As if we didn't have more to say about blizzards, there's another one predicted for February of next year -- but it's a hot one. Portage la Prairie's the location for a music festival entitled Hot Blizzard. It's the fifth in a series of Portage Folk Festivals, and volunteer organizer Josh Wright says it's a six-hour long event.

"The lineup features Manitoba musicians, and one act from Montreal. They'll all be gathering in Portage on February 4th for a very exciting festival showcasing genres that include blues, rock, jazz, and folk, of course."

Wright says their most well-known act is The Perpetrators from Winnipeg who play a blues/rock style of music. He adds two local acts include Chris Messytone, and the band Yoza, with Dennis Meeches.

The event also includes a musician workshop with musicians playing each others' tunes.

The folk festival started in 2013 as a mid-winter retreat to melt the winter blues and thaw body, mind, and spirit. Wright says it's a fun afternoon to introduce you to music that's not heard very often.

It's all about diversity, and next year's event will be the biggest to date with eight different groups. A public jam takes place at the end and is hosted by a young folk/rock band with members from across the region. Anyone can bring an instrument and have fun with that.

Wright adds it's a come-and-go type of event, with refreshments served, including chili.

The event takes place at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St S, and tickets and more information can be found at www.portagefolk.com.