About

Cafe des Voix Winnipeg

Cafe des Voix is a performance workshop series with a goal of providing singers the opportunity to learn new songs, work with a professional accompanist and receive coaching on style, performance and delivery. An emphasis is put on working with songs from jazz, blues, Broadway and popular repertoires.

How does it work?

At the rehearsal the accompanist will help you work out the best key for your song and will develop an arrangement for you to sing. You’ll be provided with a piano track to take home and practice with for each song.

A few days following the rehearsal singers will perform their songs at the “Cafe Rouge” – an informal cafe setting where family, friends and community members are invited to enjoy the music.    General admission for guests to the Cafe is $10.00 pp. 

Please email Grant Simpson at grantsimpsonmusic@gmail.com to be put on the singers email list.  You will be notified of upcoming opportunities to join in one of the cafes. 

The singers then attend a rehearsal to prepare their song for the upcoming Cafe des Voix 

Total Cost for one half-hour rehearsal and one Cafe performance with the pianist = $20.00 per singer. 

The environment is an informal set up like a coffeehouse where there is a clear view of the stage. Seating for about 25 people in the audience. Donations at the door to pay for accompanists. The church may take this opportunity as a fundraiser by selling snacks and refreshments during the intermission. Set up and tear down to be done by CDV volunteers.

Grant is happy to talk to singers about song selections/ideas/music etc leading up to the first date.      They can email grantsimpsonmusic@gmail.com or text/call 431-373-3108

Upcoming Cafes for 2025 and 2026

Cafe Rouge at Crescent Arts Centre (525 Wardlaw)

  • October 5th Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on October 2nd Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)
  • November 2nd Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on October 30th Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)
  • January 11th Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on January 8th Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)
  • Feb 8th Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on Feb 5th Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)
  • March 8th Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on March 5th Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)
  • April 12th Fellowship Hall 12:00-3:00pm (Rehearsals are on April 9th Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm)

Cafe des Voix at Gordon King United Church (The Big Red Church) 127 Cobourg Ave

Rehearsals are 30 minutes each and can be scheduled by emailing grantsimpsonmusic@gmail.com

Special Show “Stardust! A Celebration of Hoagy Carmichael”

  • April 23rd Meeting Room 11:00-5:00pm Cafe Rouge Hoagy Carmichael Rehearsal
  • April 24th Sanctuary 5:00-10:00pm Cafe Rouge Hoagy Carmichael Show