Music ‘N’ Mavens
Returns to the Rady.
Get ready for music. Ideas. Moments you’ll never forget.
Music ’N’ Mavens brings you concerts that move you and speakers who challenge the way you see the world.
From singers and musicians to writers, archaeologists, and more, every week is a new adventure.
Beginning January 6, all programs take place Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Rady JCC, 123 Doncaster Street. After Dark concerts and the special show at Gwen Secter are exceptions.
Details on this year’s program are below.
Mayors of Sambor
CONCERT | Tuesday, January 6 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
The Brothers are at it again!
Victor and Myron Schultz (of FINJAN and Black Sea Station fame) return with their Mayors of Sambor project, and their captivating mix of traditional and original Klezmer melodies and other delights. Along for the journey with regular musical co-conspirator (and honorary Mayor) Daniel Koulack, the ‘Mayors’ will be joined by Accordionist Myron Kurjewicz and George Bajer-Koulack on guitar and vocals.
Evelyn L Forget
SPEAKER TOPIC: Who Deserves help? Rethinking How We Judge Need and Worth
Thursday, January 8 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Evelyn L Forget is a Distinguished Professor of Economics and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her research examines the health and social implications of poverty and inequality, and she is often called upon by governments, First Nations and international organizations to advise on poverty, inequality, health and social outcomes. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Sheila North
SPEAKER TOPIC: Honouring Indigenous Nations and Allies: Enhancing Our Relationships
Tuesday, January 13 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Sheila North, a proud member of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, is a leader, storyteller, and advocate. From 2015 to 2018, Sheila was the first female Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). A former journalist with CBC and CTV, she continues to provide leadership on Indigenous issues, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools.
Suzanne Kennelly
AZNAVOUR, BREL, PIAF et MOI
CONCERT | Thursday, January 15 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Going back to the music and the artists that inspired her growing up in her native Québec, Winnipeg vocalist and singer-songwriter Suzanne Kennelly offers a bilingual tribute. She shares what she loves best: a tradition of songs from the masters of storytelling and emotional expression with a touch of her own stories woven through life pathways. Under the direction of Richard Boughton (piano) expect French chanson, jazz and a lot of feel-good moments!
Haskel J. Greenfield
SPEAKER TOPIC: Ark of the Covenant: Where is it Now?
Tuesday, January 20 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Haskel J. Greenfield is a Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Co-Director of the Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Lab, and Coordinator of the Judaic Studies Program at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on the evolution of early agricultural and early complex societies in the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. He will be presenting on his research at ancient Shiloh, Israel.
Shirley Render
SPEAKER TOPIC: James A Richardson and Aviation: Is There a Connection?
Thursday, January 22 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Shirley Render is former Executive Director of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Historical Preservation and Promotion, and has been named to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. She has authored two published books on aviation history: Double Cross: The Inside Story of James A. Richardson and Canadian Airways and No Place for a Lady: the Story of Canadian Women Pilots, 1928-1992.
SoulBear
Soul Voices Through the Ages
CONCERT | Tuesday, February 17, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Backed by some of Winnipeg’s most talented professional musicians, soul vocalist SoulBear brings his powerful voice and heartfelt style to our stage in a celebration of timeless soul music. Featuring classics by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Al Green, Marvin Gaye — to the modern masters who carry the torch today — Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and more. This concert promises an unforgettable afternoon filled with passion, groove, and nostalgia.
The Wrigley Brothers
CONCERT | Thursday February 19, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
21-year-old Cree and French Métis identical twins Luc and Aidan Wrigley present their blend of traditional Métis fiddling, contemporary and classic Country and Folk music, has been uplifting audiences across the Prairies, the United States and Mexico. At age seven, they performed at the Festival du Voyageur, and launched their song writing career at age 16. They will be joined on stage for this performance by their dad, Rob Wrigley.
