Submitted: Brandon School Division On Friday, April 28, 2017, Grade Five students and their music teachers from the Westman and Parkland regions and into Saskatchewan will come together for a day of creative music making at Orff Children’s Day 2017. This fun-filled and musically enriching event will take place at the School of Music, Brandon University from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children’s Day, sponsored by the Manitoba Orff Chapter, will feature five excellent clinicians including Brandon’s own Kelsey Simpson. Under the leadership of these experts, students will take part in various workshops integrating choral singing, recorder, movement, and ensemble playing on drums and Orff instruments. The chosen theme is "Blast From the Past” – focusing on the works of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. The day's activities will culminate in a sharing session presented by all participating students from 3:00-3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Students were selected to represent their individual schools at this fantastic professional development opportunity and event. Together with their music teachers, they look forward to taking part in exciting new musical experiences to bring back to their peers.

Spring officially kicked off one month ago on March 20, but it hasn’t been until this past week that we’re actually starting to see signs of good things to come. With the warmer temperatures…the grass is starting to turn green, buds on the trees are making their way out and the robins are singing their sweet songs (and waking us up at 4 a.m.)! Seeing other early bloomers are also strong indications that old man winter is indeed taking a much needed break! Photos: Wanda Kurchaba

Brandon, and area residents, will have the opportunity to pick up some new wheels this weekend when the Kiwanis Club of Brandon hosts their popular spring bike auction. The Brandon Kiwanis Club has a contractual arrangement with the Brandon Police Service to sell bicycles that they collect through theft, and other means. This year approximately 100-125 bikes are expected be up for auction, and volunteers have been busy servicing the bikes prior to going to auction. Bikes can potentially sell for as low as $10. Miller Auctions will be onsite to auction off the bikes. The event will take place on the 29th of April, 2017 inside the Keystone Centre's Manitoba Room. The auction starts at 10:00 AM. People interested in making a bid for a bike at the auction will have a chance to survey the bikes before the event starting at 9:00 AM. All sales are final and no reserve bids will be accepted.

Suds, Student Union Drinking Spot, located inside Brandon University will be closing their doors for good on Friday, April the 7th. A letter released by the Brandon University Students Union reported a steady decline in business over the past several years resulting in a deficit of over $40,000. The last time the location was profitable was 5-years ago, back in 2012/13. The plan going forward includes using the space with the students in mind by approaching local businesses to service the needs of current, and future students. Located in the Mingling Area of the Knowles-Douglas Building, Suds was a place to relax and socialize on campus. Over the years they played host to a variety of events including karaoke, pool, jazz nights, club socials, and live entertainment.

April 3, 2017 (Dauphin MB)--Dauphin’s Countryfest is pleased to release the next round of artists slated to perform at Canada’s longest running country music festival, taking place June 29-July 2. “Countryfest fans have come to expect an exceptional and well-rounded music festival experience, and the superstar lineup shaping up for 2017 is one of the best we’ve ever put together,” says Eric Irwin, president of Dauphin’s Countryfest. “Dauphin is definitely the place that music fans want to be to ring in Canada’s 150th birthday this year!” Countryfest promoterRob Waloschuk is pleased with how it’s all shaping up: “With superstar headliners each night, this year’s Countryfest will be one of the most stellar we’ve ever put together. We’re bringing in a great mix of country, rock, blues and roots, with something for everyone.” COUNTRYFEST ARTISTS FOR 2017: **Denotes that artist has already been announced **Luke Bryan **Keith Urban **Johnny Reid **Doc Walker **Tim Hicks **Meghan Patrick **Madeline Merlo **Hunter Brothers Eric Paslay The Cadillac Three Jess Moskaluke Cold Creek County The Washboard Union James Barker Band Charlie Major Kenny Shields & Streetheart Jason Blaine Ridley Bent The Dungarees Johnson Crook JD Edwards Band Ryan Keown Kayla Luky Renee Lamoureux Jake Mathews Zachary Lucky Samara Yung Past The Perimeter Toque Sykamore Leeroy Stagger Ray Martin Band The 24th Street Wailers Bullrider Tyler Del Pino Justin Lacroix David Pestrak Russell Lee Kates Outlaw   LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING: A limited number of weekend passes, VIPs, camping and day passes remain for the 2017 Dauphin’s Countryfest. Tickets can be purchased online at www.countryfest.ca, by calling 1-800-361-7300, or in-person at the Dauphin’s Countryfest office (28 2nd Avenue NE in Dauphin).Ticket prices increase on May 1. ABOUT DAUPHIN’S COUNTRYFEST: The 28th annual Dauphin’s Countryfest takes place June 29-July 2, 2017. Canada’s longest running country music festival has been attracting the biggest names in country music to one of the most beautiful regions of Manitoba since 1990. Situated on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park, the unique outdoor amphitheatre built into the side of an escarpment provides every patron a perfect view from any one of the 14,000 seats in the house. Dauphin’s Countryfest is a not-for-profit organization that consists of a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors and a membership of more than 2000 loyal supporters. Organizers credit over 2000 volunteers who work tirelessly each year providing essential services for the festival weekend, while fundraising for their respective community organizations. In addition to various community contributions, Countryfest pays out approximately $150,000 each year to community organizations that provide services for the festival. Dauphin’s Countryfest took home the award for Festival or Event of the Year at the 2015 Manitoba Country Music awards, and was a finalist at the prestigious Canadian Tourism Awards in 2013, nominated for Tourism Event of the Year. The festival was awarded the 2012 Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Dauphin & District Community Foundation, given to individuals or businesses showing the true spirit of philanthropy and giving.