Take in some classic holiday music in unforgettably deep fashion this Saturday, at Tuba Christmas.Brandon University’s Dr. Aaron Wilson arranges the annual event, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in Brandon this year. The event began in New York in 1974, and Wilson brought it to Brandon in 2014.  “People go all out. We say deck your tuba in holiday apparel and dress as festively as possible,” says Wilson, an assistant professor of low brass at the BU School of Music. “People decorate their tubas in garland, wrapping paper, even lights. We also have Tuba Christmas hats — those sell out every year.” Anyone who can play tuba or euphonium is welcome to participate. There is a nominal registration fee of $10, and another $10 for the book of carols as arranged for tuba. Pre-registration is available online, or players can register the day of starting at 10 a.m. Wilson expects 30–35 players at this year’s event, which he credits to strong tuba instructors around Brandon and Westman. “Teachers at schools throughout the area do a fantastic job recruiting players into tuba and euphonium, and they do a great job teaching them,” Wilson says. “Many of the teachers join their students and play at Tuba Christmas as well.” The show will feature two ensembles: a main ensemble starting at 2:30 p.m. that will play six to eight tunes, followed by a beginner ensemble, which is led by students from the BU School of Music. This year’s Tuba Christmas will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. There is no admission charge, however there is limited space in the gallery. “There’s room for about a hundred people and it’s standing room only,” he says.

The guys over at Prairie Dawg Entertainment and Cream Clothing are pleased to announce that the one and only Afroman will be live in concert at Houstons on Friday, January 11.  The American hip-hop artist and musician is best known for his hit single 'Because I Got High' which was released in 2001.  The song went on to become a worldwide hit in late 2001 earning Afroman a Grammy nomination for Best Solo Rap Solo Performance in 2002.  His other notable singles include tracks like “Crazy Rap,” “Colt 45” and “Let’s All Get Drunk”.  He has been touring colleges, and cities across the country for the past 15+ years!  Prairie Dawg Entertainment tell bdnmb.ca that "they are excited to drop this announcement and couldn't be more pumped about bringing something this big to our small city". Local support provided by Cypha Diaz, Kairo, Blackout Music, DT, and Nappy.  Regina rapper Pimpton, along with his crazy stage presence, will be the evenings special guest.  Advance tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at Houstons, R Dubz, Cream Clothing and The Clarion Hotel & Suites. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 26th. The Facebook event page can be found here.

The Calvary Temple’s Singing Christmas Tree will be presenting a total of six performances, over a four day period in December. The Singing Christmas Tree has been a long standing tradition in Brandon, hosting shows since the 70’s. The production incorporates an enormous Christmas Tree which houses the 50-person choir. A children’s choir, drama, and special visual effects accompany each presentation. Admission is free and an offering will be accepted with 10% of all offerings received going to the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner. Non-perishable food donations will also be accepted on behalf of the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen. Doors open 1-hour prior to each show. Show-times: Thursday, December 6 & Friday, December 7: 7:00 pm Saturday, December 8: 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm Sunday, December 9: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation will be holding their annual “Dakota Nation Winterfest” for four days inside Westman Communications Group Place starting January 31, 2019. The event is a long standing tradition in Western Manitoba and is a combination of cultural and aboriginal sports. Now in it's 47th year the festival encompasses activities and events for all age groups including a square dance competition, talent show, basketball, volleyball and moccasin games. One of the more popular events each year is the adult and minor hockey tournaments drawing teams from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Sr. Mens hockey tournament is especially popular and brings in players with WHL and Jr. A hockey experience.

Dauphin’s Countryfest is giving away a free concert to a non-profit organization to help raise funds for their community. As a way to give back, and to celebrate their 30th birthday, they want YOUR TOWN to host their pre-birthday PARTY! Dauphin’s Countryfest will provide one lucky Manitoba community with an opportunity to host a country music concert, headlined by Canadian country music legend CHARLIE MAJOR, in the spring of 2019. Dauphin’s Countryfest provides the concert, and the lucky community gets to retain all of the proceeds for their organization. “Leaving your 20’s behind is an exciting milestone that deserves to be celebrated. The Board of Directors and the staff have been having so much fun planning all the ways to celebrate 30 years of running Manitoba’s largest country music festival. We are thrilled to finally be sharing some of our plans with you.” says Ann Ransom, President of Dauphin’s Countryfest, adding “It’s our birthday, but it’s everybody’s party!” All submission details can be found at www.OurBirthdayYourParty.ca The contest opens to all eligible applicants at 9:00 am (CT) on November 14, 2018 and closes at 11:59 pm (CT) on March 31, 2019.