River City Conventions, the same organization that puts on Central Canada Comic Con in Winnipeg every year, are excited to announce that they are bringing the special experience of their conventions to Brandon.  The Brandon dates are  September 8th & 9th, 2018. This event will feature the following attractions, panels and programming. Cosplay Contest:​ contestants each compete by showing off their handmade outfit based off of a TV Show, Movie, Comic Book, Video Game, Anime Etc on stage to win a prize. Celebrity Q&A and Signing/Photo-Op Session​: the celebrity guest (soon to be announced) for this show will offer signatures and photos to guests, as well as host a panel discussing their work, and offering fans to ask questions. Exhibitor Hall: ​a marketplace featuring vendors from all over Canada will be set up for attendees. Will include specialty shops, craftwork, original artwork, prints, used goods, memorabilia & more. - More programming is in the works! Stay tuned to their Facebook page for additional updates. September 8th & 9th. 2018 10:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 6:00 pm Sunday Venue: Keystone Centre (Manitoba Room) 1175 18th St #1, Brandon MB Tickets: Tickets to this event will retail at $10.00 for a day pass and $20.00 for the weekend. The ticket can be purchased online or at the door.

The second annual Brandon Ribfest will be held August 17-19,  on the grounds at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, MB.  BDNMB.CA was able to confirm the location change earlier this afternoon with Sheri Conney, this years Chair of Ribfest. Last year a reported 20,000 attendees were able to enjoy award winning BBQ from three award winning BBQ experts in Texas Rangers BBQ, Crabby’s BBQ Shack and Silver Bullet. Last year's event, presented by the Brandon Sunset Rotary and Brandon Rotaract Club, had a little bit of everything for the whole family.  In addition to the great eats, there was a kid’s zone on the Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  For those looking to enjoy an adult beverage there was a Farmery Beer Tent located onsite and live, local music each day of the event. No word, at this time, of any other potential changes/additions to the event for 2018.

For the past 14 years this has been the destination for thousands of fans - from Ontario to BC, from Thompson to South Dakota - as they converge to meet with friends old and new and enjoy some of the best live music to be found. The annual rock festival, held each August long weekend overlooking lake Minnedosa, is in the midst of preparations for this their 15th anniversary. The Board of Directors is making some changes to the festival this year. Many of our fans have told us what they want, and as a result we are pleased to announce that Canada’s Premiere Classic Rock Festival will be bigger, louder and better than ever! Artists announced to date include; Kim Mitchell, with an impressive list of hits from both his solo and Max Webster days, has been entertaining fans since the early 70’s. Trooper, widely recognized as Canada's #1 Party Band they are also Canada's oldest and coolest rock band. Chilliwack, with multiple hits from the early 70’s, they were the headliners at the first Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa festival. The Headstones, these are a Canadian punk-influenced alternative rock band, known for their high energy live shows, particularly the antics of Hugh Dillon. Three Days Grace's music has been described as post grunge, hard rock, and alternative rock. Whatever the label, this hard hitting band will be releasing their sixth album this March. Burrton Cummings, few artists have achieved the level of public success and critical acclaim that Burton Cummings has enjoyed in a dazzling career, whether as lead singer and songwriter with The Guess Who or on his own. There are many, many more to be announced. The festival site itself features an amphitheatre with built in bench and folding chairs overlooking the main stage and lake. An additional two stages ensure that there is music on throughout the day and evening. With hot showers, vendors, ice, camping, water and septic service, garbage and recycling pick up, onsite security and first aid there are many ways to keep yourself comfortable. The festival is assisted by a virtual army of volunteers, both on the August long weekend and the weeks leading up to the festival. Service clubs, businesses and individuals recognize the importance of the festival to the local economy and are eager to support RFM as needed. Early bird tickets are available until March 31, information is available at rockinthefields.ca or at 1-888- 330-8333.

