This year marks the 12th Annual Brandon Beer Tasting Festival, presented by the Sunset Rotary Club of Brandon. This is a well-established event showcasing over 100 types of beer. The event will be held at the Victoria Inn on Saturday April 27, 2024. Fundraising in support of YWCA Westman Women's Shelter, local youth programs, local scholarships, environmental programs, and other charitable programs. Come and taste all types of beer, network, have fun and have some food, all for the price of $35 per ticket! The Facebook event page is located here. Tickets sold at all local Liquor Marts or their Facebook page or sunsetrotary@hotmail.com.

Country Music legends Sawyer Brown announce Fall 2024 Canadian dates alongside Shenandoah and special guest George Fox. Kicking off in Edmonton on Oct 17th, the run will visit multiple Canadian cities including Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, MB on October 27. Tickets to all dates go on sale this Friday, April 19th at the Keystone Centre Box Office (204-726-3555), and on-line at ticketmaster.ca. When asked what has set Sawyer Brown apart in the music business to account for four decades of success, lead singer and frontman Mark Miller answers, “One of the unique things about the band is we don’t really have a lot of love songs. We have life songs.” Years before The Voice and American Idol, there was Star Search with Ed McMahon. In the first season, an eclectic and charismatic country-rock band appeared on the show, taking America by storm. After being told no time after time in Nashville showcases, Sawyer Brown won over millions of fans with their electrifying TV performances week after week in Hollywood. Capturing the hearts of all ages, their sound was compared to country super-groups like Alabama and Charlie Daniels Band, but they looked more like the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. Riding on the wave of sudden TV popularity, the band spent their first year-and-a-half on the road with country and pop icon Kenny Rogers, opening his shows in arenas across the U.S., all while learning from the best. From there, Sawyer Brown began to quickly carve out their own niche, delivering hit after hit, selling out venues, and constantly wowing an ever-growing fanbase. Navigating the music business on their own terms, the band blazed a new trail through uncharted territory to constantly beat the odds and win the day in the volatile world of the entertainment industry. Since 1984, the band’s high-energy reputation, uncompromising dedication to their fans, along with their relentless drive to stay true to themselves have never wavered. For the past forty years, “the boys” legendary live shows have captivated audiences with no signs of ever slowing down. Today, Sawyer Brown just keeps on delivering their unapologetically blue-collar, grass-roots message through music. One of their fan-favorite songs says it all: “They were searchin’ for stars when we came along, it was rock ’n roll in a country song, there were five of us thinking that we can, this is the life and times of a travelin’ band.” Fans will also be treated to the sounds of Shenandoah. Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire formed Shenandoah in 1984 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with bassist Ralph Ezell, keyboardist Stan Thorn and guitarist Jim Seales. Shenandoah inked a deal with Columbia Records and began establishing a national fan base with their self-titled debut in 1987. However, it was the band’s sophomore effort, The Road Not Taken, that spawned their first top ten hits, "She Doesn't Cry Anymore" and "Mama Knows." The group followed with three consecutive No. 1 hits, "Church on Cumberland Road," "Sunday in the South" and "Two Dozen Roses." "The Church on Cumberland Road" spent two weeks at the top of the chart and made country music history as it marked the first time that a country band's first No. 1 single spent more than one week at the summit. Shenandoah became known for delivering songs that celebrated the importance of faith and family while reveling in the joys of small town life. "Next to You, Next to Me" topped the charts for three weeks and "Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart," a beautiful duet with Alison Krauss, won a Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the year and a GRAMMY® for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Shenandoah also won the Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Group of the Year in 1991. The group currently consists of original members Marty Raybon (lead), Mike McGuire (drums) along with Paul Sanders (bass), Donnie Allen (acoustic guitar/fiddle), Andrew Ishee (keys), Nicky V Hines (guitar). Legendary Canadian singer George Fox will open the shows. Fox has a mantle of country music awards, has recorded 11 albums, opened for some of the biggest names in country music, and headlined sold out shows coast to coast. Throughout the eighties, George opened for country greats like Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, George Strait and Willie Nelson. In 1995, George was honoured by his hometown of Cochrane, Alberta with the naming of a local roadway ‘George Fox Trail’. In 2022, George was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Manitoba government is freezing provincial park fees for this camping season, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Manitobans are starting to plan trips to our beautiful provincial parks and our government knows affordability is top of mind for many families,” said Schmidt. “That’s why we’re freezing provincial park pass fees and camping fees this season. While the previous government opted to privatize park passes which raised fees, our government is focused on keeping parks affordable and accessible for Manitoba families.” In 2020, the Manitoba government announced it was signing a contract with an American-based service provider to administer the park pass program. The fees associated with the contract were scheduled to increase this year. In Budget 2024, the Manitoba government is investing $46 million in Manitoba parks. The government is taking action to make sure no Manitoban has to pay more to enjoy the province’s beautiful parks, the minister noted, adding Manitoba has some of the most affordable park entrance and camping fees in North America. Additionally, several times a year, the Manitoba government offers free provincial park entry, meaning a vehicle permit is not required to visit one of Manitoba’s parks. This includes a free parks entry during a week in July, the Labour Day long weekend and the entire month of February. Upcoming free provincial park entry dates include: June 7 to 9; July 15 to 21; Aug. 30 to Sept. 