Joke Around and Find Out contest aims to open doors for new Indigenous comedians
Club Happenings will host the finals for "Joke Around and Find Out," a competition for new First Nations, Inuit and Métis comedians who are getting on stage for the first or second time.
Eight are competing for the $2,000 grand prize, as well as paintings, trophies and gift cards for other finalists.
"Our only one rule for the contest is let's keep it a little rez," said one of the organizers Jeff Gobeil.
"People have been keeping it rez and by that we mean authentic, true to yourself, and don't try to be something you're not."
The winner will be selected by crowd reaction.
Gobeil, a member of Poplar River First Nation, has been a comedian for three years. He followed in the footsteps of his sister, who tried comedy first. Gobeil wrote material for his sister, but now he's the one that takes the stage on a regular basis on the Winnipeg comedy scene.
Gobeil put together the contest with fellow comedian Lyle Wood from St. Theresa Point First Nation.
Wood and Gobeil reached out to St. Theresa Point for financial backing for the contest. The band responded with a $2,000 grand prize for the contest's winner, on the condition that part of the contest would have to be held on reserve.
The community's local radio station played host to the contest's first event. On the first round in St. Theresa Point, 12 comedians signed up and 9 made the stage. The organizers were impressed by the turnout.
Two subsequent shows have taken place in Winnipeg, where Denny Frehley of Roseau River First Nation jumped on stage for the first time.
"I feel like I did pretty good but for the first time, there were some nicks and cricks I got to work on in the act," said Frehley.
"Figure it out. Memorize more. Deliver the punchline in a more quick way."
Frehley is no stranger to performing, as he is an actor looking to develop his comedy chops.
"I've always wanted to try stand-up, I just never gave it a shot," he said.
Fellow actor and contestant Cilla Bean from Peguis First Nation also got on stage with hopes of finding new inspiration.
"I've always been on stages and performing but I had no idea that stand-up comedy was next-level intimidating, it's total anxiety," Bean said.
Bean added through a chuckle, "I did really well, but it might have been beginner's luck."
It's often said that laughter is therapy. Gobeil agrees.
"Comedy encourages you to write and share stories but maybe provides a little bit of healing as well," he said.
Gobeil said the shows have been fun, and "truly driven by a spirit of community."
A photographer and video crew will be on hand on Thursday to document the contest's final evening.
There are plans to run the contest again next year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
The last dance? Organizers of North America's largest powwow say 2026 will be the event's final year
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — For decades, tens of thousands of people have descended upon Albuquerque for what is billed as North America's largest powwow, a celebration showcasing Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world. Organizers announced Saturday that 2026 will be the last time the cultural event is held, saying via email and social media that it will end after 43 years without providing details on the decision. 'There comes a time,' Gathering of Nations Ltd. said in a statement. The official poster for the 2026 event features the words 'The Last Dance.' Organizers did not immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment. The New Mexico fairgrounds have hosted the powwow since 2017, but it's unclear whether the venue would be available for future events given that the state is considering redeveloping the site. There also has been criticism over the years by some Native Americans who said Gathering of Nations organizers were capitalizing on Indigenous culture. Organizers dismissed those claims, saying the money raised goes toward the expenses of putting on the event. While offering spectators a glimpse into Indigenous cultures, large powwows like the one in Albuquerque have become more commercialized events with prize money for dancing and drumming competitions. For some Native American leaders, it can be a struggle to keep traditional cultural practices and commercial powwows from being lumped into the same category. There have been efforts to focus on promoting smaller powwows that are held in tribal communities. At Gathering of Nations, the signature event is the grand entry, in which a colorful procession of dancers spirals into the center of an arena. Participants wear elaborate regalia — some with jingling bells and others with feathers — and dance to rhythmic drumming. The event also features the crowning of Miss Indian World, as well as horse parades in which riders are judged on the craftsmanship of their intricately beaded adornments or feathered headdresses and how well they work with their steeds.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
