Maryland Music Festival: A Night of Music, Vintage Vibes, and
Community Spirit in West Broadway

Every year, Real Love Winnipeg kicks off the fall season with a burst of energy and
local flavor at the Maryland Music Festival. Held in the heart of West Broadway, this
festival has become a beloved staple for the community. Now in its third year, it
continues to bring an exciting lineup of Winnipeg's most promising emerging
artists—all for free. But before 2022 the festival was called Sherbrook Street
Festival.
This year's event, held under the famous SMILE mural, wasn’t just about music. The
festival featured a family-friendly, pet-friendly vibe, with award-winning craft beers
from Good Neighbour Brewing and mouthwatering eats courtesy of Doggystyle.
Additionally, the fabulous Vintage Street Market was co-hosted by Luckygirl Popups
and Chip’s Vintage, where dozens of vendors offered everything from knitted goods
to retro fashion under the golden glow of the setting sun. The market, stretching
along Westminster Avenue, was a treasure trove for vintage lovers and casual
shoppers alike. 

The lineup for the night was just as exciting, with bands like We’re Only Here for the
Snacks, Tommy Phyll, The Haileys, and Live Band Karaoke. Initially, INFINIT0 was
scheduled to perform, but to everyone’s surprise, Veneer took the stage in their
place, adding an unexpected twist to the night’s roster.
The festival kicked off at 6 p.m. with We’re Only Here for the Snacks, and have to
admit that people were completely caught off guard by their youthful energy. These
teenage boys brought instrumental synth-rock to life with tracks like Adventures of
Lazer Beam and Time and Money. Their performance was full of raw talent and
enthusiasm, leaving the crowd smiling and energized.

Next up was Veneer, stepping in to replace INFINIT0. Fresh off the release of their
latest album Drifting, Veneer delivered a mesmerizing performance. Their
atmospheric and dreamy sound was a perfect complement to the warm evening.
Their unexpected appearance turned out to be one of the highlights of the night.
Later, Tommy Phyll took the stage, bringing a melodic and introspective vibe that
perfectly suited the festival’s laid-back atmosphere. Known for his intimate
performance, Tommy Phyll didn’t disappoint. Tracks like Fake Humility and Potato
(JEJE) were particularly memorable, wrapping the audience in a warm, inviting
soundscape. It was the kind of set that made you feel like you were part of
something special—a shared experience between the artist and the crowd.
Then came The Haileys, a trio that’s been making waves at several festivals
recently. Their energetic rock set had the crowd on their feet, and when they
launched into Christina, you could feel the connection with the audience, as many
seemed to relate to the lyrics. A special surprise came when local legend Scott
Nolan joined them on stage for a collaboration on Ebb and Flow. The combination
of The Haileys' tight rhythms and Nolan's deep touch made for an unforgettable
experience.The night’s official programming wrapped up with the always entertaining Live Band
Karaoke. A draw determined who would take the mic, and it was a thrill to watch
festival-goers step up to sing anything from Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag to Lady
Gaga’s Bad Romance. Thanks to the enthusiasm and drive of each performer, the
evening concluded surprisingly, showcasing genres from pop to rock and
everything in between.
But the night didn’t end there. The after-party at The Handsome Daughter
showcased even more talent, including performances by Cookie Delicious, MOSA,
and Matlock. This late-night continuation shifted the festival's dynamic to a more
intimate, high-spirited one, with attendees dancing, laughing, and enjoying the final
hours of a wonderful night.
The Maryland Music Festival once again proved why it’s a must-attend event in
Winnipeg. With its combination of live music, local vendors, great food and drink,
and community spirit, it’s a night that brings people together to celebrate the best of
the city’s creative scene. Whether you came for the music, the market, or the
after-party vibes, one thing’s for sure: this festival is only getting better with each
passing year.

You may also like

Back to Top