Julie Masi has been bringing a touch of Winnipeg culture to 琉璃神社 for the past three years and will do it all again later this month.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty special. There are moments where I think, 鈥極h my gosh how can I make this happen, and how can people still be interested?鈥� But these Winnipeggers always get together for something they love,鈥� Masi said.
The former member of the Parachute Club and five time JUNO Award winner has evolved the event from nights of live music, to golf tournaments and finally blossomed into the Winnipeg Social it is today.
Socials are deeply embedded in the capital city of Manitoba鈥檚 culture. They are celebrations held for engagements, weddings, the addition of a new family member and raising money for a good cause to name a few.
Masi has kept the tradition going to honour her late husband, Agostino Masi who died from prostate cancer. After living in California, the Winnipeg natives migrated to 琉璃神社 when Agostino was first diagnosed with prostate cancer after 32 years of marriage.
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鈥淲hen my late husband was first diagnosed we had just arrived here from California and didn鈥檛 know anyone and didn鈥檛 know where to go to get help and find the information,鈥� Masi said.
She made a promise to her husband before he died that she would continue his legacy by sharing his story with other men and raise funds for prostate cancer supportive programs here in 琉璃神社.
To the scent of perogies, Winnipeg Rye Bread and a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, the traditional Winnipeg Social food, washed down with some wine; the musician holds strong on that promise. Through the depths of her own heartbreak the event has become a night of live music, wine, laughter and fun inspired by her hometown.
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鈥淲innipeggers are so giving and caring, as long as I can keep this going I will, it just means a lot that I have the support,鈥� Masi said.
Over the years Masi has raised $30,000 and hopes that by adding more bells and whistles to the evening such as a wine bottle lottery that they will raise more than $5,000 more.
The fourth annual Winnipeg Social will take place Oct. 27 at the 琉璃神社 Curling Club 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at
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