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

The Manitoba Arts Network is excited to bring three public concerts to Brandon as part of Manitoba Showcase 2024. Featuring a diverse lineup of artists from Manitoba and beyond, these performances will take place on October 25 & 26, 2024, at Brandon’s Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, following a "No Ticket, Pay for the Value You Receive" model to make the concerts accessible to all. This year’s concerts offer a diverse lineup, including artists such as Quinton Blair, Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band, The Abrams, Fierbois, Leaf Rapids, and many more, including six RBC Emerging Artists. From country and rock to comedy with Molly’s Comedy Cabaret, the concerts promise an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all kinds. “The public concerts are a highlight of Manitoba Showcase 2024,” says Rose-Anne Harder, Executive Director of the Manitoba Arts Network. "We’re excited to offer this accessible Pay for the Value you Receive model so everyone can enjoy these incredible performances while supporting our local and national artists.” Beyond the concerts, Manitoba Showcase provides artists with an invaluable platform to connect with industry professionals, including presenters, agents, and media, helping boost their careers and expand their reach. This is a can’t-miss event for both the local community and music lovers across Manitoba. Kaitlyn Mitchell, General Manager of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, added, "Weare delighted here at the WMCA to have the Manitoba Arts Network Showcases return to our beloved venue. We are proud to support Manitoba artists and hope the public can join us for some wonderful  entertainment." Concert Schedule *Showcase 1: Friday, October 25, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM Featuring: Quinton Blair, Fierbois, Leaf Rapids, Terry Barbe3 * Showcase 2: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Featuring: Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band, The Abrams, Twin Flamed *Showcase 3: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Featuring: The Misery Mountain Boys, Low Budget Rock Star, Von Bieker, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret This project is made possible thanks to generous support from Manitoba Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, RBC Foundation, and FACTOR. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit the event page https://www.wmca.ca/events/r1sp8w3k8ikw2cbddedkihz9llsao3

 (Connie Lawrence speaking at Arabian Show announcement press conference. L-R: Devin Epp - Keystone Centre ag sales manager, Connie Lawrence - Keystone Centre CEO & general manager, Minister Glen Simard, Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Keystone Centre Board Chair Bruce Luebke) The Keystone Centre is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of championship Arabian horses with Canada’s National Arabian Championship Show. This prestigious event will take place August 7 – 16, 2025, marking the first national Arabian show since 2019 and promising to once again bring the excitement and energy of the Arabian horse community to the region. National Arabian horse championships have been a highlight of the Keystone Centre's annual events calendar in past years, attracting up to 800 horses, many of whom are accompanied by teams of as many as five owners, handlers, groomers and support staff. In previous years, this event has had a significant impact on the Brandon region, with hotels fully booked not only in the city but also in surrounding communities, as far as Moosomin and Portage la Prairie. This brand new show is run by the all Canadian management team and members of the National Arabian Breed Society. Canada's National Arabian Championship is more than just a competition; it’s a festive occasion that engages families and horse enthusiasts alike, creating vibrant social and economic activity. The show previously generated an economic impact of over $10 million and represented a significant budget line for the Keystone Centre. The return of a national event for Arabian horses is set to reinvigorate the local excitement and celebration of the spirit of Arabian equestrian excellence. Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre, expressed her excitement about the return of the Arabians: “We are delighted to welcome back a National Arabian show to Brandon under the new name Canada’s National Arabian Championship. This event has always been a cornerstone of our annual programming, drawing in thousands of visitors and creating an incredible atmosphere. The Keystone Centre is committed to rebuilding this event with the National Arabian Breed Society, and ensuring that it continues to serve as a celebration of the Arabian horse breed and the community it brings together.” Dana Romijn, Secretary/Treasurer of the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry, and President of the National Arabian Breed Society, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Arabian Horse back home to Brandon with Canada’s National Arabian Championship. Our community thrives when we come together to celebrate our passions, and this show is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. We look forward to showcasing the beauty and grace of Arabian horses and connecting with horse lovers from across North America.”