This region’s newest theatre group is embarking on their next production and it’s a show that is out of their comfort zone. Wheat City Theatre’s Lisa Vasconcelos is excitedly states the show will do more than just raise a few eyebrows, “We are presenting Heathers The Musical next month. (June 15th & 17th) It's a dark comedy and very different from what we 'usually' do. Heathers the Musical is based on the cult-classic movie from the 80's with really great, rocking music.” Anyone who saw this 80s classic starring Christian Slater and Winona Ryder can attest to the fact that the edgy storyline rocks as much as the soundtrack did. Heathers the movie is a black comedy set in a high school which is dominated by an exclusive group of powerful girls - all named Heather. Veronica Sawyer (Ryder) reluctantly becomes a member of the fearful Heather clique. But the Heathers humiliate her at a party, and she is forced to plot her revenge. She finds support from her seductive but loose cannon new boyfriend (Slater), whose notion of vengeance turns out to be far more excessive than her own. Vasconcelos says there are pleased to present local flair when it comes to the actors as well as the music, “The music for this show is AMAZING!! It rocks - in all ways. The Middle Coast has agreed to come on board as 'the band' for the show.” The amazing trio of musicians will be joined by Shirley Martin and music director Katherine Sherris. Wheat City Theatre doesn’t plan to tame down the screenplay for their Westman audiences according to Vasconcelos, “This show blew my mind when I saw it off Broadway. It's a funny, scary and hyperbolic look at high school driven by a fricken awesome score. The show is geared to adults. It's an edgy story about three 'mean girls' all named Heather who run their school, picking on losers and geeks, partying and making out with Jocks. They allow Veronica Sawyer to join their clique so she can forge notes to get them out of class. At the same time she joins 'the Heathers', Veronica falls in love with the new kid JD – (picture a sociopathic Edward from Twilight.) His cool factor turns lethal.” Vasconcelos say the dark comedy was already shining through in the early stages of getting the production ready for the stage, “I don't think I've ever laughed so much during rehearsals... This show is funny - if you are not offended by f-bombs, teenage parties, promiscuity, hormones, naive adults who think they get it, or songs about blue balls and bullies.” With that aforementioned subject matter it’s safe to say this is about as edgy as it gets for local theatre which is why Vasconcelos and her Wheat City Theatre partner Katherine Sherris have decided to remove do it under a different theatre group, “For sure it's the album on my phone with the most E-rated songs. It’s also the score that has resonated with the young adults I work with. I'm producing it under Wheat City Theatre so my little Mecca kids don't come. But I encourage their parents to see it.” This is the third show that either theatre group Vasconcelos is affiliated with will stage at the Keystone Amphitheatre. Vasconcelos says there are many advantages for live theatre audiences when it comes to this new venue, “the advantages include: - the audience gets to be much closer to the action; they can see the actor's faces, the sweat dripping of their browand because the stage is surrounded on 3 sides by the audience, it brings some new and exciting challenges for staging. The Amphitheatre also allows us to stage shows that we couldn't bring to the WMCA (like Heathers) b/c the rental costs of using the venue is much less than the WMCA. That takes some of the pressure off having to sell 500 tickets a show to break even. Plus there is LOTS of free parking!” Vasconcelos is also excited about some new stage effects they’ll be using, “We have rented a new sound and light system from Studio Productions for Heathers that we are excited to try. Duane Macsymach will be mixing the sound of the band and the vocalists. His skills and talents will bring a real 'rock concert' feel to the show.” Vasconcelos is the Artistic Director as well of the Producer of this particular Wheat City Theatre Group Presentation, a role that she says brings extra stressful demands, As the producer, if the show loses money, I cover the losses. If it makes money, our plan is to make a donation to a teen help line (the cast will pick it) and the new Mecca Children's Charity MAP (that group supports kids who want to take arts' classes in Westman). Fingers crossed we get to make a donation. And I don't have to sell a kidney... *** Tickets are $25.00 and available online at tickets.keystonecentre.com *** Heathers the Musical runs Wednesday, June 15th and Friday, June 17th in the Keystone Amphitheatre (West side of the Keystone Centre complex) show times are 8pm both nights.

