Music is an important part of most people's lives. Music can inspire you in so many ways. It can improve your mood while pumping up your energy levels. You can dance to music, sing along with it, or use it as a backdrop to help add the perfect ambience for a presentation. Certain songs can spark a favorite memory which can spark up a great conversation about said memory. It's that aforementioned combination that makes up the foundation of Manitoba Music Makers is all about.
MMM is a new program on WCG-TV Channel 12 that focuses on Manitoba's Music scene. The show will feature all things music that is happening in Manitoba. Whether it's local bands who got their start here in Westman or any region of the Keystone province for that matter. It could also focus on bands stopping in Manitoba to play a show. If its music based and it's happening in Manitoba it could very well be included in this program.
Hosted by Westman radio veteran Frank "Shotgun" McGwire MMM, is comprised of live music, interview segments, and taped performances from the artists who guest on the program, a concert calendar and more segments are in the making. Along with his many years behind the microphone in radio, McGwire also logged many hours behind the keyboard serving as an entertainment columnist for the Westman Journal and eventually the Brandon Sun for well over 10 years. His weekly column "Happenings on the Scene" shone the spotlight on the local music scene. McGwire feels MMM is a natural evolution of his old column, "When I wrote for the Brandon Sun, I remember dreaming of what it would be like if I could create a video version of the column. Thanks to Vern, Shawn and the team at WCG and a combined partnership with my internet radio station The Spark (www.sparkwebradio.com) I'm now able to do that," said McGwire.
Westman Radio veteran Frank McGwire hosts the new music-based TV program Manitoba Music Makers. The premiere episode airs tonight (Tuesday, December 12, 2023) at 6:30 p.m. on WCG Channel 12 (Photo credit: WCG)
McGwire has been a champion of the local music scene for well over 30 years. He was playing in bands long before he got his start in radio in the late 80s. He's played in several well-known local bands over the years, the most recent outfit is country/rock cover band 8 Track Shuffle. "Ever since I can remember hearing music for the first time it has always been a constant in my life. I knew from an early age that music would be a major part of my existence, and here we are," McGwire said.
The debut episode features the ultra-talented Matt Cory who is fresh off his hat trick of wins at the Manitoba Loud Music Awards. Included in the show are two songs recorded live off the floor featuring Matt on guitar and vocals with accompanying conga drums providing a driving back beat by Cy Arthurson.
L - R: Matt Cory and Cy Arthurson perform on the debut episode of Manitoba Music Makers. (Photo credit: WCG)
Tonight's premiere episode will run at 6:30 pm on WCG Channel 12 with replays scheduled sporadically throughout this week. Upcoming episodes already recorded will feature Anastasia Jane and Chris Ghidoni. "These particular artists have got to be some of the hardest-working musicians I know. Coincidentally, I've had the pleasure of working with them in various bands over the past 10 years or so. So, it's nice to have our continued friendships come back around full circle and it shows in these episodes," McGwire said.
"I like to describe MMM as a great mix of words and music from the artists we'll be featuring throughout the coming week, months, and hopefully years," McGwire said. The door to the Manitoba Music Makers program is open to all Manitoba Artists and all musical genres are welcome. The show is also open to artists from outside of Manitoba who may be stopping to do a show here and thus make music in Manitoba.
Frank McGwire and Matt Cory in conversation during the first taping of Manitoba Music Makers. (Photo credit: WCG)
To be considered for a guest spot on the show, email your EPK or contact info to Frank@sparkwebradio.com.
Manitoba Music Makers is currently co-sponsored by The Spark - "Westman's Home for Variety" www.sparkwebradio.com and WCG. Sponsorship packages are available and if you are interested in obtaining more info, please email Frank@westmanzone.com.
Log in with Google