Story by Crystal Jensen Dean Brody, is a multiple JUNO award and CCMA (Canadian Country Music Award) winner, with the most recent accolade being his 2016 JUNO win for Country Album of the year- Gypsy Road. Dean Brody entertained fans at the Keystone Centre with his "Beautiful Freakshow" Tour with special guests Madeline Merlo and the James Barker Band. Madeline Merlo was the 2015 CCMA(Canadian Country Music Award) winner for Rising Star of the Year and nominated in 2016 Female Artist of the Year. She truly is a Canadian gem singing her hits "Honey Jack", "Alive", "Whatcha Wanna Do About It", "War Paint" and "Over and Over". The James Barker Band, a Canadian country group wowed the crowd with their hits "Just Sayin" and "Chills". Dean Brody played many fan favourite hits from his six albums including "Bush Party", "Upside down", "People Know You By Your First Name", "Roll That Barrel Out", "Undone", "Love Would Be Enough", "Bounty", "Little Yellow Blanket", "Brothers", "Time", "Mountain Man", "Canadian Girls", "Friday", "Bring Down the House", and of course title track "Beautiful Freakshow"! The list of Dean Brody's chart topping hits are countless. My favourite part of the show was the chainsaw solo during Love Would Be Enough. It doesn't get more country than that. If you missed the show, you can see both Madeline Merlo and the James Barker Band at Dauphin's Countryfest 2017. Get your tickets before they are gone. .

May 11, 2017 BRANDON, MB – The 135th Manitoba Summer Fair kicks off June 7 - 11 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon combining a classic Canadian fair experience with one of a kind midway rides, sideshow entertainment and a nod to Canada’s 150. The Provincial Exhibition is celebrating the nation’s milestone with 1500 exclusive Canada 150 tickets for this year’s fair. With this ticket, visitors will pay only $1.50 gate admission on Wednesday, June 7 or Thursday, June 8. “We’re not sure when the last time the fair gate admission was $1.50 but it’s been a while.” Said Kathy Cleaver, President of the Provincial Exhibition. “We have partnered with our friends at Star FM and QCountry to give these tickets away so listen for your chance to pick one up and come and enjoy the celebration.” A highlight for General Manager, Ron Kristjansson is the addition of the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony on Wednesday, June 7 and the RCMP Musical Ride on June 7 & 8. “In recognition of Canada 150 and the 135 year mark for the City of Brandon and The Provincial Exhibition, we are proud to have two pieces of true Canadiana, the RCMP Musical Ride and the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony.” Said Kristjansson. “We are very honoured to have 150 new citizens joining us to take their oath; it’s a very moving experience to be part of such a life changing event for these people.” This year’s fair also includes a variety of daily family entertainment. “We are very excited for our side show entertainment this year. “ Said Matt Bolley, Co-Chair of the Summer Fair planning committee. “The Canine Stars and Mini Chuckwagon racers are back and the breathtaking feats of the Milord High Dive act are exactly the kind of unmatchable exhibition entertainment you would expect.” The organizers have been working hard to grow the agriculture aspects of this year’s event with an increased horse show and youth cattle show. “Our goal is to revive the classic country fair experience by bringing back some of the traditional events with a modern twist.” Said Ellen Murray, Co-Chair of the Summer Fair planning committee. “This year’s horse show features a fun games evening on Friday and horses of all sizes and disciplines throughout the weekend including Draft, English, Western, Jumping and Hackney; Sunday’s cattle show is focused on the next generation of farmers and ranchers.” Other features of the fair include a traditional Towne Square display, People of the Plains exhibit (Thursday – Saturday) and one-day only features such as the 4-H Manitoba Food Challenge and Canadian Armed Forces display on Saturday, June 10. The fair wraps up on Sunday, June 11 with the Cando pancake breakfast from 9 – 11 AM followed by a Classic Car & Bike Show, and Demo Derby included a Little Tykes version. Discount advance tickets are on sale now. Visit www.manitobasummerfair.com for more details and follow the Provincial Exhibition on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BRANDON, MB – Children love trucks. Big ones, small ones, loud ones, strong ones; Brandon’s first Touch-A-Truck fundraising event is coming to the Keystone Centre grounds on May 27, 2017. The event concept is simple. A wide array of trucks, cars and equipment will be on display for children to interact with in a safe, monitored area. “We are so excited to be able to bring this event to Brandon & Westman! Kids love to explore their surroundings and many of these vehicles are too dangerous to approach on a job site to do so. This fundraising event gives kids the opportunity to see an excavator, a tractor or fire truck up close without the risk of danger to themselves. They can see how massive these pieces of equipment are and learn what they do! We are so fortunate to have the support from the community who to help make this event a success,” said Event Chair, Kerri Malazdrewicz. The event is being hosted as a fundraiser for the two Kokum’s Early Education Enrichment (KEEP) daycares in Brandon. Tickets will be available on-site during the event that runs from 10AM to 3PM, cost is $5. There are door prize draws free to attendees, with a chance to win tickets to the Monsters & Mayhem show at the Keystone Centre in July. Also available will be a 50/50 draw, silent auction, BBQ, food trucks, face painting, and more! For more information visit the Touch-A-Truck Brandon Facebook page.

Shoal Lake will be holding a 25th Anniversary Air Show on July 11th and 12th to celebrate the opening of the Shoal Lake Airport in 1992. The 2-day event event includes a Meet the Performers evening on July 11, inside the Shoal Lake Communiplex, and an evening Airshow on July 12 at the Shoal Lake Regional Airport. The “Meet the Performers” event will allow guests to meet, chat and acquire autographs from the Airshow performers, including the Snowbirds, Bill Carter, & Pete Mcleod. Food for purchase, music, and lots of activities on the grounds are also scheduled for the Tuesday evening. The air show, featuring the Snowbirds, will get underway at 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening. Other acts to follow include: Bill Carter Aerobatics and Pete McLeod, a Canadian professional aerobatic pilot. The airshow grounds will open at 3:00 pm and there will be a bus service provided to transport guests from the designated parking areas. Other scheduled attractions include aircraft displays, merchandise, show cars, food, children's activities and more. Visitors are asked to arrive as early as possible. While you are in Shoal Lake be sure to check out Benny's Astoria Pizza for some of the best pizza and chicken in Manitoba.

Doc Walker, a country music group from Manitoba, will be playing a free concert at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre on July 1st, as part of their Canada day celebrations. As one of the most recognized country acts in the Country, they have over twenty Top 10 singles and have received multiple Canadian Country Music Awards.  Show time is set for 9:00 PM. The festivities are also expected to contain food, fireworks, fun and their signature Duck Race.