Just when you thought all the cool band names were taken along comes Kong Kong. The band name so cool they used it twice! Kong Kong is the creation of Cody Iwasiuk and Katlin Mathison. The two have been friends and band mates since high school. They formerly created music together in Brandon band Effect and Cause. Once their scholastic endeavours took over their lives, their band took a necessary break but their drive and desire to create music never took a back seat. As they’ve maintained their musical pursuits, the two former Brandonites chose to stay as busy as possible with their chosen profession. In fact as Iwasiuk puts it, that’s one of the reasons why Kong Kong was formed, “We formed the band Last winter when Katlin and I were looking for some extra work to fill out our calendars. It also gave us a great excuse to play together again as it had been awhile since the two of us shared in music making. I ended up getting us a house gig which had us playing every Thursday at a club name Le Garage in St. Boniface in Winnipeg.” Winnipeg has been their home base for nearly three years. Soon after graduating from the B.U. School of Music Cody moved there to teach and play as much as is humanly possible. As for Katlin, after graduating from Grant MacEwan University (Diploma in Popular Music - Composition) in 2012, he travelled across the pond to attend the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Music - Production & Songwriting in 2014. He would eventually move in with Cody shortly after returning to Canada. The two have now happily achieved at least one goal and it may be the most important goal for any working musician according to Mathison it’s become a full time occupation, “I'm very fortunate in that music pays my bills. When I'm not touring out of town, I usually perform 5-6 nights per week, as well as writing, recording, and producing with other artists.” Iwasiuk is happy to report that his schedule is quite similar to Mathison’s, “I am lucky enough make music my full-time job. I play with a number of bands in Winnipeg which keeps me busy. I also do some mixing, recording, and mastering for people in the city.” Aside from their workload with Kong Kong the two master music makers have had varying levels of success with other projects. Their resumes continue to grow at remarkable rates and both are quite thankful to be doing what they love. Iwasiuk’s involvement in music has been seemingly nonstop as he’s kept at it through a variety of projects, “I have played with many incredible musicians over the past 3 years since moving from Brandon. Notably I have played with and or am currently playing with: The Bros. Landreth, Jess Moskaluke, Paul Brandt, Sierra Noble, JRDN, Kardinal Offishall, The Dirty Catfish Brass Band. There are many, many other incredible artists that are not listed here as well!” Aside from writing and performing Iwasiuk has maintained his love of mixing, recording and tracking as well, “I am currently mixing an EP for The Dirty Catfish Brass Band, and I recently tracked drums on an album for up and coming country singer Elsie Morden. I also played drums on indie band FINN's upcoming EP a few months back.” While Iwasiuk’s current calendar could be considered the more arduous of tasks to fulfill Mathison is just as dedicated with the many musical involvements he’s immersed himself in, “Right now I have a solo project called Okay Mann and also bass with Micah Visser and lead guitar in FINN. I recently released two songs with Okay Mann, and both Micah Visser and FINN have EP in the works. Through these projects I've been able to write and perform with a wide range of veteran performers from: Paul McCartney to Royal Canoe. ” Prior to moving back to Canada Mathison’s strong songwriting abilities earned him a taste of commercial success, “I'm lucky to have worked with artists across UK, Europe, and Canada. This has led to being a part of writing teams and bands in multiple countries, extensive touring, and radio play across Europe, and earning a certified Gold record in Norway.” Mathison (left) and Iwasiuk (right) rocking out back in the day with their old group Effect and Cause at Ridgefest 8 in the summer of 2011. (Photo submitted) The beat goes on for these extraordinary music makers and it’s like they haven’t missed a beat as they’ve come from Effect and Cause to Kong Kong.  The new band is comprised of: Cody Iwasiuk (drums), Brennan Wall (guitar), and Karl Shewchuk (bass), Katlin Mathison (lead vocals as well as guitar and keyboards) and as Katlin puts it, the group was created as a response of sorts to the Winnipeg music scene, “There is a never ending list of cool bands in Winnipeg, but we found that the cover scene was a little saturated with the same old tunes. Kong Kong was created for an audience of our peers - those who are looking for a more contemporary repertoire.” So what’s with the name of their new side project? Cody chooses to differ to Katlin for that one, “We were kind of playing around with the words King Kong. Katlin somehow came to the realization that Kong also means king in a different language. Not sure which language exactly. So it was Katlin's idea to name the band Kong Kong.” Unconventional band names aside, Katlin says it’s mostly about their love for the music and having their performances creating a cool vibe, “It's just really fun. It's the type of band I would like to go see if I just wanted to dance and have a good time with my friends.” Without giving too much away in regards to their repertoire Cody sums up the band’s sound, “Kong Kong is a mix of songs that are near and dear to mine and Katlin's heart. We play a good blend of indie rock, pop, and great songs you didn't know you loved!” Experience the KONG KONG dance craze before it sweeps the nation! They’ll be packing em’ in at the Decker this Friday and Saturday night! Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 10pm both nights. Come early to get a good spot or just cut out your part on the dance floor and boogie the night away!

