BRANDON – Few Prairie music lovers know that they live amid a rich repertoire of songs from medieval France, from Parisian dance halls, from Quebec, and some created right here in the Northwest Territories. On October 29, 2017, you will have opportunity to hear Ray St. Germain, Brandon University students, Garry Lepine, Conlin Delbaere-Sawchuk (of Métis Fiddler Quartet), and Indigenous drummer Debbie Huntinghawk join their musical talents to recreate the songs—a musical experiment. The concert will begin at 3 p.m., at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. The concert is being arranged by Brandon University Professor Emerita Dr. Lynn Whidden, an ethnomusicologist whose teaching has helped to maintain use of local Indigenous traditions. She has also produced academic work on the music of Indigenous communities that has been referenced in Canada, the United States and Europe and received the Alumni Award for Career Achievement at this past weekend’s BU Homecoming 2017. This month Whidden was also in Innsbruck, Austria, presenting a sound history of this area and on the Plains during the lifetime of Métis leader Gabriel Dumont, 1837 to 1906. “During that time, the bison disappeared, the passenger pigeons went extinct, reserves were created,” she said. “Dumont saw drastic changes right here on the Prairies. This is what I have documented — and some of those (Prairie Métis) songs live on.” Many of the songs come from Real Boucher, a Métis who grew up in St. Louis, Saskatchewan. Several years ago, he sent Whidden 55 of his songs (there are many more) asking that they be preserved and performed—singing the songs is the best way to keep them alive. “Songs and music are such a rich part of Métis culture and history, and there is such a vibrant Métis population in Brandon, this is going to be a fantastic concert,” said Chris Lagimodiere, Director of the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre at BU. Brandon University will also be hosting the 2018 Louis Riel Day celebrations. Definitely on the concert program is Real’s song Francoeur, also sent just a year earlier to Whidden from an elderly woman in the Netherlands asking that it be preserved. In addition to unforgettable melodies the songs are rich in history. The show begins with Real’s song in Cree. It is followed by “Glou, glou, glou” (guess what it’s about!); a medieval pastoral, a love song to mountain life; then a popular Parisian song about the jailbreak of a Catholic cardinal; a funny “big bird” song—beware parading in plumage because hunters lurk; next a song about a popular Northwest policeman named Capitaine Huot; and finally Monsieur Palisse who, if he hadn’t died a few hours ago, would still be alive! The concert finishes with “The Singing Tracks” the story of Manitoba told in local song, with the cart tracks represented by the Red River Jig. Joe Venne, of Birtle, Manitoba contributed an ancient boat song (women: beware running off with a mysterious sailor); you will hear “Turkey in the Straw” in Michif and a “table song” to celebrate a wedding; and Susan Ducharme’s song, “Marie Rouvin,” the liveliest tune anywhere. We thank Edgar Desjarlais for contributing his father’s song and Ray St. Germain who will sing his much-loved “The Métis”. “This will present a wonderful variety of very fun songs, I think you will enjoy them,” Whidden said. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 204-727-9631, 204-725-7520 or 1-888-627-9663.

The Kinette Club of Brandon are pleased to present the 2017 edition of Westman's Got Talent at the fantastic Prairie Firehouse! There will once again be 2 shows, one for under 18 competitors, and one for 18+. Tickets ($20) are available from any Kinette Club of Brandon member, The Prairie Firehouse, and Phillips Insurance. If you have a talent you would like to share, and want to enter, entry forms are available at Phillips Insurance, by emailing kinetteclubofbrandon@gmail.com or calling Cheryl at 204-730-0235!  The Kinette Club of Brandon is a not for profit community organization working to Serve the Community's Greatest Need.

