Winnipeg band The Weakerthans has been described as everything from indie rock and melodic folk-punk to “prairie soul.”

In fact, one biography simply sidesteps the genre puzzle by deeming the band “impossible to categorize.”

Stephen Carroll, guitarist and singer, said people seem to have trouble sticking the Weakerthans into a single genre category because their “hybrid” music comes from a wide variety of influences and tastes. Plus, frontman John K. Samson’s lyrics are open to various interpretations.

“I guess we try hard to be ‘impossible to categorize,’” Carroll said.

But when describing the music to someone who’s unfamiliar with the band — which Carroll said happens “all the time” — the standard answer is simply “rock ‘n’ roll.”

“It just makes it a lot easier,” he said with a laugh.

It’s not just genre ambiguity that makes The Weakerthans an out-of-the-box musical experience. With a song written about curling, one written from the perspective of a depressed owner’s cat, and another about hating (but really loving) Winnipeg, the band gets just as much attention for its lyrical ingenuity.

Having just completed its first Australian tour, where Carroll said the band members appreciated finding fans upon arrival, The Weakerthans’ Whistler gig on Sunday (March 14) will also mark a couple of firsts. The Weakerthans have never been to Whistler before, and playing as part of Paralympic programming will also be new.

“I don’t think we’ve ever played a sporting awards event before,” Carroll said. “I’m sure it will be a great experience.”

The Weakerthans are set to play a free show at Whistler Medals Plaza starting around 7:30 p.m. after Paralympic athletes are awarded with medals from recent competition events. No tickets are required — access to the plaza will be granted to the first 5,000 people who line up outside the venue. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

The Weakerthans are no strangers to playing outdoor shows in the winter, Carroll said. He recalled a particularly chilly gig in Toronto one January day.

Perhaps it’s the band members’ “hearty Winnipeg stock,” he said, but once the show gets rolling they usually forget how cold it is.

On March 23, the band will see a long-planned project come to fruition with the release of Live at the Burton Cummings Theatre, a new live DVD/CD package. The album and concert video captures two particularly memorable concerts The Weakerthans played in April 2009 in their hometown of Winnipeg.

Carroll said releasing a live album has been on the band’s “radar for several years.” After recording and shooting most of last year’s national tour, the guys were unsure what to do with all the material when watching the Winnipeg footage led to a “moment of clarity,” he said.

“It was the best performances of the tour,” Carroll said.

The album and DVD features an expanded lineup including trumpet, violin and female vocals. It features songs from the band’s entire four-album catalogue.

The live offering will have to suffice for now for fans looking for some new Weakerthans material. Carroll said there are no immediate plans for another studio album, and aside from a few shows here and there no major tours are on the horizon.

Samson continues to pursue solo opportunities, bassist Greg Smith is about to launch a month-long exhibit of his paintings in Toronto, and the band is ready to enjoy some quality time at home, Carroll said.

The Weakerthans play a free show at Whistler Medals Plaza on Sunday (March 14). Visit www.whistler2010.com for a full lineup of free Paralympic concerts.