In 2020, a life-altering loss led one local artist (Second Nature Designs & Customs) to rediscover his creative spark, rekindled at a friend’s funeral by fellow artists who encouraged him to pick up the brush. Starting with canvas paintings and murals, he quickly expanded his craft, launching seasonal window displays in 2021, hoping to bring holiday cheer to his community. Inspired by Neepawa’s own Gordy Vincent and family friend Anne Boychuk, both well-known for their seasonal window displays, he felt a calling to continue their legacy. "There was something magical about seeing their work light up the town during the holidays. I wanted to carry that forward," he shares. From intricate Santa scenes to winter wonderlands, his work reflects a blend of personal style and clients’ unique visions. The process of creating these Christmas-themed displays can take anywhere from 1 to 16 hours, depending on the level of detail. “Last year, I spent two overnight shifts on an 8-hour job for Sobeys South End,” he says. But no matter the time, the result is always worth it. Expanding beyond his home base in Brandon, he now serves nearby towns, including Onanole, Minnedosa, and Neepawa. Traveling to these locations adds a logistical challenge, particularly when racing against daylight to complete his work. “It’s a balancing act to make it to each client on time, especially before the sun goes down. But every completed display is its own reward.” Over the past three years, local businesses have been a tremendous support. Many clients reach out directly, drawn to his detailed, joyful displays. Others he contacts directly, introducing his work and offering quotes based on the size and intricacy of each project. Starting in February each year, he also offers cleaning services, a practical follow-up to the seasonal displays. The artist emphasizes that his clients have complete control over the themes and designs. "It’s all about bringing their vision to life," he notes. This year, as he heads into another busy holiday season, he feels deeply grateful for the support from businesses and communities alike, eager to brighten their windows and spirits once again. The seasonal window painting season is now upon us once more. Painting services for the 2024 season begin on November 12th. Interested residents and business owners are invited to reach out for a quote and reserve their place in their schedule.

Today, Bachman Turner-Overdrive, the legendary rock n’ roll band behind worldwide hits such as “Takin’ Care Of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, announced an extensive tour across Canada in April and May of next year titled, Back In Overdrive Tour 2025, stopping in Brandon, Manitoba at Westoba Place on April 17. Multiplatinum April Wine and Headpins, two fellow Canadian rock bands, will open in support. Tickets go on sale next Friday, November 8, with an exclusive pre-sale offer available to Keystone Centre's BACKSTAGE newsletter subscribers. Last year, Randy Bachman revived BTO, and has continued to tour throughout 2024 with a run of US dates wrapping up next week. Led by Bachman, who was recently nominated to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, BTO's latest lineup also includes his son Tal Bachman. With Randy's legendary guitar and Tal's contemporary flair, BTO forges ahead, blending their classic hits with a fresh energy that captivates audiences worldwide. The band\ will also be performing hits from The Guess Who, the iconic classic rock group which Bachman co-founded with Burton Cummings. The BTO legacy lives on, promising unforgettable performances and a continued impact on the ever-evolving rock landscape. "Years ago, BTO rocked Canada coast to coast, sharing the stage with acts like ZZ Top.,” says Bachman. “Now, we're excited to return, bringing along Canadian rock legends April Wine and Headpins. Get ready for a night of 70's classic rock that continues to dominate the airwaves. I'll be playing all the Guess Who and BTO hits with my band, BTO, and with April Wine and Headpins joining us, it's going to be an unforgettable evening. Crank up the hits! Canadian rock is back, and BTO is back!" Bachman has become a legendary figure in the rock and roll world through his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and over the course of his career he has sold over 40 million records. Randy’s songs have been recorded by a broad range of artists and have been placed in dozens of TV shows, films and commercials. Impressively, his music has provided a veritable soundtrack of the last thirty years of popular music. Canada 2025 Tour Dates: April 1 – Victoria, BC @ Save On Foods Memorial Centre April 3 – Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Centre April 4 – Penticton, BC @ South Okanagan Event Centre April 6 – Cranbrook, BC @ Western Financial Place April 8 – Prince George, BC @ CN Centre April 9 – Grand Prairie, AB @ Bonnetts Energy Centre April 11 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino April 12 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino April 13 – Lethbridge, AB @ VisitLethbridge.com Arena April 15 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre April 17 – Brandon, MB @ Westoba Place at Keystone Centre April 19 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre April 24 – Kitchener, ON @ The Aud (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium) April 26 – Toronto, ON @ Great Canadian Resort Toronto April 28 – St. Catharines, ON @ Meridian Centre April 29 – Peterborough, ON @ Peterborough Memorial Centre May 1 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place May 2 – Ottawa, ON @ The Arena at TD Place May 4 – Sudbury, ON @ Sudbury Arena May 5 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell May 7 – Saint John, NB @ TD Station May 8 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre

Country music artists Sawyer Brown, Shenandoah, and George Fox delivered an energetic country music triple play at the Keystone Centre in Brandon on October 27. Scramble Studio's Jeremy Champagne was on-hand to capture the photos below for bdnmb.ca

Last evening, Fusion CEO Darwin Johns declared Countryside Studio & Gym as the 2024 Community Infusion Final Five winner in front of a packed house in the Aspen Lodge at Credit Union Place. Based in Hamiota, MB, Countryside Studio & Gym is receiving $20,000 in grant monies to expand their operations. Community Infusion, an initiative designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in local communities, is sponsored by Fusion Credit Union. “The dedication and commitment that all finalists have for their business ideas was demonstrated on stage last night,” states Johns. “They all have a passion for what they do, which is truly inspiring. Community Infusion was created to support economic development initiatives in our communities and we’re happy to have provided a platform to showcase all the amazing ideas. We are proud to have participated in this part of their journey and we wish them all continued success.” Friendly’s Grocery Co-op from Inglis was declared the second-place finalist and received $4,000 in grant money. Other finalists included MultiCook from Brandon, Parkland Radon from Inglis and Systems Beauty College from Brandon. These three finalists all received $2,000 each to grow their business ideas. Community Infusion is an initiative where community engagement meets entrepreneurial passion. Each spring, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, or an expanding business. This year, Fusion received 18 submissions. Based on scoring criteria, eleven businesses moved onto the next round, which involves the submission of a business plan. Five finalists then pitched their business idea to a panel of judges at Credit Union Place in Dauphin. As a locally based financial institution in the Parkland and southwestern Manitoba, Fusion considers community impact and contribution to be a top priority. “The Community Infusion program is a way in which Fusion can play a role in supporting job creation, entrepreneurial support, and business development,” says Mike Csversko, Brand and Business Development Manager at Fusion. “Our goal for Community Infusion aligns with the priorities of Countryside Studio & Gym, and their plans to grow in the community of Hamiota. We are encouraged by their drive to grow commerce in the region, while committing to employment creation,” adds Csversko. “We look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends to feature in an all-new live show, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, on June 20th. Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce a new live show, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello. The live show will bring the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour the U.S. and Canada, with a stop in Brandon on June 20. Tickets for the Sesame Street Live! Say Hello will go on sale Friday, October 25th, with pre-sales starting Wednesday, October 23rd. For tickets and additional information, visit www.keystonecentre.com. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! “We are overjoyed and honored to be collaborating with Sesame Workshop to bring a brand-new tour of Sesame Street Live to stages across the U.S. and Canada,” said Round Room Live Founder and Co-President Stephen Shaw. “Round Room Live has a long history of exciting, innovative, and engaging productions, and we’re thrilled to combine our dedication to premium, unforgettable entertainment with the beloved characters of Sesame Street in an interactive musical adventure that will create memorable experiences for families of all ages.” “For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts,” said Whit Higgins, Sesame Workshop Executive Vice President, Head of Global Enterprises. “Round Room Live has a history of working with new and iconic properties to create engaging and thrilling live events. We can’t wait for families and friends to enjoy this brand-new Sesame Street show filled with song, dance, and a few fun and furry surprises.” Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content. FOLLOW SESAME STREET LIVE Official Website: www.SesameStreetLive.com Facebook: @SesameStreetLive Instagram: @SesameStreetLive TikTok: @SesameStreetLive FOLLOW SESAME STREET Official Website: www.SesameStreet.org Facebook: @SesameStreet Twitter: @Sesamestreet Instagram: @sesamestreet TikTok: @sesamestreet