2; and Feb. 1 to 28, 2025. Campsite reservations for the 2024 season opened earlier this week. This year, reservations are staggered over five days to accommodate the high demand and make it easier for Manitobans to book a site at their favourite campground. To see the detailed list of campground reservation opening days, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Today, Bud Light Canada announced the Buckle Up Tour featuring rising Canadian country music star, Owen Riegling. The free tour, which is being produced by Live Nation Canada, will kick off on May 6th, 2024, making 12 stops in small-town country bars across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The Brandon show on May 13 is at Houston’s Night Club (3130 Victoria Ave). Building on its deep roots in creating exceptional live music experiences as a frequent festival sponsor and creator of the Bud Light House Party Tour, the Buckle Up Tour, presented by Bud Light and powered by Live Nation Canada, aligns with the brand's focus on engaging country-music fans. "Country music was born in small towns, but as artists grow in their careers it often leads them to big stages in big cities," said Andrew Oosterhuis, Vice President of Marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "Given this insight, Bud Light wanted to find an authentic way to bring country music home to small-town country bars for Canadians to enjoy." Budding country music star and Mildmay, Ontario native, Owen Riegling, started his career playing in his hometown's bars. Recently, he won the 2022 Emerging Artist Showcase at the Canadian country music festival Boots & Hearts. The prize, part of a partnership with Universal Music Canada, led to the release of his debut single and a record deal with the country's leading music company. Owen has been playing live ever since, touring as the opening act for established country artists including Tyler Hubbard – all part of his notable upward trajectory in the Canadian country music scene. "A few years ago, I wrote a song inspired by Bud Light titled, Bud Light The Way," said Universal Music Canada artist Owen Riegling. "With the release of this track finally coming to all major streaming platforms, it's a dream come true to have Bud Light Canada be a part of this experience and supporting the country music scene. I can't wait to visit small-town bars across the country – including my hometown of Mildmay – playing free shows to fans and hopefully finding some new fans along the way." "Owen has rapidly been gaining recognition on some of Canada's biggest stages, but his very public desire to stay connected to his hometown is one of the reasons he was the perfect artist to collaborate with for this tour," said Oosterhuis. "Layering in his personal connection to our brand and writing a song inspired by Bud Light further confirmed his natural fit to this campaign." The Buckle Up Tour, presented by Bud Light and powered by Live Nation Canada, will make 12 stops throughout the month of May. Free tickets for each of the 12 shows will be available beginning Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m. local time at BuckleUpTour.ca. Tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis, with a limit of two tickets per customer. Tickets cannot be resold and orders will be voided if tickets are found being resold online. A limited number of free tickets will be available at the door on the night of each show, subject to venue capacity. Individuals attending the event grant permission for Bud Light, Owen Riegling and its representatives to use photography and video content captured at each venue in future communications, and collateral. Head to @budlightliving and @owenrieglingmusic on social media to follow Owen's journey and the Buckle Up Tour, presented by Bud Light and powered by Live Nation Canada. BUCKLE UP TOUR, PRESENTED BY BUD LIGHT AND POWERED BY LIVE NATION CANADA TOUR DATES & CITIES:Monday, May 6, 2024 – Fort McMurray, ABWednesday, May 8, 2024 – Banff, ABThursday, May 9, 2024 – Blairmore, ABSaturday, May 11, 2024 – Saskatoon, SKMonday, May 13, 2024– Brandon, MBWednesday, May 15, 2024 – Thunder Bay, ONThursday, May 16, 2024 – Sault Ste. Marie, ONSaturday, May 18, 2024 – Timmins, ONSunday, May 19, 2024 – Embrun,Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Brantford, ONWednesday, May 22, 2024 – Chatham, ONFriday, May 24, 2024 – Mildmay, ON For exact venue locations in each city, please visit: BuckleUpTour.ca.  

The Keystone Centre is excited to announce Begonia, Boy Golden, and FONTINE as the live musical acts for its 50th anniversary celebration on June 15th. The outdoor concert will be free and open to the public as part of a day-long celebration of the Keystone Centre's past, present, and future. Nominated for a JUNO Award for her albums "FEAR" and "Powder Blue," Begonia has solidified her place as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. With a unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul, Begonia's performances are known for their emotional depth and powerful energy. Her captivating stage presence and magnetic vocals have earned her a loyal following across the country. Fans can expect an unforgettable performance from Begonia at the Keystone Centre's 50th anniversary celebration, where she will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all in attendance. Since releasing his debut album, “Church of Better Daze,” in 2021, he’s played every summer festival on your list, performed to a SOLD OUT crowd at the Burton Cummings Theatre, released a dozen videos, curated and directed an art show and music video for “KD & Lunchmeat”, the Seth-Rogenesque hit single that charted to #1 on Alternative Radio, and toured more than 60 venues across North America with The Sheepdogs. Indie-folk/pop artist FONTINE, based in Winnipeg, MB, is making waves. A queer and Indigenous musician of Nehiyaw Iskwew heritage, her debut EP, “Yarrow Lover,” co-produced with friends Kris Ulrich and mixed by Boy Golden, dropped in February of 2023. Inspired by the prairies and the Winnipeg music scene. "We are thrilled to have such talented artists join us for our 50th anniversary celebration," said Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre. "It promises to be a fantastic evening of live music and celebration. The live concert will kick off at 6:00 pm with performances from Boy Golden and FONTINE, followed by Begonia taking the stage to headline. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music under the stars as bleacher seating may be limited. Don't miss this special evening of live music and celebration at the Keystone Centre. Admission is free, so mark your calendars for June 15th and join us for a night to remember.