Winnipeg music venue offering van for bands to use on tour

A Winnipeg music venue and bar is helping the next wave of bands in Winnipeg hit the road.

A Winnipeg pub and live music venue is making it easier for musicians to tour across Manitoba and Western Canada.

The Handsome Daughter is offering a community use van that local bands can borrow when they are looking to play gigs or tour.

“For us, it’s just about being an even bigger part of the community in the music scene here,” said Jesse Kowalski, owner and general manager of The Handsome Daughter. “A lot of the people who work at this bar are musicians and have been on tour, and know how difficult it is to find an affordable and working van to tour in. It’s really a big hurdle, and one of the barriers to entry for smaller to mid-sized bands.”

Kowalski said in addition to locals, Canadian or international bands touring Western Canada are also able to rent the van.

“It opens up the ability to fly here and then tour Western Canada and fly home,” he said.

Kowalski said the van will also be available for people in the community who need a vehicle to help with tasks such as moving or transporting people to events.

Those interested in using the van can email Kowalski and ask for rates.