Why Techapalooza?
Techapalooza is a concert event that brings together 4 bands comprised of talented musicians who work in the I.T. sector.
The bands will perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd who will vote for their favorite band to be crowned I.T. Idols.
While rockin’ the night away we’ll be raising money for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
This event endorsed and supported by CIPS Manitoba, the Canadian I.T. professional association.
Meet our Volunteer Committee
- Hal Ryckman, Co-chair, Solvera Solutions
- Barb Spurway, Co-chair, Protega
- Greg Boettcher, HP
- Carl Strempler, Price Digital
- Greg Loeppky, Price Digital
How Can You Support Techapalooza?
There are many ways that you as a leader in the I.T. community in Winnipeg can support this event:
- Becoming a corporate sponsor of Techapalozza 2012
- Promoting the event to your I.T. staff and supporting tickets sales and event communications
- Helping to find hidden musical talent within your I.T. organization
- Personally attending the event, or better yet, belting out some tunes, riffing on the guitar or pounding the drums!!!
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The Inkjets
In 2011, Winnipeg’s heart and soul came back to the city and once again a province and a nation could collectively roar “GO JETS GO!!!” Fronted by St. James Karaoke legend Tim Grant, the Ink Jets look to bring an infusion of youth and energy to their game. Keeping the beat and bringing character to the dressing room is Ink Jets team captain and drumming sensation “BIG BARE FOOT” Greg Boettcher. Top to bottom, the Ink Jets bring an impressive first line of guitarists to an already stacked roster. Lead guitarist and assistant captain, Mike Dyck makes the impossible possible with his virtuoso skills and technical wizardry. On rhythm guitar, the Ink Jets add a little toughness to their roster with HP Printer Salesman, Napoleon Sansregret. Plucking away on the bass strings, we have a solid veteran presence with self-proclaimed “Old Fart Bassist” Stewart McEwen. Rounding out the starting lineup of instrument players, the Ink Jets looked to the free agent market and recruited Rock Band prodigy, Mike van de Vijsel who brings “top 40 in the world” keyboard skills to the roster. Continuing through the depth charts, the Ink Jets special teams are rock and roll solid with Karen Dietz providing silky smooth backup vocals to help perfect those harmonies!
- Vocals: Tim Grant — Sierra Systems
- Vocals: Karen Dietz — HP
- Guitar: Michael Dyck — HP
- Guitar: Napoleon Sansregret — HP
- Bass: Stewart McEwen — Retired
- Keyboards: Mike van de Vijsel — DMT Development Systems Group
- Drums: Greg Boettcher — HP
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The Google Dolls
At an undisclosed location in parts unknown, the Google Dolls were formed. Fronted by songstress Nancy McCuaig fresh off the wedding and funeral circuit, Nancy brings her own unique blend of sugar and spice to the band. On the drums, former Muppet Drummer, Tom “The Animal” Palmer lives up to his reputation. On bass guitar we have former Celtic ganjo player Glenn Antonio. A recent graduate from the school of hard-knocks, Mr. Dave “The Gambler” Pletz is bustin’ the reeds on his sax. And on guitar we have Keith Lalman, a survivor of the Winnipeg reggae/polka scene. Come kiss the sky with us…
- Vocals: Nancy McCuaig — GWL
- Guitar: Keith Lalman — GWL
- Bass: Glen Antonio — GWL
- Keyboards: Chris Dursten — Investors Group
- Drums: Tom Palmer — GWL
- Saxophone: David Pletz — Manitoba Lotteries
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Run DMZ
There is nothing finer than a group of guys getting together to play in front of an audience that appreciates and enjoys those memorable rock hits that have defined and shaped our lives. Run DMZ captures the essence of classic rock in this cool collection of radio hits that generations have danced up a storm to. Steve’s a high school music teacher … somebody’s gotta do it. Bayne plays for cashews. Dick has played for cashews but prefers cash. Tom just thinks we’re nuts and Paul is allergic to them. These characters hope you cast your vote this way!
- Vocals/Keyboards: Steve Denby — Louis Riel School Division
- Guitar: Paul Legris — Parks Canada
- Guitar: Bayne Robertson — PCGI Consulting Services
- Bass: Tom Dame — Manitoba Justice
- Drums: Dick Brasher — Peterboro Consulting
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BTO
The Business Transformation Overdrive “supergroup” formed when the BTT director inspired band leader Marvin Paetsch with the words: “you need to form a band for CancerCare…and its performance appraisal time”. In an uncharacteristic flurry of activity, Marvin recruited bassist Rob “Rob” Scott, guitarist Ted “Rent a Goalie” Ryplanski and drummer Rob “the other Rob” Kee. “Ummm, what songs do you guys know?” became the band mantra, and they’re eager to deliver a non-career limiting performance.
- Vocals: Marvin Paetsch — MB Government – BTT
- Guitar: Ted Ryplanski — MB Government – BTT
- Bass: Rob Scott — MB Government – BTT
- Drums: Rob Kee — MB Government – BTT
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Bandwidth
There are many reasons Winnipeg is referred to as the Chicago of the North. Bandwidth, with its breadth of horn power, may just be one of them. With a high capacity Network at its core, it was just natural to fill the pipe with brass and reed from a wide range of IT organizations. Bandwidth draws inspiration from early funk pioneers, big brass ensembles, 80′s pop, soul and R&B. Be prepared to both literally and figuratively be blown away by Bandwidth.
- Vocals: Larry Laker — Long & McQuade
- Vocals: Yvonne Burman — GWL
- Guitar: Carl Strempler — Price Digital
- Bass: Greg Loeppky — Price Digital
- Keyboards – Gary Brenner — Grant Memorial
- Drums: Hal Ryckman — Solvera
- Trombone and Vocals: Karen Carlson — Freelance Software Trainer
- Trumpet: Dean Clarke — Apptius
- Trumpet: Dana Neal — Online Business Systems
- Saxophone: David Thistlethwaite — Apptius
- Saxophone: David Brown — IBM (retired)