In the words of Lou Gramm lead singer of Foreigner. Ooh yeah, I get caught up in the action Gotta find the main attraction now Gotta get some satisfaction You better take me to the heart of that Night life, looking for some Night life, need a little Night life, living in the daylight Just don't agree with me Ooh night life BDNMB.CA has compiled a local listing of lounges and restaurants for you to go out an enjoy some apps and drinks and save a few bucks. Sorted by day of the week Restaurant Day of Week Special Applebees Monday to Sunday After 8 pm $5 for snack size appetizer Double Decker Tavern Monday & Tuesday Poker Night 7 pm - 10 pm win gift cards Pizza Hut Mon & Tue & Wed All you can eat Wings and Pizza 5:30 - 7:30 pm Prairie Firehouse Monday & Tuesday Paint Night Mondays & Trivia Night Tuesdays The Keg Mon to Fri 4 - 6 pm and Sat & Sun 9 pm - midnight All APPS on special during those hours Echo Tuesday and Thursday $5 Flatbread and 50% off Nachos Joe Beeverz Tuesday & Wednesday Taco Bar 11:30 am - 1:30 pm / $15 Tuesday / 2-4-1 Wings Ribs Wednesday Montanas Wednesday All you can eat Ribs for 29.00 per person Smittys Sportsline Lounge Wednesday BUCK UP - Make a single and double for an extra $1 plus APP specials 34th Street Bar and Grill Thursdays or when the Wpg Jets play 1 pound of Wings $9 Boston Pizza Thursday Ribs $13.00 half rack $20.00 full rack The Dock Thursday $7.50 schooners of Keiths / 20% off burgers after 4 pm / 50% off desserts Huggys Sunday 2 for 1 APPS and Beer and Shots $3.32 Lady of the Lake Friday 5-9pm $15 Steak ‘n ‘Shrooms with all the fixings.$10 Meatloaf dinner (5-9pm) If we are missing your business please let us know - darryl@bdnmb.ca Sorted by business name Restaurant Day of Week Special 34th Street Bar and Grill Thursdays or when the Wpg Jets play 1 pound of Wings $9 Applebees Monday to Sunday After 8 pm $5 for snack size appetizer Boston Pizza Thursday Ribs $13.00 half rack $20.00 full rack Double Decker Tavern Monday & Tuesday Poker Night 7 pm - 10 pm win gift cards Echo Tuesday and Thursday $5 Flatbread and 50% off Nachos Huggys Sunday 2 for 1 APPS and Beer and Shots $3.32 Joe Beeverz Tuesday Taco Bar 11:30 am - 1:30 pm / $15 Tuesday / 2-4-1 Wings Ribs Wednesday Montanas Wednesday All you can eat Ribs for 29.00 per person Pizza Hut Mon & Tue & Wed All you can eat Wings and Pizza 5:30 - 7:30 pm Prairie Firehouse Monday & Tuesday Paint Night Mondays & Trivia Night Tuesdays Smittys Sportsline Lounge Wednesday BUCK UP - Make a single and double for an extra $1 plus APP specials The Dock Thursday $7.50 schooners of Keiths / 20% off burgers after 4 pm / 50% off desserts The Keg Mon to Fri 4 - 6 pm and Sat & Sun 9 pm - midnight All APPS on special during those hours Lady of the Lake  Friday 5-9pm $15 Steak 'n 'Shrooms with all the fixings. $10 Meatloaf dinner (5-9pm) If we are missing your business please let us know - darryl@bdnmb.ca

WHAT: The Westman Multicultural Festival (formerly the Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival) is hosting two information sessions for individuals or groups who are interested in hosting a pavilion during the 2018 Westman Multicultural Festival. WHEN: Monday, October 16 AND Monday, October 23 7:00 p.m. *Those planning on attending only need to attend one session. WHERE: Westman Immigrant Services 1001 Pacific Avenue The Westman Multicultural Festival will be held February 1-3, 2018. The society recently reconvened to begin planning next year’s event, which will mark the 15th anniversary. Over the years, Westman residents have become accustomed to celebrating the broad cultural diversity within our community as they visit the various host pavilions at locations throughout the city. This signature event in Brandon has become a welcome winter respite as festival goers enjoy warm friendship, food, beverages, entertainment, art and customs from around the world. We look forward to sharing information with groups or individuals who may be interested in starting a new pavilion or reviving one that was part of the festival in the past.

The Brandon Police Service Monster Mash Committee is currently planning the annual event which takes place on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at the Keystone Centre UCT Pavilion Room. The event runs from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. for students of the Brandon School Division Grades 7 to 12. Students must provide their BSD Student ID. All students must check their coats and bags/backpacks. No alcohol or anyone smelling of alcohol will be allowed inside. There will be mandatory pat-down security checks upon entering the event. Once you leave the UCT Pavilion Room, you can't come back inside. The event provides students with a safe, fun and free place to gather who may otherwise be on the streets. Since inception, incidents of vandalism in Brandon have significantly been reduced.  Over 30 volunteers make the event possible and sponsorship from community businesses are the key to the success of the event! Food, music, games, and prizes are just a few things that create a fun and festive evening of enjoyment for all involved. However, it is only through the generous financial support of the Brandon Business Community and through volunteers that the event remains a success.