Joey Gregorash
A Salute to the 60s and 70s
CONCERT | Tuesday, February 24 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Joey Gregorash and his band The Mongrels were popular on the community club and high school dance circuits in the 70s. Joey had a successful solo career with hit records Jodie, My Love Sings and Down By The River, which earned him the first Juno as Most Promising Male Vocalist. Together (The New Wedding Song) was a Canadian hit. Joey, guitarist Brian McMillan and bassist Vaughan Poyser will relive the music we love.
Yuri and Ari Hooker
The French Connection
CONCERT | Thursday, February 26 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Ari Hooker, pianist, was included in CBC’s list of hot Canadian classical musicians under 30, in July 2025. The previous year, Ari made his solo debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra performing his own piano concerto. Ari’s father Yuri Hooker is recently retired principal cellist of the WSO, Together, this father-son duo will perform works from Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Winnipeg composer Sheva Schwartz, and Ari’s own composition Cello Sonata, Op.13.
Carla Compton
SPEAKER TOPIC: Rhythms of Leadership: Carla Compton’s Story
Tuesday, March 3, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Born in Winnipeg, elected as the MLA for Tuxedo in 2024, Carla Compton has been a Registered Nurse and practiced in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba for 19 years. Prior to being elected, she was a hemodialysis nurse at St. Boniface Hospital and a small business owner. Using her passion and knowledge for public health, Carla utilizes her current role to advocate ways that can improve the livelihood of all Manitobans.
Debbie Maslowsky and Phil Corrin
CONCERT | Wednesday, March 4 | 1:30 p.m.
Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre | 1588 Main Street
Spring is in the Air—With a Yiddish Flair!
Debbie Maslowsky, singer, actor, has been inducted into the Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame, and featured in numerous theatre and television productions. Phil Corrin is a pianist, music director, and frequent performer on the Music ‘N’ Mavens stage. Together, Debbie and Phil will sing us into spring with a selection of timely songs and Yiddish favourites.
Kevin Chief
SPEAKER TOPIC: Sharing Stories of Resiliency and Reconciliation
Thursday, March 5 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Kevin Chief is Principal of Chief Partnerships Manitoba Incorporated. He is currently Community Ambassador for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, chairperson for the Neeginan Education, Training and Employment Services Inc., and Senior Advisor at True North Sports and Entertainment. Kevin was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities in 2012, Minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg in 2013, and Minister of Jobs and the Economy in 2014.
Roger Turenne
SPEAKER TOPIC: Bit Player on Big Stages – A Journey Through Diplomacy, Advocacy, and Cultural Survival
Tuesday, March 10 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Roger Turenne served for 14 years as a Canadian diplomat in Paris, at UNESCO, and in Kinshasa and Stockholm where he headed the political sections of the Canadian embassies in those countries. As a Senior Adviser to Manitoba governments, he was the architect of the language policies of both the Pawley and the Filmon administrations. For almost two decades, he was also an important player in the fight to protect Manitoba’s threatened ecosystems.
Fu Fu Chi Chi Choir
CONCERT | Thursday, March 12, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
This all-woman band made up of singers, musicians, actors, and musical theatre stars, has a 30-year age range between the oldest and youngest. An alt-folk band that shapes clever stories of strange loveable characters – all while clad in 1930s house dresses – to add to the fun. The group which composes toe-tapping songs rich with tremendous harmonies are thrilled to be launching their first full length album on March 21.
Royce Koop
SPEAKER TOPIC: Will Tariff Issues Cause Canada to Pivot Towards Europe?
Tuesday March 17 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Donations at the door | Pre-registration required
Royce Koop is a Professor of Political Science, and Coordinator of the Canadian Studies Program at the University of Manitoba. He writes and teaches about Canadian politics. His research is related to representation and political parties, in both Canadian and comparative contexts. Dr. Koop is a regular media commentator on Canadian and Manitoba politics and writes a weekly analysis column for the Winnipeg Sun.
Zachary Rushing
A Celebration of Mel Tormé
CONCERT | Thursday, March 19, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$12 in advance | $13 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Join jazz vocalist Zachary Rushing for an afternoon of music celebrating the incomparable Mel Tormé. With smooth vocals, and engaging storytelling, Rushing salutes the great “Velvet Fog”, performing beloved standards like Pick Yourself Up, and A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square. Accompanied by a first-rate jazz ensemble, this concert embodies the wit, charm, and vocal virtuosity that secured Tormé an enduring spot in our hearts.
