Centre stage in Canada is the province of Manitoba, western by default but don’t expect the streets of it’s capital Winnipeg filled with pick-up trucks and cowboy hats. This city can boast a musical swagger that has rocked the world.

From underground acts to the biggest names in the world, Winnipeg’s burgeoning music scene has fostered talent in spades. Rock and roll legends can often credit their fame to the backwater clubs and camaraderie of Winnipeg’s musicians.

Manitoba celebrated the Year of Music in 2014, a provincial initiative that celebrates the spirit of music in Manitoba – uniting musicians, the music industry, festivals, events, and fans who put us in the international spotlight. Major events include the JUNOs, Canada’s music awards (March 24-30) and BreakOut West and the Western Canadian Music Awards (October 2-5).

In 1970, American Woman topped international music charts and was the number-one-selling single in the world. Winnipeg rock ‘n’ rollers The Guess Who, who penned the tune, went on to become one of Canada’s largest cultural exports. That year, they sold more albums than any other band in the world, including The Beatles and The Doors.

A breeding ground for some of the world’s most widely recognized talent, Winnipeg’s musical history is so complex that on any given night in 1965 you might have Burton Cummings and the Deverons playing in the North End; Randy Bachman with Chad Allen and the Expressions playing in Crescentwood; Neil Young and the Squires playing in River Heights and Fred Turner playing with Pink Plumm in Earl Grey.

Other artists that have found their footing in Winnipeg include: Joey Gregorash, Oscar Brand, Fresh I.E., Chantal Kreviazuk, Eagle and Hawk, Fred Penner, The Weakerthans, Remy Shand, The Watchmen, the Pumps/Orphan, Kilowatt, The Wailin’ Jennys, Steve Bell, McLean & McLean, Tom Jackson and Loreena McKennitt, among others.

Held in Bird’s Hill Park in early July just outside Winnipeg, is the Winnipeg Folk Festival. One of North America’s premier music festivals, attendance exceeds 80,000, including thousands of visitors flooding into Manitoba to listen to permier performers from across North America and the world.

Winnipeg’s music scene is unlike any other in the world with a strong circle of classical, children’s and French-Canadian performers. It is also considered the epic-centre of urban aboriginal music in North America and hosts the annual Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. To get a great insight about Winnipeg’s musical past experience the Magical Musical History Tour, and visit childhood homes of Neil Young, Randy Bachman, Terry Jack, Burton Cummings, and other sites with music, vintage photos and storytelling.

The Hemetic Code isn’t musical in nature but check out the tour on Winnipeg’s mystrious side. Where rumours persist that the Legislature building, designed by Masonic arcitech  holds secrets some perhaps still undiscovered – did the box above the east entrance once really hold the Arc of the Covenant?

While music can feed the soul, hunger of a different taste can be solved by a visit to Hermanos where the sizzle of their Pork Back Ribs with a Guinness BBQ Glaze ($27) is paired on weekend nights with live music. If you a true foodie try Sydney’s five course dinner ($55), where a premium dining experience is located in the historic 100 year old Grand Trunk Pacific Railway stable located at The Forks.

As for nighlight can offer something for everyone whether its western, rock, blues or try you luck at a casino, Winnipeg serves it all.  One thing for sure is that Winnipeg has a harmony that resonates with music lovers. So for the latest shows check out www.gowpg.com for your taste in after dinner play.

INFO BOX:

Tourism: www.travelmanitoba.com; and, www.tourismwinnipeg.com

Hotels: Inn at the Forks (starting at $129), 75 Forks Market Road, P (204) 942-6555 or Toll free 1-877-377-4100, www.innforks.com; Fairmont Winnipeg (starting at $159), 2 Lombard Place, P 204.957.1350 or Toll free: 866.540.4466, www.fairmont.com/winnipeg; UWinnipeg Hostel (May through July starting at $60), McFeetors Hall University of Winnipeg, 370 Langside Street, P (204) 789-1486, www.uwhostel.com.

Restuarants: Hermanos, 179 Bannatyne Avenue, P (204) 947-5434, www.hermanos.ca; Sydney’s at The Forks, 215-One Forks Market Road, P (204) 942-6075, www.sydneysattheforks.com.

Experiences: Magical Musical History and Hermetic Code tours, Suite 202-3111 Portage Avenue, P (204) 989-9630, www.heartlandtravel.ca and www.heartlandtravel.ca; 

Nightlife: Cowboys, 1034 Elizabeth Road, www.cowboyswinnipeg.com; McPhillips Station Casino, 484 McPhillips Street P (204) 957-2500; Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Avenue West, (204) 957-2500, www.casinosofwinnipeg.com