The Concerts in the Park series in Portage la Prairie will present an all-fiddle evening on Thursday, July 23, bringing three young but experienced Métis fiddlers to the Ukrainian Bandstand at Island Park.
Who’s playing and when
The free showcase runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and highlights performers with regional, national and international experience:
- Melissa St. Goddard — a Métis fiddler from Portage la Prairie with deep family musical roots who performs and teaches at Métis festivals across Canada.
- Morgan Grace — a Métis player from East Selkirk who began at age four and has performed at high-profile commemorations and festivals.
- Nic Messner — a fourth-generation fiddler from the Niverville area with over 20 years sharing traditional melodies, recently appearing at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg.
Community support and logistics
Organizers say booking sought-after provincial talent increases costs when artists must travel. The Manitoba Métis Federation’s Portage Local Culture & Heritage Committee provided additional funds so the concert could proceed as planned.
"To get the calibre of talent for this fiddle show ... there's a higher cost," said Luanne Anderson, co-organizer of Concerts in the Park. "And so the MMF had kindly agreed to help with some additional financial support so we could put this evening on."
The event is described as community-driven. While no formal security detail will be deployed, volunteers from the Portage Bear Clan will be on-site to help with cleanup and act as extra eyes to promote a safe, welcoming environment for families.
What attendees should know
The concert is free and open to the public. Attendees should arrive early to secure seating at the Ukrainian Bandstand and plan for typical summer park conditions — bring water, sun protection and lawn chairs or blankets. Organizers encourage respectful behaviour to ensure the evening remains family friendly.
| Performer | Hometown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melissa St. Goddard | Portage la Prairie | Teacher and Métis festival performer |
| Morgan Grace | East Selkirk | Performed at Juno Beach commemorations and Canada Day Ottawa |
| Nic Messner | Niverville area | Fourth-generation fiddler; recent Festival du Voyageur performer |
This concert adds to Portage la Prairie’s summer programming and highlights Métis musical traditions while providing a platform for young artists who have already built notable performance résumés.
