Organizers of Food Truck Warz in Brandon, MB continue to work vigorously towards putting forth the best possible experience for those attending this year's event.  Last night the organizing committee gathered for a three hour strategic planning session where many important decisions were finalized.   With the additional space downtown provided this years event, a beer garden and Wonder Shows Mid Way was added.  "One of the most common questions we have been getting so far is where is everything going to go and how is it going to look" said Darryl Wolski.   While not everything has been 100% cemented in stone organizers have released a short video of what people can expect to see come mid-September.  Additional details will also be released closer to the event.

Local Pink Floyd fans are in for a treat this fall as PIGS: Canada’s Pink Floyd brings their acclaimed live show across Canada to perform some of the most amazing music ever created. Currently Canada’s only national touring Pink Floyd tribute, the Outside / In Canadian Tour 2018 will take PIGS from Nanaimo, BC to Sydney, NS and back. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon with PIGS, as they recreate the live Pink Floyd experience, bringing the majestic music and legendary concert experience to fans and new audiences alike. PIGS are well known throughout Canada for their authentic rendition of classic Pink Floyd songs both new and old—this year the band will be performing many great tunes from albums as early as Atom Heart Mother to later classics from The Division Bell.  As a special 45th anniversary treat, PIGS will also be performing THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON in its entirety at every show. Come and hear Pink Floyd’s epic masterpiece played in full, with lasers and a giant Mr Screen, flawlessly played with authentic instrumentation for the most incredible live sound.  After years of playing songs from throughout Pink Floyd’s vast catalogue, PIGS are excited to dig deep into the crucial years of 1970-1975 on this tour to really explore the history around some of the greatest music ever set to tape. Formed in 2008 in Victoria, British Columbia, PIGS: Canada's Pink Floyd Tribute honour Pink Floyd's music like no other band. They have spent over ten years meticulously recreating the live sound and concert experience of 70s era Pink Floyd and have perfected their craft in front of sold out audiences throughout Canada. Using authentic instruments and equipment, the band recreates the sound and live concert experience of Pink Floyd in their heyday. Pink Floyd's live show was always a huge part of their appeal—and PIGS have been working to keep that experience alive for generations to come. They have the voices, the mannerisms, the authentic gear, the lights, lasers, visuals, and the sound. PIGS shows truly are a labour of love.  Over a dozen different guitars and basses are used each night, songs are carefully performed combining aspects from both studio and original live versions, and the correct equipment is used when possible down to the proper cables and guitar strings.  Set-lists are developed to contain the biggest hits and the most interesting rarities; PIGS do everything they can to keep their shows fresh, dynamic, authentic, and exciting for their fans. One of Canada's premiere visual artists, VJ Photon (Erik Nortman) has been working with PIGS since 2009, collaborating with the band to combine their own material with original footage from Pink Floyd’s Mr Screen, closely imitating the classic look from the seventies with state of the art visuals and lasers. PIGS’ Outside / In Tour brings fans an incredible night with almost 3 full hours of flawlessly played music, authentic sound, state of the art lasers and visuals to bring you as close to the legendary Pink Floyd concert experience as possible. Come see why PIGS is considered the one of the finest Pink Floyd tributes anywhere.   Tickets are $49.50 advance/ $55 at door (inclusive)  and are available at: The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, 205 20th Street, by phone 204-728-9510 or online at www.wmca.ca OUTSIDE / IN Canadian Tour Fall 2018   Sat Sep 15 - Nanaimo, BC - The Port Theatre Sat Sep 22 - Powell River, BC - Max Cameron Theatre Sat Oct 13 - Brandon, MB - Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Wed Oct 17 - Sault Ste Marie, ON - Sault Community Theatre Centre Fri Oct 19 - London, ON - Wolf Performance Hall Sat Oct 20 - Cornwall, ON - Aultsville Theatre Sun Oct 21 - Sudbury, ON - Fraser Auditorium Wed Oct 24 - Barrie, ON - The Georgian Theatre Thurs Oct 25 - Lindsay, ON - Academy Theatre Sun Oct 28 - Saint John, NB - Imperial Theatre Tues Oct 30 - Fredericton, NB - The Playhouse Thurs Nov 1 - Sydney, NS - Highland Arts Theatre Fri Nov 2 - Summerside, PEI - Harbourfront Theatre Sat Nov 3 - Halifax, NS - Bella Rose Arts Centre Sun Nov 4 - Moncton, NB -  Capitol Theatre Wed Nov 7 - Quebec, QC - Impérial Bell Thurs Nov 8 - Ottawa, ON - Harold Shenkman Hall Fri Nov 9 - Pembroke, ON - Festival Hall Sat Nov 10 - Burlington, ON - The Burlington Performing Arts Centre Fri Nov 16 - Lethbridge, AB - Yates Memorial Theatre   Proudly presented by 96.1 BOB FM and Ghostfinger Productions www.ghostfingerproductions.com Visuals by VJ Photon www.vjphoton.com -- PIGS:http://www.canadapinkfloyd.com https://www.facebook.com/canadianpinkfloyd https://www.twitter.com/floydtribute  

