Music lovers and community members in Brandon are gearing up for a special event to kickoff the month of November the annual Band Jam for Cancer. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with an impressive lineup of local bands, all coming together to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support. "Chris Kemp is a local musician who decided to create the event as a way to involve the local music scene and help out the Cancer Society. In a past interview with me he stated the following, “The Band Jam was created to honour the memory of a wonderful woman named Georgette Williams who was a big part of my life as a musician. My first band practiced in her basement and she acted as our manager, agent and pretty much everything else we were too dumb to take care of ourselves. When she passed away from lung cancer, it was devastating. At her funeral, the floor was opened up to anyone who wanted to say something about her and I sat and said nothing. I felt I needed to do something to pay respect to her, so I went to Heidi (Former Owner/Manager of The 40) with the idea for the band jam and she loved it!" Frank McGwire-Iwasiuk told bdnmb.ca "October of 1997 was the date of the first Band Jam for Cancer at the 40. The 20th anniversary of the event was celebrated in October of 2016. Then the event was shelved for various reasons until a couple of individuals expressed interest in reviving it. I personally remember asking Chris a couple times over the past few years if he was going to do it again and offered my help if he was ever going to do another Band Jam for Cancer. Both times he said it was on the backburner. Then wouldn't you know it, I go through my own bout with cancer and following a rough winter followed by a prostatectomy in March. During my recovery I received a group message from a former bandmate (Anastasia Jane) who also recently endured a bout with cancer. She wanted to know if the event was going to happen this fall and offered her help to revive it. Chris Kemp was the other person in the group message. I ran the idea by Robin (Manager at The 40) and she agreed to a meeting to help plan everything out. Now we have sponsors (B.O.B. Headquarters and Smitten on 18th Street) as well as media sponsors (96.1 Bounce FM and Pure Country 101.1 FM). We will gladly accept support from any other local businesses who would like to co-sponsor the event." added Frank. The line-ups for both nights (Friday, Nov. 1st and Saturday, November 2nd) are full. Here's the schedule: Nov 1 Hansel Crossfyre 8 Track Shuffle 18 Rabbit Nov 2 Anastasia Jane Simple Jack Trashed Panda Just Dynamite Nuthin But Trouble The bands start at 9pm both nights. There'll be a 50/50 draw and door prize draws each night of the event. They are still looking for a few volunteers to sell 50/50 and door prize tickets. $10.00 Advance tickets for the event will be available soon.   The Band Jam for Cancer is more than just a music festival. It’s a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting those affected by cancer. All proceeds from the event will go towards the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. Mark your calendars and join in the effort to fight cancer while enjoying a fantastic day out. For more information, tickets, or to make a donation, visit their official Facebook event page.

Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season as Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland brings its magical extravaganza to Westoba Place, November 26th. Get ready to be swept away on a journey filled with music, marvels, and merriment, guaranteed to ignite the festive spirit in all who attend. Join visitors for a breathtaking spectacle featuring the unparalleled talents of the Cirque Musica ensemble. From awe-inspiring acrobatics to gravity-defying aerial feats, every moment is a testament to the extraordinary skill and boundless imagination of our performers. Delight in the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies as Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers a heartwarming celebration like no other. Bring the whole family and revel in the joy of the season as we create cherished memories together. Don't miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland – where the magic of the holidays comes alive in a dazzling display of talent and spectacle. Let your imagination soar this holiday season!

In the heart of Deloraine, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, lies a gem that promises a day of relaxation and fun—a quaint community pool. As you walk towards it, the sounds of laughter and splashing water greet you, a cheerful symphony that sets the tone for the day. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the bright summer sky. Families lounge on colorful beach towels, children playfully chase each other, and the lifeguard, with a watchful eye, ensures everyone's safety. Upon finding a cozy spot to settle, you take a moment to appreciate the simplicity of it all. The pool, though modest in size, offers everything you need: a four lane junior Olympic lap section, leisure pool with beach entry and water umbrella, diving board and a twister waterslide. After hours of swimming, playing, and lounging, your stomach begins to rumble, signaling that it's time for lunch. You pack up your belongings, bid farewell to the new friends you've made, and head towards the nearby restaurant that locals have been raving about, The Rendezvous Restaurant. Just a short drive from the pool, the restaurant stands as a beloved fixture of the town. Its exterior is inviting and once you step inside, you are greeted by the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals and the friendly smile of the host. The menu is a delightful mix of classic comfort foods and unique local specialties. When visiting, one must try the iconic "Fat Boy" burger. This towering behemoth of a sandwich is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Packed with layers of flavor and texture, the Fat Boy burger is a testament to indulgence and culinary creativity. Each layer is carefully placed to ensure every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The toasted bun forms the base, followed by a generous amount of in-house chili, cheddar cheese, red & green lettuce, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and the star of the show the charbroiled patty. Available in either a single or double patty. Or you may want to try one of signature sandwiches like the Philly Steak Sandwich. This sandwich features thinly sliced prime rib cooked to perfection, melted mozza cheese, sautéed peppers, and a gourmet onion ring piled into a long, soft ciabatta roll. The result is a savory, melty, and satisfying sandwich that's a slight twist on the traditional  Philadelphia cheesesteak. As you sip your coffee, you reflect on the day's simple pleasures. The laughter and camaraderie at the pool, the delicious meal enjoyed in good company, and the overall sense of community that permeates this small town. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found in the simplest of activities—a day spent enjoying the sun, the water, and the flavors of a great meal.