The Very Groovy Things
CONCERT | Tuesday, March 24 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$13 in advance | $12 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Brought back by popular demand, this group started out doing exclusively the music of The Mamas and The Papas. They have expanded their repertoire to include folk rock from Southern California of the mid 60s to early 70s, plus some Merseybeat and British Invasion songs by the Ventures, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Booker T and the MGs, as well as hits by John Phillips from The Mamas and The Papas.
Rosemarie Todaschuk & Friends
Timeless Tunes and Duets from The Great American Songbook
CONCERT | Thursday, March 26 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$13 in advance | $12 at the door | Rady Members get 25% off
Rosemarie Todaschuk & Friends bring a repertoire that weaves together jazz standards, Latin rhythms, funk, blues, and popular favourites. Rosemarie’s velvety voice and captivating presence infuse the room with energy and soul as she collaborates with a stellar cast of musicians: Richard Boughton on piano, Nenad Zdjelar on upright bass, Owen Clark on percussion, Janice Finlay on saxophones, and gifted crooner George Druxman.
You asked, we delivered.
Introducing Music ‘N’ Mavens After Dark
We’ve heard your feedback that many of you would like to attend Music ‘N’ Mavens, but can’t do so during the daytime, so we’re launching four After Dark events this year. These concerts will be longer than the daytime concerts as befitting an evening out on the town!
All Music ‘N’ Mavens After Dark events will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 +GST (25% off for Rady JCC Members)
Lights-Out Discount: Buy All 4 Concerts, Get 25% Off!
Take a look below at the four exciting concerts we have to offer this year.
Paul De Gurse and Aaron Hutton
The Flamboyance of Elton John
Wednesday, January 7 | 7:30 p.m.
$20 | Rady Members get 25% off
Opening our Music ‘N’ Mavens After Dark series, Aaron Hutton, voice, and Paul De Gurse, piano and music director, have teamed up to create a sendup of the one and only Elton John. With Kyle Cobb on guitar, Ruslan Rusin on bass, and Brendan Thompson on drums, this killer band will ensure you hear hits like Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man, along with some of Elton’s favourite collaborators like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
Vox Populi
The Hitmakers: Vox Populi Plays Stevie Wonder & Bill Withers
Wednesday, January 14 | 7:30 p.m.
$20 | Rady Members get 25% off
Led by Carter Graham on keyboards and vocals, and joined by a band of all-star musicians, Vox Populi pushes the boundaries of contemporary pop music by creating uncomplicated joy. Their goal is to make you want to get up on your feet and dance! Taking us back to the 70s, this supergroup showcases 50 years of soul. For fans of Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, this is your night.
Erin Propp and Larry Roy
Circle Games & Summer Lawns: A Joni Mitchell Anthology with the Erin Propp & Larry Roy Quartet
Wednesday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
$20 | Rady Members get 25% off
Erin Propp and Larry Roy bring their signature joy and precision to the stage with this all-new anthology of Joni Mitchell, which premiered at Music ‘N’ Mavens 2025. You loved them – so we’re bringing back an expanded version. Joni Mitchell was way ahead of her time in so many ways – as an environmentalist critiquing urban development is just one of them. This band delivers a highly satisfying set that befits the genius of Joni Mitchell.
Those Guys
Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
$20 | Rady Members get 25% off
Those Guys are an a cappella group, bringing together diverse talents from Winnipeg’s vibrant music and theatre scene. Their repertoire is as eclectic as it is impressive, spanning genres from classic rock to pop, R&B to Broadway, and everything in between. They have a knack for taking beloved songs and putting their unique spin on them. By creating fresh and exciting arrangements, they surprise and delight even the most familiar listeners. Whether you’re a fan of Billy Joel or Bruno Mars, the Beatles or the Backstreet Boys, Those Guys have something for everyone.