Winnipeg MB (February 21, 2018) -- We’re bypassing the very tempting ‘sneak peek’ and going straight for the full-on reveal of comedic performances set to go down by the likes of Jonathan Torrens, Emma Hunter, Chris Jericho, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Derek Seguin, Ivan Decker, and many many many more. (Too many many’s??) The Winnipeg Comedy Festival happens April 9 to 15, with a line-up of nationally-known names blended with local entertainers, bringing the best of both worlds to a microphone near you. “We’re excited by both the variety of shows and quality of comedians on the schedule,” says Winnipeg Comedy Festival’s Artistic Director Lara Rae. “It’s always important for us to be able to showcase fine upcoming talent alongside bigger names throughout the festival, including at our much-loved galas. Be prepared for some great new talent to win you over.” More than 60 comics will perform in over 30 shows, in venues like Club Regent Event Centre, Rumor’s Comedy Club, Pantages Playhouse Theatre, The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, The Forks, Millennium Library, and the much-loved Gas Station Arts Centre (GSAC) – a venue that was greatly missed last year. “It’s a bit of a festival homecoming for us, to be back at the Gas Station,” says Nick Kowalchuk, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, who is also Executive Director of GSAC. “It’s also kind of funny, and possibly ironic, that we weren’t able to use the Gas Station last year, considering GSAC produces the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. But since I oversee both, I was able to cut a deal with myself to use GSAC this year, and happy to announce that shows will once again take place right here at home in Osborne Village. Beginning with a very special evening that will have you seeing red.” RED CARPET COMEDY & RECEPTION The Winnipeg Comedy Festival opens in style Monday, April 9, with a special Red Carpet Comedy & Reception. Sirius Top Comic and one of the most popular stand-ups to ever come out of Canada, Montreal's Derek Seguin says 'salut' to Winnipeg with an intimate and no-holds-barred evening of huge laughs. This audience award favourite is supported by The Uniter's comic of 2017, Spencer Adamus. The reception begins at 7pm, which is actually more than just a reception, so you might want to be there for it. The show officially starts at 8:30pm, and you definitely want to be there for that. Red Carpet attire would not be out of place. (Or possibly could.) GALA THEMES & HOSTS The most highly anticipated shows each year are the galas, held at the stunning 104-year-old Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Recorded live-to-tape for later broadcast on CBC, this year’s galas are: Game On! / Thursday, April 12 @ 7:15pm  Everyone loves sports! Except people who hate them. Here’s a show for both groups. Come laugh at sports and how we can’t stand them. Or live without them. Host: Chris Jericho / Performers: Dave Hemstad, Erica Sigurdson, Simon Rakoff, Christina Walkinshaw, Rob Pue, Sterling Scott / Warm-up: Mikey Dubbs Punching UP / Friday, April 13 @ 6:45pm  Gone are the days of looking down on the less fortunate. Look up… waaay up… It’s time to take shots at all the big shots. Even the little ones. Host: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee / Performers: Katie-Ellen Humphries, Hoodo Hersi, Christophe Davidson, Yumi Nagashima, Carol Zoccoli, Simon King Just My Luck? / Friday, April 13 @ 9:15pm Let’s face it, life sucks. But laughing about it doesn’t. Hysterical stories about worst moments, terrible habits, and horrible circumstances. (Also, a timely theme for Friday the 13th?! Coincidence?? You decide.) Host: Emma Hunter / Performers: Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, Todd Graham, Jane Stanton, Courtney Gilmour, Dana Alexander Everything’s Relative / Saturday, April 14 @ 6:45pm You can’t pick your family, but you can pick on them. Our tribute to your moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, brothers and sisters, kids, cousins, and all those other DNA-holes. Host: To be announced very soon! / Performers: Scott Faulconbridge, Shirley Whalen, Mayce Galoni, Joe Vu, Charles Haycock Eh! Material / Saturday, April 14 @ 9:15pm A comedy show about the Great White North. Because