The top events taking place in Manitoba this weekend
Colleen Bready shares some of the events taking place over the weekend in Manitoba between Aug. 15 and 17. Here are some of the events taking place across Winnipeg and Manitoba between Aug. 15 and 17, 2025. Folklorama August 3-16 Travel the world in your own backyard at 43 pavilions over two weeks. Frozen: The Broadway Musical Rainbow Stage August 6-24 The popular Disney film comes to life on a Winnipeg stage. Wild West Daze Virden August 14-17 The Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze celebrate 35 years with a parade, family-friendly events, live entertainment, broncs, bulls and barrel racing. Hanover Ag Fair Hanover August 14-17 Bullriders buck their way into Hanover for a celebration that also includes a family fun zone, a parade and live entertainment featuring headliner Ryan Langdon. Glenboro Fair & Demolition Derby Glenboro Fairgrounds August 16 Enjoy a miniature horse show, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, a live band and more. Plum Fest Plum Coulee August 15-17 There's a little something for everyone with a parade, duck race, inflatables, and live entertainment on the main stage. Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Maples Multiplex Grounds August 16-17 A cultural celebration showcasing the Filipino community's heritage with costumes, performances and more. Quarry Days Stonewall August 15-17 Running from one end of Main Street to the other, Quarry Days features rides, food trucks, a car show, live entertainment and more. Opasquia Agricultural Society Rodeo Opasquia Ag Society and Exhibition Grounds, The Pas August 15-17 Enjoy bouncy castles, wild pony racing, rodeo fun and more. Family Day Whytewold Park, Dunnottar August 16, 10 a.m. The Village of Dunnottar provides free family fun with a BBQ lunch, water fight, scavenger hunt and live music. Minnedosa Fun Fest Minnedosa August 15-17 Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun, including a bike parade, BBQ, Valley Cruizers car show, live music and more. Lions Children's Fair Wawanesa Recreation Centre August 16 A Teddy Bear parade, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, wagon rides and more are the highlights of this annual event. StrEAT Feast The Forks August 15-17 Flavours from around the world are featured at this family-friendly festival that also includes a local market, activities, and performances. Heritage Day Pioneer Village Museum, Beausejour August 17 The 27th Annual Heritage Day includes music, Red River Settler demonstrations, a tractor parade, pony rides, and more. Haunted Harbour Ghost Tours Marine Museum August 15 & 16, 7 & 8:45 p.m. Uncover some spooky stories on this Haunted Harbour Ghost Tour as you explore the S.S. Keenora in the dark. Boreal Shores Art Tour August 16-17 Take a self-guided tour of artists and galleries scattered in the Boreal forest and shores of Eastern Manitoba. Harvest Sun Festival Kelwood August 16-18 This grassroots music festival showcases Manitoba musicians, growers and makers. Artists include Scott Nolan, Red Moon Road and The Stanley County Cutups. Bring Your Love Music Festival Ledwich Family Farm, RM of Armstrong, August 14-18 Art meets electronic music in a picturesque setting 45 minutes north of Winnipeg. Enjoy over 100 local and touring DJs and 30 performers. Rainbow Trout Festival Oroseau Campground, Emerson-Franklin August 15-17 Get hooked on this independent music festival, featuring all genres of music. RogerKimLee Music Festival Eriksdale August 15-17 Enjoy live music in an intimate prairie setting. Artists include Sol James, Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Leaf Rapids and more. Tall Grass Prairie BioBlitz Oak Hammock Marsh August 17 Help assess the biodiversity of Oak Hammock Marsh using the iNaturalist app. Transpo Expo Lower Fort Garry August 16 Explore the ways people have gotten around throughout history. This family-friendly event includes a car show, hobby-horse racing, obstacle courses, and more. Sunflower Expo A Maze in Corn August 16-September 16 Explore Manitoba's sunflower varieties and snap a photo along the way. Children's Hospital Book Market Pop-Up Sale St. Vital Centre August 16 This one-day pop-up includes a wide selection of book genres in support of the Children's Hospital Foundation. Naija Games Day 300 Main St. August 16 Celebrate Nigerian culture through traditional games, sports, music, and more. Annual Show Day Keystone Pioneers Museum, Roblin August 16 This annual event features a working steam engine, demonstrations, a tractor parade, baking, bouncy castles, and more. 16th Annual Street Festival Edwards Ave., The Pas August 16 The Pas hosts its annual street festival with local vendors, games, music and more. Water Circus St. Vital Centre August 8-18 Cique Italia transforms the mall parking lot into a celebration of wonder with acrobatics and a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. Visiting