Perhaps the word pioneers is strong but for Reid Hunter and Rick Nicholson they felt that  with their unique conversations and humour that they could possibly build a podcast on a weekly basis that could get hundreds and thousands of followers.  The two long-time pals, in their early 20's, discuss everything from politics to Countryfest and from travel to MMA. BDNMB – So guys what was the inspiration for this idea? Hunter and Nicholson - We always had interesting conversations and thought why not record them and see if people will listen. BDNMB – To my knowledge you are the only podcast to originate from Brandon. Hunter - At the time we started it we were the only podcast in Brandon...I believe we still are. BDNMB – Any hate Email to date? Hunter and Nicholson - Some people aren’t the biggest fans but nothing to serious as far as hate mail goes. BDNMB – This is not really a family friendly program … are any topics off limits? Hunter - No topic is off limit if it gets really inappropriate or offensive we will just edit it out...but It’s pretty unfiltered and honest the way the world is intended to be. BDNMB – Are you monetize this venture and get people to sponsor the podcast? Nicholson - Yes people can advertise on our podcast so far we’ve had Pizza Express and Techdryer sponsored a few episodes. Soundcloud Link.  You can also follow the guys on Twitter.

Four new and two returning members have been appointed to the board of Manitoba Film and Music (MFM), Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today. “Manitoba is home to thriving film and music communities and MFM plays a critical role in fostering the growth of both of these industries in our province,” said Cox. “The board of directors is dedicated to seeing this province succeed as a production centre and music hub and delivering programs that help these industries serve as important drivers in the Manitoba economy.” New appointments to the MFM board include: Daniel Donahue (Winnipeg) has been appointed as the chair and is a composer, musician, producer and recordist with more than 35 years of experience working in the music and multimedia fields. He has been a self-employed music professional since graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1975, collaborating with the likes of Fred Penner, the University of Manitoba School of Music and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Donahue has also served on various boards, including the Music Professionals of Manitoba Board of Directors, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors and the Manitoba Music Board of Directors; Joy Loewen (Winnipeg) is a passionate supporter of the production, promotion and exhibition of Canadian art and artists. She is currently the manager of programs and development at the National Screen Institute and has worked as a broadcast and festival programmer at WTN, CBC and the Gimli Film Festival. Additionally, she was program manager at On Screen Manitoba and executive director at Freeze Frame Media Arts Centre for Young People. She is the past chair of the Balmoral Hall School board and a member of the Yorkton Film Festival and Rainbow Stage board of directors. She also serves as a member of the Gimli Film Festival programming committee and The Winnipeg Foundation's strategic initiatives committee; Rachel Margolis (Winnipeg) is a lawyer with MLT Aikins. Her practice is focused on the entertainment industry with emphasis on film and television, in addition to the corporate and commercial area. She has served on numerous boards including Manitoba Music, On Screen Manitoba, Freeze Frame Manitoba and Food Banks Canada; and Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg) is the chief information officer for Proximity Mobile and former Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South. He previously served as executive director of the Winnipeg International Film Festival and has done organizational work for the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film and Video Festival and the North American Indigenous Games. His board experience includes the Manitoba Children’s Museum, River View Health Centre and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Council. Returning appointments to the MFM are: Kevin Donnelly (Winnipeg) is the senior vice president of venues and entertainment for True North Sports and Entertainment, where he manages Bell MTS Place and its event calendar. He had a lengthy career as a successful promoter, both independently and with House of Blues Concerts Canada. He is a board member of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Economic Development Winnipeg. He also participates on the Advisory Board of the Venue Coalition, representing more than 50 arenas across North America; and Cameron Clark (Brandon) is the general manager of Westman Communications Group which includes Westman Radio Ltd., 91.5 Q Country FM and 94.7 Star FM in Brandon. His community involvement includes the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum, the United Way of Brandon and District, the Broadcast Association of Manitoba and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The minister thanked outgoing board members for their service and noted that the total number of board positions is being reduced to six from eight.

This year’s all-day Summer Lights Music Festival is set for Saturday, September 8th at Princess Park.  Confirmed as headliners for the September festival include Valdy, Sheri Ulrich, Red Moon Road, Del Barber, The 204 and more.  Other artists on the bill include Leaf Rapids, Katie McDonald, & Fontine. Advance tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors, and are available beginning Thursday, August 3rd at following businesses: Ted Good Music and Fraser Sneath Coffee.  Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the festival at a cost of $30 for adults and $25 for students/seniors.  Children under 12 get in free. More information on the 2018 Summer Lights Festival, including a full performance schedule and food and vendor information, can be found at http://summerlightsmusicfestival.com/.