Hour Long Show Features Diverse Mix of Local Talent to Celebrate Canada’s 153rd Birthday
Winnipeg, MB – The Forks and Canada Life have teamed up to celebrate Canada Day in a way they had never imagined – virtually.
“Just because we can’t celebrate in person this year, doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate our country and the amazing artists in our own communities,” says Paul Jordan, CEO, The Forks North Portage.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to physically be distant from one another which means large groups can’t gather, Canada Day can’t look like it normally does. There will be no live shows and no onsite fireworks this year.
“Canada Day Virtual Presented by Canada Life was created to bring celebration to everyone in our communities at a time when we need to remain connected, even while we are physically apart,” says Jordan.
The one-hour variety show, to be streamed on multiple platforms, features messages of hope and some of Manitoba’s best and most diverse talents in the areas of music, comedy, dance, art, skateboarding, spoken word, DJs and much more. It even features a brand-new fireworks show, created and shot in seclusion, by award winning Archangel Fireworks and featuring a performance by Faouzia.
Highlights of the show include Taylor Janzen with a WSO cellist, performing in an empty CN Field where she was slated to perform with the entire WSO on July 1 as well as a rendition of Oh Canada captured in a canoe on the Assiniboine River.
One of the most moving performances is all about connection, community and hope. A wonderful collaboration of many Manitoba artists that will offer a message of unity and hope. More details on this will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We couldn’t have pulled this off without our partners,” acknowledges Paul Jordan. “It’s their commitment to our community that allowed us to create something for everyone to celebrate Canada, albeit in a different way.”
“There’s always something special about celebrating Canada Day at the Forks – a place where people have been gathering for thousands of years. While we can’t meet in person now, it’s great we can come together online for a unique Canada Day celebration,” said Paul Mahon, President and CEO of Canada Life. “Canada Life is proud to support this community event, and I know we’ll return to The Forks to celebrate in person again in the future.”
The show, shot over several days mostly in and around The Forks, has been a welcome project for many of the artists who have been missing audiences and revenues for many months.
The Forks acknowledges the partnership and support of Canadian Heritage, along with presenting sponsor Canada Life, as this project would not have been possible without them.
