Based on ongoing consultations with the Province of Manitoba, Dauphin’s Countryfest has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 festival to 2022. “Planning the festival takes well over a year from preparing the site to be home to over 10,000 patrons to coordinating over 1300 volunteers” said President Ann Ransom. “The uncertainty of the right COVID-19 protocols to have in place to ensure the safety of festival goers, just leaves us with no choice but to hold off on welcoming everyone back to the hill this summer.” “Dauphin’s Countryfest has a significant economic impact to the business and volunteer community. We have a responsibility to Dauphin, and the surrounding communities, to bring the festival back in 2022.” said Ransom. “The board and staff are excitedly making big plans for July 1 – 3, 2022.” “Although this isn’t the news anyone wants to hear, we are taking the opportunity to refresh the festival for 2022,” said General Manager Rob Waloschuk, noting some exciting changes are being planned. He continues to work with the province and health authorities and is confident live music events will be a reality soon. “While there may not be a festival as we know it this year, we are currently planning on presenting some smaller scale ‘Covid Safe’ events throughout the summer, all based on public health guidelines.” The 2022 lineup is in the works, but fans will be happy to know that Johnny Reid has reconfirmed for next years’ festival. Incentives for patrons that leave their tickets in for 2022 include an exclusive performance by Corb Lund, among others. Details on all ticket processes and more exclusive incentives will be going out via email directly to all ticket holders in the next week to ten days.(Countryfest Release)

After having been closed for the past several seasons, the Shamrock Drive In in Killarney is looking to open in July of this year. Joanne Struss tells bdnmb.ca that the last movie they played at the drive-in (Cinderella) was on May long weekend back in 2015. To say that Joanne and her husband Daren faced many obstacles in re-opening would be an understatement. In 2015 they lost 1/2 the screen during a severe storm. While waiting for repairs to the original screen a second wind storm in 2016 took down the other half of the screen. Due to the availability of movies from the studios they also had to look at converting from 35mm to a new digital projector. In speaking with bdnmb.ca earlier today Joanne described her excitement for the drive-ins re-opening and provided a brief history of all that has transpired into getting the business operational again. They purchased a digital projector back in 2016 from a drive-in in Idaho. Several months ago the couple secured 4-large shipping containers (40' long and 9’6” feet high) that will be the backbone of the new outdoor screen. Three of the containers were stacked on top on one another while the fourth was positioned at the back for stability. With the newly installed shipping containers serving as the screen and the digital projector in-hand, the drive-in is once again equipped to operate. Photo: Submitted She went on to say that there is still some work to complete prior to opening. They have to inquire as to what movies may be available this summer, test the projector(s), and fill in the seems on the shipping containers. Concession services will be available. The drive-in has room for approximately 180 cars and you have the option of using an old time speaker for your window or listening to clear FM sound on 88.3 through your own car stereo. The family first purchased the business back in 2011 and is eagerly waiting on re-opening this summer. When asked why they continued to look for avenues to re-open after so many years away, Joanne said "I feel in love with the business." Photo: Submitted

Like all musicians in Brandon and the Westman area, singer/songwriter Emma Peterson has been missing out on performing at live shows and the interaction she shares with those who flock to her performances. "The feeling of connecting through music" is what Emma told bdnmb.ca she misses most about live performances. "The reason I make music is to make other people feel the emotion I’m trying to convey in my music. There is nothing like connecting with others in person." Emma estimates she had to cancel upwards of 20 shows since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, including getting the opportunity to open for High Valley, Manitoba Summer Games and the Manitoba Country Music Association Awards. While she was able to play 2 small shows when restrictions were loosened in the summer, her last major live performance was at Houstons in Brandon opening for Petric (February 28, 2020). Usually in the summer the country music artist expects to plan 10+ shows in Manitoba at different street fairs, family fun weekends, and festivals. As an emerging artist, opportunities often come up last minute and performing is an essential part of building on her craft and connecting with others.  Emma, who has been performing live in Brandon venues for the past 3-4 years, has put her downtime to good use. "Writing, writing, and more writing. The slower year has given me the opportunity to develop musically, but also professionally, behind the scenes" she said. "I have had more time to grow and become a better writer and musician. I have also been able to learn more about the music industry. I think that this time has given me an opportunity to learn and do things I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise." "One of my favourite parts of performing is thanking everyone after the show for coming and hearing how they enjoyed the show" said Emma.  "I hope sometime soon I can do that again! I am thankful for social media and the role it plays in helping me stay connected with everyone."

Brandon, MB – City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services has partnered with Safe at Home MB and Westman Communications Group TV (WCGtv) to deliver the No Blue Mondays Virtual Performance Series on Mondays from March 1 – March 22nd, 2021.  The No Blue Mondays Virtual Performance Series will feature some of Manitoba’s talented artists, including comedians, musicians, and dancers, to name a few.  Each Monday there will be three showings of the performances at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.  For more details on each week’s unique performance, please visit and follow the City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services Facebook page. WCGtv will be airing these performances via: ·       WCGtv Channel 12 SD* ·       WCGtv Channel 1012 HD* ·       Livestream on westmancom.com/personal/wcgtv/watch-live *Viewers will need a WCGtv subscription to watch the performances on WCGtv channels. However, no subscription is required to view the livestream on WCGtv’s website. WCGtv is a non-profit organization that works hard supporting local communities and sharing their stories. For more info on WCGtv, please visit westmancom.com. No Blue Mondays is supported by the Safe at Home MB Grant Program, which was created to help Manitobans to enjoy active, engaged lives during a period of critical level restrictions in our communities. For more info on Safe at Home MB, please visit safeathomemb.ca.(City of Brandon PSA)

The images below show some of the best Christmas light displays in Brandon for 2020. All photos by Liam Pattison Photography. Memorial Cres Lyndale Drive Sycamore Drive Applewood Bay Cottonwood Cres Garwood Drive 400 block of 4th St Linden Blvd Poplar Drive Christie Bay Almond Cres Imperial Cres 300 block of 26th 239 Princess Ave E 2201 Lyndale Drive