BYOL (that's bring your own lawnchair) to Princess Park, in the heart of Downtown Brandon as the sun sets on the Prairie Wires' Summer Sound Series. The air will be energized as Prairie Wires turns it's focus on a showcase of Brandon University School of Music alumni. WHAT: Prairie Wires' Summer Sound Series, concert 4/4 WHO: Brady Allard, L'Alien, Koda Maxon WHERE: Princess Park Stage, at Princess & 8th. Brandon, MB WHEN: Saturday August 17, 2024 - 7:00 - 9:00 PM ABOUT THE ARTISTS: ---------------------------------- Brady Allard (Winnipeg, MB) Brady Allard is a Métis composer and audio installation artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. With influences spanning electronic music, composition, and experimental sound design, Brady creates immersive sonic environments that challenge music conventions. A lifelong musician and synthesizer enthusiast, Brady earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz from Brandon University in 2011, where he discovered electro-acoustic composition. Since then, he has embarked on a career as an audio installation artist, focusing on immersive installations that explore the relationships between sound, space, and perception. Brady's art is a tool for social commentary and critique of capitalist structures. His compositions incorporate class analysis and expose the ways in which power relations affect individuals and communities. Through his installations, Brady challenges his audiences to engage with sound as a means of exploring complex themes and ideas, using his art as a platform for meaningful dialogue and exploration. Brady's compositions often incorporate field recordings, found sounds, generative algorithms, and custom-built instruments, revealing unique sonic textures and resonances. His work is a testament to his commitment to using his art as a means of effecting social change, and inspiring the exploration of what is possible through sound. ---------------------------------- L'Alien (Erickson/Winnipeg) L’Alien is a new highly melodic collaboration between Leila Kristianson (trumpet) and Iain Edye (synths, drum machines), who met when they performed in different projects at Brandon’s Drone Day event in 2022. Incorporating ambient soundscapes and drones, downtempo grooves, and occasional forays into Celtic fiddle tunes, their inaugural performance at the Prairie Wires’ Summer Sound Series will be a continuous semi-improvised journey of music, playing off each other in the spirit of spontaneity, exploration, and fun. Hailing from Erickson, Iain Edye is a drummer, synthesist, songwriter, and vocalist-in-the-car, whose other current projects include the classic rock stylings of Route Ten Collective and his original synthpop solo project, acidbasement. Currently residing in Winnipeg, Leila Kristianson is a multi-instrumentalist with a focus on trumpet. She holds a Bachelor’s in jazz trumpet performance from Brandon University School of Music, and currently teaches trumpet, as well as jazz and theory concepts at middle and high school levels. She performs in several bands and multiple genres, and also works as a freelance musician. ---------------------------------- Koda Maxon (Brandon) Koda Maxon (they/them) is a vibrant Canadian Vocalist, Artist and Composer based out of Brandon, Manitoba. Their compositional works focus on contemporary techniques and the use of multimedia to explore topics of identity, nature, and connectivity. Koda’s goal as a composer is to explore the art of sound through the creation of sonic works that allow the listener to open up, think deeply, and see the world from a different perspective. They find inspiration in topics of intense emotions, their relationship to nature, spirituality and queer Identity. Koda is a playful composer who loves to explore new harmonies and extended techniques.

If you click on the word entrepreneur you might see the photo of Brandon's Darcy Willey. In September Willey will open a new business at NeXgen 1608 Park Ave. called the Hologram Zoo.   This company started  in Australia however Willey has secured the Manitoba rights and is the first of its kind in North America.   Close to a one million dollar investment and is slated to open in the middle of September. Some information from the NeXgen Facebook page We're thrilled to announce the launch of North America's FIRST HOLOGRAM ZOO, right here in Brandon, Manitoba! This revolutionary attraction uses CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY to bring the animal kingdom to life in a way you've never experienced before. Our hologram zoo is an immersive world where you'll encounter stunningly realistic animals, learn about their habitats and conservation efforts, and be inspired by the beauty of nature. Plus, enjoy seasonal installations like: Christmas: a thrilling ride on Santa's sleigh filled with holiday cheer! Halloween: a spooky spectacle featuring bats, spiders, and more! Our installations will change regularly, so you'll always find something new and exciting! We're proud to partner with Axiom Holographics, whose Hologram Zoo has received the prestigious BEST INVENTION OF 2023 AWARD and the THOMAS EDISON AWARD for innovation and excellence in technology! Don't miss out on this groundbreaking experience that's sure to delight visitors of all ages! Stay tuned for updates and sneak peeks, and get ready to be amazed by the future of wildlife exploration!   As always congrats to Darcy Willey and this new business that will be amazing for school and birthday parties. Click below for the promo video https://www.facebook.com/nexgenfec/videos/792642242700705/