World rhythm: African Cause
Celtic and African musicians mingle at WECC
TIMOTHY BROWN STAFF
With all the concerts going on in Winnipeg these days, it is rare for a line-up of bands and performers to surprise me. This however, is one of those exceptions. Thursday, March 22 at the West End Cultural Centre, Dust Rhinos and Banshee’s Wail, both Celtic Rock bands, will be performing along with drummers and dancers from Sudan and Congo. Even now, it’s somewhat hard to picture two Celtic rock bands playing alongside African drummers and dancers. The event is titled “World Rhythm: African Cause,” and it looks to be an amazing time.
What exactly is World Rhythm: African Cause? Well, it’s a United Nations Association-Canada, or UNA-C, initiated event aimed at accomplishing three primary goals: 1. increasing young people’s awareness and involvement in social causes; 2. raising money for UNICEF’s current work in Sudan; and 3. helping to bridge African and Canadian communities.
The concept for this particular concert was thought up last summer by Brendan Jowett, who also organized the committee for the event. “You could say I’m the event coordinator but, by no means, am I the only one working on this,” says Jowett, who not only spearheaded the event but also plays in Banshee’s Wail.
The idea is to incorporate the predominately younger fan base of these bands and try to draw them into an event with a larger, social message, thus getting them involved with important international issues. And with Celtic rockers such as Dust Rhinos, that idea might just work. Jowett went on to talk about Dust Rhinos: “For the last 10 years, these guys have been at the top of the Celtic music scene in Winnipeg . . . These guys know what they’re doing when it comes to Celtic music,” he said.
Of course, Dust Rhinos aren’t the only band that knows what they’re doing. Banshee’s Wail brings a newer, faster, harder sound to traditional Celtic songs that will be sure to attract a sizeable audience. “We’re a newer Celtic rock band,” explained Jowett. “We pretty much put the youthful energy into it.”
While most people will be attending to hear some excellent Celtic rock, the idea that there will be dancers and drummers from Sudan and Congo is hardly less appealing. Celtic rock prides itself on sticking with traditional Celtic sounds, just faster and harder, but fans of Celtic rock are sure to appreciate tradition, even if it’s not their own. And while this event is focusing on large, international issues, when stripped down to the bones, it’s still about having fun. “On top of everything, it’s gonna be a lot of fun, everyone’s gonna have a good time and it’s for a good cause,” said Jowett, who hopes as many people as possible can come out and support the event.
If you’re interested in checking out what should be a fantastic, fun-filled night, then pick up a ticket as soon as possible. You can find them at Music Trader, U of W Info Booth, Answers at U of M, McNally Robinson, the West End Community Centre, or other local businesses. It costs only $12, the proceeds go to UNICEF, and doors open at 7 p.m..
