Winnipeg's LeBeato gets funky on a boat

LeBeato (myspace.com)

In early 2008, three members of Winnipeg's veteran funk collective Moses Mayes - Nathan Reimer, Mark Penner and Grant Paley - decided to strike out on their own with a new project. They were interested in the freedom that a trio would provide (no more logistical touring nightmares and a dozen schedules to co-ordinate), but most of all, they were excited to explore other styles of dance music, not just the funk-based ones.

And so, Lebeato was born - and it didn't waste any time in establishing itself as a must-see indie/electro act with an incendiary live show. Paley has since left the band, but the duo of Reimer and Penner are continuing to serve up sweat-slicked, dance floor-ready collections of uptempo, house-influenced cuts that expertly blend vintage keyboards and live bass with modern electo stylings.

You can join LeBeato on a boat this Thursday, as they are the featured act for the M.S. River Rouge's "I'm on a Boat" Party Cruise.

Their first record, Mania, is due out on September 14, 2010 via Dublum Records/Sonic Unyon.

Script adapted from LeBeato's CBC Radio 3 site