As MayWorks 2014 comes to a close we would like to send out a thank you to all of the performers, organizers, workers, unions, media and supporters that have helped make this another successful year.

We hope that the message of this year helps bring support and recognition to the many workers of our great city and that we go forward, continuing to cross boundaries and defy restrictions.

See you in 2015!

The success of the Pete Seeger Tribute concert and the Festival of Mandolins rounded out last week. Coming this week is the launch of the book “Winnipeg’s General Strike: Reports from the front lines” at McNally Robinson on Thursday, May 15th. For those interested in the history of the Strike there is also the 1919 Strike Tour on Sunday, May 25th. Full information on these and other events can be found in the calendar of events or you can download the calendar.

MayWorks is off to a great start with the holding of the annual May Day March followed by a successful May Day Cabaret at the King’s Head Pub.

An exciting week is in store and it features one of the highlights of the Festival – the tribute concert to the late Pete Seeger featuring some of Winnipeg’s finest musicians on Friday, May 9. And on Saturday, May 10 MayWorks features one of its signature events: The Festival of Mandolins.

Monday, May 5
Cinco De Mayo Poetry
7 p.m.
McNally Robinson Booksellers in the Atrium
1120 Grant Avenue
Admission is free

A people’s holiday event featuring Mexican Poetry read in Spanish by Liliana Romanowski and in English by John H. Baillie. Also new and selected poetry by Winnipeg activist poet Ron Romanowski author of Incantations from the Republic of Fire

For more information contact Ron Romanowski at 204-667-6802.

Thursday, May 8
Open House: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba office
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Social Enterprise Centre
765 Main St.
Refreshments served

Celebrate CCPA’s community-based and labour research and new location! CCPA is pleased to join Winnipeg’s social cluster at the Social Enterprise Centre. The Social Enterprise Centre, is an innovation cluster for social enterprises (SE), formed and operated by the three social enterprise partners: BUILD, Manitoba Green Retrofit, and Pollock’s Hardware Cooperative.

Thursday, May 8 (and other dates – see below)
“Labour of Love” Art Exhibit and Musical Performances
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Featuring Jamil the DJ
Studio Wall
8-791 Wall Street
Free Event

Celebrate the works of West End Artists in their “Labour of Love” with the blank canvas, songbook and dance floor. Featuring Artwork by Sue Hoang and Wai Tien and Musical Performances from Jamil the DJ, Jonathan Seburn and local guest DJs and musicians.

“Labour of Love” continues with performances on:

Friday, May 9 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with Jamil the DJ;
Thursday, May 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Jamil the DJ
Friday, May 23 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with DJ Jonathan Seburn

For more information 204-807-6989

Friday, May 9
Pete Seeger Tribute Concert
Doors at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Muriel Richardson Auditorium
Tickets $20 available at Organic Planet, Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store or at the Door

Featuring: Heather Bishop, Leonard Podolak, Nathan Rogers, Sweet Alibi, Jessee Havey, Red Moon Road, Keith Dyck

Saturday, May 10
Festival of Mandolins
8 p.m.
Ukrainian Labour Temple – 595 Pritchard
Tickets $15 at the door

The Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra and guest performers present the Festival of Mandolins at one of Winnipeg’s most historic and unique venues.

For more information contact Brent Stearns at 204-488-1008

All of MAY
Millennium Library
251 Donald Street
Free Admission

The MAIL ART exhibit is part of the world’s largest collection featuring the theme of work. MAIL ART is a worldwide cultural movement started in the 1960’s. The idea behind the movement is to bypass the elitist gallery/museum system of art. There are no hierarchies, no rules, all participants work is shown to the public. MAIL ART is non commercial, no entry fees, no sales and the yearly call is universal.

THIS THURSDAY THE FESTIVAL BEGINS!
Join a fantastic lineup of artists for an evening celebrating International Working Class Day @ The Kings Head Pub
Following the MayDay March (5:30 – City Hall)