Janzen Boys deliver an electrifying performance
If you missed The Janzen Boys live, you missed one of the best travelling groups to stop in Cypress River!
On April 4, The Janzen Boys delivered an electrifying performance at the Cypress River United Church, a venue celebrated for hosting remarkable concerts. The large audience was kept spellbound by an impressive array of tunes that will undoubtedly resonate in their minds for some time.
The band confidently identifies as a “rootsy, harmony-singing folk trio,” but their enthusiastic fans recognize them as nothing short of extraordinary!
Who are The Janzen Boys?
In 2012, when Mick was only nine and Simon was 12, the family returned to Canada from Japan and settled in Winnipeg. Music had always been a central part of their lives, so once they settled in their new home, they knew it was time to embrace their musical journey. Mick confidently shared that Simon had the idea to start busking at The Forks, a lively destination known for its diverse and thriving busker village.
The trio, now calling themselves The Janzen Boys, secured a showcase spot at the West End Cultural Centre by winning a contest organized by the University of Winnipeg, “Uniter Fiver.” This exciting opportunity enabled them to reach a broader audience, introducing their music to people who might not usually attend busking events.
During the summer of 2014, The Janzen Boys took it on the road all the way to Kelowna, B.C., performing at farmers’ markets, various music venues and any other places they could find. According to Simon, “the trip was fantastic.”
They have crafted compelling stories and music for plays that have captivated audiences at theatre festivals. They have taken the stage alongside many renowned Canadian musicians and showcased their talent at prominent festivals and shows, including Dauphin Country Fest and the Festival du Voyageur.
They have also successfully released EPs, CDs and vinyl albums. Following their standout performance in the Manitoba Arts Network Emerging Artists series, the trio confidently booked concert dates in towns and cities throughout Manitoba.
The Boys thrived in their musical endeavours until the world paused for the COVID-19 pandemic. This challenge only showcased their remarkable resilience.
They used this time to sharpen their talents and enhance their production skills, resulting in outstanding YouTube videos. Their content is truly unmissable!
When the pandemic restrictions were eased, The Janzen Boys hit the ground running and haven’t really stopped.
After the concert in Cypress River, they are set to take it on the road again on May 1st, kicking off their tour in Camrose, Alberta, at the Bailey Theatre, carrying on and continuing to wow audiences at various venues throughout Alberta and British Columbia for the entire month of May.
Following that, they’ll return to Manitoba for an exciting gig on June 8th at the Ship and Plough in Gimli. After a brief recharge, they’ll embark on their eastward journey starting July 10th, where they’ll captivate fans in Richard’s Landing, Ontario, and continue their momentum with stops in Quebec and Nova Scotia.
There is no holding The Janzen Boys back and we all hope they continue to share their amazing musical talents with us for many years to come.
If you missed their Cypress River concert, you can find them on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thejanzenboys.
Prepare to be WOWED!
Many thanks to the Cypress River United Church and the Tiger Hills Arts Association for continuing to bring exceptional music and entertainment to our small towns!
PHOTO CAPTION: The Janzen Boys held a fabulous concert in Cypress River United Church on Friday, April 4. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