Aircraft: Air 1 Helicopter Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada August 17 Get a rare opportunity to peek inside as the Winnipeg Police Service's Flight Operations Unit helicopter touches down at the museum. Canada's National Arabian Championship Keystone Centre, Brandon August 7–16 Canada's top Arabian horses compete in halter, riding, dressage, and more. Knowledge Sharing Series: Red River Carts Lower Fort Garry August 16, 12 p.m. Armand & Kelly Jerome share the tales of their Red River Cart building and trail adventures. High tea at the Big House Lower Fort Garry August 17 Enjoy a traditional Victorian high tea on the veranda at the Big House, complete with fancy sandwiches and pasteries. Reservations required. Riel House Matinées Riel House, 330 River Rd. August 16, 12-3 p.m. Chat with interpreters or listen to live music as you discover Red River Metis culture. 2025 Corydon Avenue Concert Series Corydon Ave. & Cockburn St. S. August 15, 7 pm Band: Vinyl Revival Corydon Ave. & Lilac St. S. August 16, 7 pm Band: Super Cool Brass Enjoy live music and the other sights and sounds of Corydon Avenue. Bandstand Performance Series Winnipeg Beach August 16, 7 p.m. Band: Adam T. Elvis Enjoy an evening of music steps away from the Winnipeg Beach boardwalk. Rockin' Gimli Harbour Concert Series Gimli Harbour August 16, 7:30 p.m. Band: The Pugs Gimli Harbour acts as a backdrop for this summertime concert series. Patsy in the Park Gimli Park Pavilion Stage August 16, 12 p.m. Band: The InClines Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and settle in for a special mid-day performance from a spirited tribute to Patsy Cline. Crocus Suncatch Sound Suncatch Plaza, Morden August 15, 7 p.m. Band: Bare Yogis Enjoy a night of music in downtown Morden. Summer Entertainment Series Assiniboine Park Concert Series Lyric Theatre August 17, 7 p.m. Band: Duo Cochi curated by Folklorama Jazz Concerts Leo Mol Sculpture Garden August 17, 12 p.m. Band: Amber Epp Duo curated by Folklorama Movies in the Park Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park August 15 6:30 p.m. - Despicable Me 4 8:45 p.m. - Thunderbolts* Movies at the Square Transcona Centennial Square August 15, 7 p.m. Movie: The Complete Unknown Break out a lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars in the Square. Burt Block Party Burton Cummings Theatre August 15, 5 p.m. - Sold Out Bands: Marianas Trench, Down With Webster, Fefe Dobson & Show Pony August 16, 5 p.m. Bands: The Glorious Sons, Everclear, JJ Wilde & The Ripperz August 17, 5 p.m. Bands: Kim Mitchell, Chilliwack & Harlequin Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents Billie & Ella Le Patio 340, Bar Culturel @ Centre Cultural Franco-Manitobain August 17, 7 p.m. Explore the music and friendship of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald with Monica Jones and Grace Hrabi. Made in Canada w/ Rascalz & Choclair Exchange Event Centre August 16, 7 p.m. Canadian hip-hop group Rascalz reunite with rapper Choclair for this 18+ show. Nirvair Pannu Centennial Concert Hall August 16, 7:30 p.m. Catch one of modern Punjabi music's most influential voices on stage in Winnipeg. Altona Gospel Festival Altona Centennial Park August 16 Lumber River Quartet headlines this festival of gospel music in support of Youth For Christ Altona. Paul Rabliauskas Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club Tickets: August 12-16 Paul Rabliauskas takes his comedy from the CTV hit show 'Acting Good' to the stand-up stage. Provincial Park Events Great Park Detective Campfire Talk Birds Hill Amphitheatre August 15, 8:30 p.m. Help park detective Humphrey Beargart solve the mystery of who destroyed his campsite and why. Art in the Park Birds Hill Amphitheatre August 17, 10:30 a.m. Learn about the park's flora and fauna while creating a craft to take home. Critters of Clearwater Family Program Camper's Cove Beach, Clearwater Lake August 16, 2 p.m. ·2:00 – 4:00pm Learn about the small animals found in Clearwater Lake, explore the shoreline, and dip for critters. Curious Crevices and Caves Guided Hike Caves self-guiding trail, Clearwater Lake August 17, 10 a.m. Explore the caves at Clearwater Lake with a park interpreter. Bring water, snacks, bug spray and suitable footwear. Cryptic Creatures Campfire Talk Grand Beach Amphitheatre August 16, 8 p.m. Hear spooky stories about the creatures rumoured to lurk in the darkness. Critter Dipping East Beach, Grand Marais August 17, 11 a.m. See how many critters you can find in the Grand Beach lagoon. Fossil Hunt Family Program East Quarry, Gull Harbour August 16, 7 p.m. Learn about the fossils found beneath your feet as you discover what life was like on Hecla when it was covered by an ancient sea. Starlit Sands Guided Hike Spirit Sands Self-guiding Trail, South Cypress August 15, 8:30 p.m. Explore the sand dunes at night during the Perseids meteor shower in this Dark Sky Preserve. