Interstellar Rodeo offers Winnipeg music fans a cohesive statement on what’s great, what’s hot and what’s next in contemporary roots and Americana music and beyond. This year’s lineup includes generational talents, rising stars and musical discoveries to thrill, inspire and satisfy Winnipeggers looking to experience a music festival that promotes excellence in every way possible.

Two decades in, Wilco continues to amaze and enthrall fans while perplexing and outplaying the music industry. 2015’s surprise release of a new, freewheeling (and free) album Star Wars caught everyone off guard, and received emphatic critical acclaim from all corners. Their unique sensibility balances nimbly between familiar and experimental, and Wilco continues to carve out a unique, treasured place in rock history at the crossroads of alt- and art-.

An unexpected creative alliance between Neko Case, k.d. lang and Laura Veirs has yielded not only an album of original material, but an extensive tour that will include a stop at Interstellar Rodeo Winnipeg. Interstellar Rodeo is thrilled to be able to offer Winnipeg music lovers a chance to see this extraordinary trio of artists together.

Since the 2012 release of Harmony, her first Platinum-selling record, Serena Ryder has reached new heights of international stardom. With voice like no other, Ryder has been breaking sales records, radio charts and less quantifiable barriers too with her dedicated efforts to raise awareness about mental health challenges and other social issues. Ryder has confirmed new music is on the way in 2016, which will give Interstellar audiences a preview of what’s to come.

Interstellar Rodeo 2016’s lineup tells some of the most exciting breakout stories of the year in music. The festival will present Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, a band from Missouri that has turned a monster radio winner, the song “S.O.B.” into a larger piece of music history. Signed to Memphis’ legendary Stax Records, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats has hit it big with the help of a live show that is equal parts joyous and raucous.

A similar story is now being told about The Strumbellas, who will release a new album, Hope in less than two weeks (out on Six Shooter Records in Canada). Since the first single “Spirits” hit the airwaves, The Strumbellas’ profile has grown in leaps and bounds. Currently, the single is #1 in multiple radio formats and on track to go gold. By the time the six-piece hits the stage in August, there’s no telling what stratospheric heights will have been reached.

Last week, Six Shooter Records confirmed that the recent Juno-winners Whitehorse would also be on the bill. Hometown boy Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland played with Sarah McLachlan in last year’s headline slot, but return to Interstellar 2016 for a full Whitehorse performance.

Interstellar Rodeo takes pride in being a musical ‘tastemaker’ and seeking out incredible emerging talent from outside mainstream radio or commercial realms. This programming

mandate permeates the lineup from top to bottom, and two examples of such ‘under the radar’ (but not for long) artists on this year’s bill are Fantastic Negrito and Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, each likely to be new names to Winnipeg audiences. Both Fantastic Negrito and Thao & the Get Down Stay Down hail from California. Both are also on the cusp of breakthrough, with strong support from NPR Music, one of the juggernauts of new music discovery.

Progressive country music will continue to have strong representation this year with Sam Outlaw and Henry Wagons. Outlaw, Six Shooter Records’ own ‘SoCal country’ songwriter from Los Angeles, is making his name (his real name, by the way) with Baja-influences and timeless songwriting. Australia’s Henry Wagons, puts a dark twist on American honky-tonk and roots rock traditions. Add in a flair for gold lamé and big game prints and you’ve got an artist who falls somewhere between Elvis Presley and Nick Cave.

Lee Fields & The Expressions join this year’s bill and ensure that righteous 60s soul will be represented in fine fashion. With nearly five decades in the business, Fields & his band conjure the ghosts of soul music’s heroes while also bringing the form into the present day with originality and panache.

Interstellar Rodeo is proud to showcase world-class Canadian artists alongside this year’s international superstars. #iRodeoWPG welcomes roots-rock legends The Skydiggers, who boast an astounding catalogue and a show that hits right in the heart. Six Shooter Records’ The Wet Secrets, are a six-piece from Edmonton that fuse punk rock grit with lurid, high-art showmanship, and their live show is equal parts order and chaos.

Interstellar Rodeo is set apart by its unique twist on the music festival concept – great music, fine wine and good times. The feature wine selections, paired by local experts, echo the emphasis on quality and originality in the musical lineup. Festival organizers pay equal attention to details large and small, and Interstellar Rodeo is dedicated to providing a premium experience for all ticket holders. The festival grounds are fully licensed (no beer garden!) and the vibe is welcoming to all.

Interstellar Rodeo takes place August 12-14, 2016 at The Forks. More performers, wine pairings, food trucks and other festival details will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Weekend passes go on sale SATURDAY, APRIL 16 @ 8am CST. For tickets, visit www.interstellarrodeo.com

MEDIA LINK TO 2016 #IRODEOWPG PERFORMER PRESS PHOTO GALLERY - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/osmzn7eyn57n9te/AADR-UcfJ5Zzb-xJbtuLEdesa?dl=0

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