there’s nothing Canadians find more Canadian than funny Canadians talking about what it means to be Canadian. Eh?? (Sorry!) Host: Jonathan Torrens / Performers: Jacob Samuel, Amanda Brooke Perrin, Leonard Chan, Jess Salomon, Big Daddy Tazz, Howie Miller FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS  The full schedule for the 2018 Winnipeg Comedy Festival is at www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/schedule. Here are some of highlights of what’s to come: Laughter in Common / Saturday, April 7 @ 7pm / The Common at The Forks It’s the unofficial kick-off to our official kick-off! This FREE show on Saturday evening, before the festival even begins, offers a pre-fest preview of fine local fare and out-of-town comedic delicacies. Hosted by Ryan Ash, with performances by Ivan Decker, Kate Schellenberg, and Tyler Penner. Dis’Ability / Tuesday, April 10 @ 7pm / Club Regent Event Centre Just for Laughs Homegrown Champion and triple amputee Courtney Gilmour hosts an evening of all-star, all-pro comics who bring A-Game material illuminating how unique abilities have shaped their lives. Funny. And inspiring. Gastrocomique / Wednesday, April 11 @ 6pm / Fusion Grill  A truly unique dining-and-wine-ing evening of food courses paired with comedy. Enjoy a gourmet meal from the award-winning River Heights bistro Fusion Grill, combining Manitoba-sourced food with nationally-sourced award-winning stand up from the very hilarious Ivan Decker. Hosted by Angie St. Mars. Nubian Disciples of Comedy / Wednesday, April 11 @ 7pm / Club Regent Event Centre Direct from Yuk Yuks Toronto we bring the always sold-out urban show on the road. For the past 20 years, the Nubian Disciples has been a stellar showcase of comedians of colour, produced and hosted by Transcona-reared comic Kenny Robinson. It's comedy of colour, outside the lines. With performers Dana Alexander, Sterling Scott, Paul Rabliauskas, Eman El-Husseini, and Mikey Dubbs. Your Hood’s a Joke – International & Local Editions / Thursday April 12 @ 7pm & 9pm / Gas Station Arts Centre The International Edition (April 12 @ 7pm) sports edgy and energetic live battles between pairs of comics from different cities and countries, trying to determine which city and country are funniest. The Local Edition (April 12 @ 9pm) sports edgy and energetic live battles between pairs of comics from different parts of Winnipeg, trying to determine which part of Winnipeg is funniest. This show is a long-standing sell-out. It was born in Toronto, but is certain to be made much much much better in Winnipeg. (Too many much’s??) CBC’s The Debaters / Saturday, April 14 @ 2pm & Sunday, April 15 @ 2pm / Club Regent Event Centre Be it resolved the CBC Radio One’s hit show is back in Winnipeg for the 12th year. A potent mix of facts and funny as seasoned comedians go head-to-head in comedic debates. Hosted by the one and only Steve Patterson, and all ages are welcome. (But that's debatable.) Recorded live-to-tape for later broadcast on CBC. TICKETS FOR THE WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL Tickets for most shows are available online through our website www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/tickets. You can also purchase tickets IN PERSON at the Box Office at Gas Station Arts Centre (445 River Avenue), on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 11am-6pm, from now until festival week. ABOUT THE WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL The 17th Winnipeg Comedy Festival takes place April 9-15, 2018, at various venues around Winnipeg. The festival is produced by the Gas Station Arts Centre (GSAC), an innovative home for multidisciplinary artistic development that puts special focus on being an artist’s “first stage.” GSAC supports and facilitates innovation and creativity in the arts, guided by the vision of artists from all mediums, at all stages of their career. GSAC continues to raise the profile of Winnipeg by being a hub of urban arts activity in Osborne Village, the city’s most densely populated neighbourhood. www.gasstationtheatre.com / www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com

Photo gallery from the MINI POP KIDS LIVE sold out concert held at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Friday, February 16.  All photos by Jamie Willey at Studio 78.