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Criddle/Vane Homestead Gathering Criddle/Vane Homestead Provincial Park, Shilo August 17, 1 p.m. Join family members of these Manitoba pioneers and learn about their contributions to science, art, sports and culture. Timber Campfire Talk William Lake Interpretive Program Area, Morton August 16, 7 p.m. Take a closer look at the trees and their life cycle. Guided Paddle Adam Lake, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park August 17, 10 a.m. Enjoy a paddle in your kayak, canoe or SUP board on Adam Lake and learn more about the waters of Turtle Mountain. Please bring your own life jackets, paddles, and safety equipment. Fur Trade Campfire Talk Big Whiteshell Lake Campground August 16, 7 p.m. Learn about how the fur trade influenced the Whiteshell and about modern trapping. Conversations at Bannock Point: Guided Walk Bannock Point Petroforms August 17, 10 a.m. Learn about petroforms and why the site should be respected. Bring water and sturdy footwear.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
PNE opens this weekend with a big heaping scoop of Canadiana
The Pacific National Exhibition has always been patriotic. But this year, the PNE is taking it to a new level. It's selling Canadian corn dogs. Not only that, the annual fair will be selling West Coast chowder poutine. And apple crumble perogies. The exotic treats are part of the fare from an all-Canadian lineup of food vendors at this year's fair, which opens Saturday and runs to Sept. 1. The fair unveiled its 2025 lineup at a news conference Thursday on Miller Drive, the street between Hastings Park racecourse and the PNE's agricultural barns. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Looming nearby was the striking new curved roof for the 10,000 seat Freedom Arch amphitheatre the PNE is building on the former demolition derby site. It will open in summer 2026. PNE president Shelley Frost pointed to the amphitheatre as part of an 'incredible time of evolution for our organization.' But then, evolution has been constant in a fair that began in 1910. Playing on its family-friendly vibe, the PNE will be transforming the Italian Garden green space beside the Forum into The Big Backyard, a celebration of Canadian sports that has areas set aside for kids to play hockey, soccer, football and basketball. 'They can try their hand at shooting pucks at targets,' Frost explains. 'They can spend some time (practising) their foot skills for soccer, they can try their hand at different sports.' Over on Miller Drive, the fair is hosting an international sand castle competition, with sculptors from Canada, Taiwan and South Korea. The first sculpture was bring finished Thursday — the PNE logo. There will also be the Tatus Festival, showcasing Indigenous music, art and food. It will showcase 127 Indigenous artists with performances on the Festival Stage, including headliners Crystal Shawanda and George Leach. The festival also features Indigenous food trucks and a large Indigenous arts and crafts marketplace. In addition, the fair will have a display of traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) carvers at work. The big news at the site in the off-season was the discovery of several First World War-era artillery pieces. Two German howitzers that were unearthed during the excavation for the amphitheatre will be displayed between the Agrodome and Pacific Coliseum during the fair. The PNE will be handing over the old weaponry discovered at Hastings Park to the Canadian military on Aug. 19, and will be offering free admission to any active duty or retired Canadian armed forces members. The concert lineup at the Pacific Coliseum includes Canadian acts like Tom Cochrane (Aug. 29), Mother Mother (Aug. 21) and Marianas Trench (Aug. 24). International acts include Counting Crows (Aug. 16), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Aug. 17) and Gipsy Kings (Aug. 20). Free concerts on the existing Freedom Mobile Stage in centre grounds kick off with shows by PNE favourite Bobby Bruce, otherwise known as Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band. Nearly Neil plays Aug. 16 and 17, followed by the Fleetwood Mac tribute Dreams Aug. 19 and 20. To help the media get into the spirit of this year's event, the PNE held a 'guilty pleasures' food and wine pairings Thursday, featuring B.C. wines with fair food. A Jimmy's Lunch burger, for example, was paired with a Cabaret Sauvignon from Black Sage winery in Oliver. PNE chef Andy Chong let out the big secret to the delicious onions at Jimmy's Lunch: They season them with orange Fanta soft drink. In case you were wondering, the Canadian corn dog is made with maple and bacon. The West Coast chowder poutine has salmon and cod. Adult tickets to the fair are $20 online, $25 at the gate. Seniors and youth 13-18 are $14 online, $16 at the gate. Kids 4-12 are $7 online, $9 at the gate. Special rates can be found on the PNE website; on opening weekend (Aug. 16 and 17) admission is $7 for online purchases. jmackie@
