Known as a cellist and whale whisperer, Aussie muso Rob Knaggs is heading back to Oz after several years in Churchill. But before he leaves, he’s doing one last performance at The Handsome Daughter on Sherbrook on December 8. If you are looking for some fine music with a downunder flavour, here is more information about Rob and the upcoming performance.

After four years of calling Manitoba home, whale-whispering cellist Rob Knaggs is heading back to Australia for the indefinite future. Before his departure, Rob Knaggs is teaming up with Stonewall folk darlings, Two Crows for Comfort, for a double headline show on December 8^th at the Handsome Daughter in West Broadway.

“Since I got back from Churchill, Erin, Cory (of Two Crows…) and I have been chatting about doing a show together and it just so happened we both have a new release to celebrate. As it’s my last show in Canada, we’re treating this show like a party and everyone’s invited! Expect balloons!”

Recorded in Winnipeg’s West End at Collector Studio and mastered by Birgir Jon Birgisson of Sigur Ros’ home studio Sundlaugin, the new EP titled Foreshore is a continuation of Rob’s cello driven compositions that are equal parts cinematic soundtrack and enchanting post rock. Influenced by the ethereality of Bjork and the epic orchestrations of Arcade Fire, Knaggs runs his cello through an array of effects and a loop station to compose his works that have sent shivers down the spines of audiences across Australia and North America.

Filled with rich harmonies, genuine, heart-warming (and breaking) lyrics, folk-roots duo Two Crows for Comfort spins stories into songs and songs into stories. Though debuting in early 2017, the Two Crows are no strangers to the stage. Having played in several popular Winnipeg groups, Erin Corbin and Cory Sulyma – often joined on stage by local, notable musicians Ben Mak-Wiebe and Lachlan McLean – finally joined forces to begin a journey of their own. After a soft release in the summer, Two Crows are excited to officially celebrate their debut full- length record, 17 Feet.

Rob Knaggs and Two Crows for Comfort are performing two shows at the Handsome Daughter, 61 Sherbrook Street, on December 8^th, first performance is SOLD OUT, but can still catch the later show at 10pm.

Tickets are $15 and will be available from Rob’s website and Two Crows’ website or visit the event page on Facebook.

You are invited to an Aussie author book event on Saturday October 20 at 7:00 pm at McNally Robinson (Grant Park).

One of the world’s most acclaimed authors of thriller fiction, Aussie Michael Robotham will be in conversation with Terry MacLeod, after which he will sign his latest book “The Other Wife” (Little, Brown and Company).

Childhood sweethearts William and Mary have been married for 60 years. William is a celebrated surgeon, Mary a devoted wife. Both have a strong sense of right and wrong.

This is what their son, Joe O’Loughlin, has always believed. But when Joe is summoned to the hospital with news that his father has been brutally attacked, his world is turned upside down. Who is the strange woman crying at William’s bedside, covered in his blood – a friend, a mistress, a fantasist or a killer?

Against the advice of the police, Joe launches his own investigation. As he learns more, he discovers sides to his father he never knew – and is forcibly reminded that the truth comes at a price.

This event is being co-presented by the DUCW, and we would love to have a big turnout of members and friends to welcome Michael and hear about his work. You might even see a familiar face introducing Terry before he introduces Michael. How exciting!

Michael has been an investigative journalist in Britain, Australia and the US. His series of psychological thrillers featuring psychologist Joe O’Loughlin have sold millions of copies around the globe. Robotham lives in Sydney with his wife and three daughters.

Host Terry MacLeod is an independent Emmy-nominated journalist, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipient, and former CBC Radio and TV host, presenter and producer.

For more information about the event, check out the write-up on the McNally Robinson website.