Every Wednesday for 16 weeks during the summer of 2008, several musicians would show up at MCM Studios in Winnipeg. They never knew who else would be arriving -- all they knew is that over the course of the evening they were going to be charged with the task of getting to know each other, writing, arranging and recording a song. The songs were then mixed the same night and made available for download the following morning.

The results were incredible.

Modeled after the classic French arts 'salon', host and producer Mike Petkau paired musicians who may not have otherwise ever found themselves in the same room together. A member of the local symphony was paired with a DJ and a roots singer. The frontman of Winnipeg's most prominent indie-rock band was paired with an Inuit throat singer and a glitchy electronic artist. And so it went, for 16 weeks: getting musicians to take some chances and do stuff they don't normally do.

In great testament to the skill and diversity of Winnipeg musicians, all 16 tracks proved to be inspired and impressive works.

A limited edition, individually numbered compilation CD of the project is now available. You can order directly through the site, as well hear the original mixes and find out the details of each session.

Mike Petkau is a Winnipeg-based musician and producer. Besides being a full-time recording engineer (Head In The Sand Productions), he plays and tours in 3 bands: Les Jupes, The Liptonians and Ian La Rue & The Condor.