774-8573

Sunday May 9
General Strike Bus Tour and Sokolowski Memorial Service
1 pm
Union Centre, 275 Broadway
Join our tour guides on a chartered bus as they share details about the life of Mike Sokolowski, the Ukrainian immigrant killed during the culmination of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike on “Bloody Saturday”, June 15th, as well as many other sites of interest that have direct connections to that tumultuous time. The tour begins at the Union Centre and makes it’s way to the Vulcan Iron Works where it all began. You will have a chance to see and feel Hell’s Alley where many of the marchers were beaten on that fateful day. You will also bear witness to a memorial graveside service for Mike Sokolowski at Brookside Cemetery before returning to the Union Centre.
Tickets $10 (limited seating, buy early)
Tickets available at the Workers’ Organizing Resource Centre, Mezzanine–280 Smith Street, 947-2220 or at Mondragon bookstore and Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street, 946-5241

Friday May 14
CANCELLED An Evening with Cuba

MayWorks learned of the cancellation after our printed programme went to press.

Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street
Join us for an evening of information on the current situation in Cuba and a celebration of Cuban culture organized by the Manitoba-Cuba solidarity committee.
The program includes short presentations on this year’s Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade, the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan, and an update on the recent political and economic developments in Cuba.
Cuban and other progressive songs performed by Hugo Torres, Grupo Amistad with Victor Bustamente, and a presentation by a group of young, local Cuban children.
Sample some of the Cuban specialties, on the menu for this evening only, such as Cuban soup and congri.
Free admission, but we will pass the hat for contributions towards both the Brigade and the Caravan.
For further information, call Diane at 783-9380 or e-mail dlzack@shaw.ca

Sunday May 16
Spring Concert
2 pm
Ukrainian Labour Temple, 591 Pritchard Avenue
AUUC School of Folk Dance, Yunist Dancers and other AUUC performing groups
Free Admission
For additional information, call Brent Stearns at 488-1008

Wednesday May 19
Bread and Roses Tonight
7 pm
Aqua Books, 247 Garry Street
New and selected poetry by Ron Romanowski and John Baillie
Songs of bread and roses by Liliana Romanowski
Featuring Ferruccio Moscarda on guitar
Free admission
For more information, call Ron at 667-6802

Saturday May 29th & Sunday May 30th
Mike’s Bloody Saturday Walking Tour
12 pm and 3 pm
City Hall Courtyard, 510 Main Street
Duration, two hours
Join award-winning composer/playwright Danny Schur (Strike! – The Musical) as he shares the fascinating and contradictory details of the last hours of Mike Sokolowski, the Ukrainian immigrant killed on “Bloody Saturday” during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.

Free admission, but pre-registration is required, please call 227-1167 to reserve your spot.
(maximum 40 people per tour)

Saturday May 29
Winnipeg Labour Council MayWorks Picnic 2010
Noon to 4 pm
Freight House Park, Isabel Street and Ross Avenue
A fun-filled afternoon with free hotdogs and orange drink, inflatable play stations, face painting, a Clown and a free bicycle draw.
For more information call the Winnipeg Labour Council at 942-0522 or
email: info@winnipeglabour.ca

On Tuesday, May 12 on CKUW 95.9 FM between 8 and 8:30 a.m. tune in People of Interest as host Michael Welch interviews MayWorks Board Member (and founder of the Winnipeg Folk Festival) Mitch Podolak

Paula Kelly is the director of The Notorious Mrs. Armstrong . The movie follows the political career of Helen Armstrong a lesser known leader of the Winnipeg General Strike yet extremely important figure in Canadian history.

The Notorious Mrs. Armstrong will be shown at Cinematheque on Thrusday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Paul Kelly will introduce the movie.

Maria Dunn

On Saturday May 2 “GWG:Piece by Piece” was performed at the Park Theatre. Featuring Maria Dunn, accompanied by Shannon Johnson on violin and Sharmila Mathur on sitar, the songs (accompanied by video) document the lives and struggles of the mostly immigrant women who worked at GWG’s Edmonton plant.

Shannon Johnson

Sharmila Mathur

The show curated University of Winnipeg’s Art History Student Association includes artwork by Steve Gouthro, Petra Reynolds, Crys Cole, Robert Kell, Paul Butler, Patrick Dunford, Barb Hunt, Cherie Moses, Colleen Finlayson, Noam Gonick, Rick Fisher, and Don Rice. Featuring painting, mixed-media collage, video, and sound installation, the works in this exhibition provide unique insights into the development of labour practices within Manitoba. It runs through the month of May

Pictured above are members of Art History Student Association

Date: May 1st between 6 and 9 a.m.

In-studio on BT on Citytv with host Jon Ljungberg and guests Danny Schur and Marianne Cerilli

Date: May 1st
Time: Segments will air at 9:30 a.m.

Weekend Morning Show on CJOB with host Luke Eisbrenner
Interview with Annis Kozub of The Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra
Date: Sunday, May 3rd
Time: TBA

In-studio on BT on Citytv with host Jon Ljungberg and guest Annis Kozub conductor of Winnipeg’s Mandolin Orchestra.
Date: May 6

CBC Weekend Morning Show with Katie Nicholson will also feature the Mandolin Orchestra
Date: Saturday, May 9th in the morning.

Shaw TV with host Tracy Koga
Interview with Paula Kelly, local filmmaker of The Notorious Mrs. ArmstrongDate: May 14-16 (tentative)
Time: TBA

Shaw TV with host Tracy Koga
Interview with Danny Schur, Juno winner, composer of the musical Strike! Winnipeg Shocks the Nation
Date: May 14-16 (tentative)
Time: TBA