Residents of Brandon, and the Westman region, are invited to celebrate our national holiday for a full day of culture, arts, music and festivities at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. The day begins at 11:30 am with the 3rd Annual Canada Day Living Flag where participants create a Canadian Flag by wearing red and white t-shirts and creating a giant human maple leaf! The opening ceremonies follow at 1:00 pm and the day ends with a colorful display of fireworks to close out the night at around 11:00 pm. The event marks Canada’s 149th birthday and residents and visitors alike can anticipate popular features like the Brandon Riverbank Duck Race, the Sean Taylor Band, Evolution Entertainers, and a fire performance by Vince Champagne.   Entertainment on the Family Stage will be provided by the Freddy Fusion Science Magic Show and face painting for children will be available from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  For those a little more adventurous Prairie Helicopters will once again be offering a scenic ride over the City of Brandon. Throughout the day there will be numerous food vendors onsite as well as a Montana's Fund-raising BBQ.  Spray parks around the City will remain open from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm and both the Kinsmen Pool and Kiwanis YMCA Keystone Pool are scheduled to remain open until 7:00 pm.  Pools open weather permitting. Schedule for the Canada Day Celebrations.

Children's Country Fair The Westman Dreams for Kids Children's Country Fair is coming up fast and they are looking for all the talented kids out there to be part of this years event. Do you dance, sing, play instruments?? Are you and acrobat or have a band?? They want you to come take center stage this year and show Brandon all the talent in our community! If you are or know someone who would love to take part in this exciting event call 204-729-1698 or 204-729-8898. Children's Country fair is June 5th at Kirkaldy Heights School, and they hope to see you all there. McHappy Day Please also keep in mind that on May 4th, $1 from every Big Mac. Happy Meal and Hot McCafe beverage will be donated to Westman Dreams for Kids! Please come by and visit them at all 4 Brandon locations and help them continue to grant dreams to children and their families who are dealing with serious illness and health concerns in the Westman area. King Louis will be handing out balloons and taking pictures with the kids from 11:am - 1:00pm at the Richmond location!

Hockey Hockey Hockey.  The Gold Rush continues as Seattle comes to Brandon May 6th and 7th for games one and two of the WHL Championship Series at Westman Communications Group Place.  The T-Birds are lead offensively by NY Islander first round draft pick Mattew Barzal.  The 6'0, 200 lb forward has 19 points in 13 playoff games. Defensemen Ethan Bear and Winnipeg product Keegan Kolesar are others to watch.  Nolan Patrick, Jayce Hawryluk, Reid Duke and John Quenneville will need to be at the top of their game to beat Seattle's netminder Landon Bow.  For more information www.wheatkings.com CWE Wrestling at ACC.  CWE management continues to roll out huge match signings for their card at ACC on May 25th.  Three of the most in demand and active stars across the entire continent will compete in a high octane, high intensity Triple Threat Match! Lio Rush, Jason Kincaid, and Chase Owens are main event stars everywhere they compete across the World and on May 25th in the Wheat City they will test their abilities against each other in a match to not only prove who the future of professional wrestling is but who is the best wrestler on the planet right NOW!  Also on the card is former ROH Star & TNA Alumni "The Physical Fascination" Kazarian & ROH Star "The Last Real Man" Silas Young.  Check it out www.cwewrestling.ca Comedy night at Blu featuring the comedy workings of Scott Belford and Neil Rhodes. The first show on May 10th sold out immediately and as of  press time there was still a few remaining tickets for the second show on May the 11th.  Scott Belford is a a comedian based out of Edmonton who has opened for the likes of Pauly Shore and Jay Mohr.  He has previously won funniest person in Edmonton at the West Edmonton Mall's Comic Strip.  Neil Rhodes has been a comedian since 2003 and has opened for major headliners like Bryan Callen and Nick Griffin. Bubble Boy Musical Diner Theatre at Westman Communications Group Place.  Four show times are scheduled inside the MNP room over three days from May 6th-8th.    Seating is restricted to 150 guests per show.  The story centers around Jimmy Livingston who was born without immunities and spent his entire life confined inside a plastic bubble room. Enter Chloe, the girl next door, who becomes his friend and steals his heart. When she leaves town to get married, Jimmy travels cross-country in a homemade bubble suit in order to stop the wedding and finally tell her how he feels. Along the laugh-filled journey he deals with a crazy cult, a biker gang, a dead cow, and a controlling mother who will stop at nothing to get him back in the bubble.  Tickets are only $35 and include a delectable three-course meal. Westman Baby & Family Fair inside the Keystone Centre Manitoba Room on Saturday, May 7th.  The one day event will play host to a wide variety of vendors showcasing everything from toys to photography.  Entertainment starts at 11:00 am with Karl Heinz the BubbleMan and is followed by the magic of Ryan Prince at 2:00 pm.  There will also be FREE face painting and a pottery activity centre for the kids. Systems Beauty College Students will be doing FREE Haircuts for children and Princess Manicures at the event! Remember to check our our Events Calendar for a more complete listing of what is going on in Brandon and area.