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/        

The Churro Stop is set to return to Food Truck Warz in Brandon in 2024. This year's event will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024, at the Keystone Centre grounds. The Churro Stop is known for its delicious churros, including varieties filled with Dulce de Leche and Bavarian cream, as well as a selection of dipping sauces. In 2017, they took home the Fan Favorite award at Brandon's Food Truck Warz and then finished second in 2018 voting. "We are extremely excited to welcome The Churro Stop back to our event in 2024" said co-organizer Darryl Wolski. "In the past they have developed quite the loyal following in Brandon and we expect that trend to continue this year" added Wolski.     Churros, often described as the Spanish doughnut, are a fried-dough pastry traditionally sprinkled with sugar and sometimes cinnamon. Their origins trace back to Spain and Portugal, but they have become a beloved treat in many countries around the world. The classic churro is simple yet delicious, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, doughy interior. The Churro Stop will successfully capture the hearts and taste buds of many this Food Truck Warz, combining the timeless appeal of churros with the convenience and excitement of mobile dining. Whether you’re a churro aficionado or a first-time taster, the Churro Stop will offer a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.

The Westman Multicultural Festival held their Summer Multicultural Celebration yesterday at the Brandon Riverbank. This one-day event showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Westman region and was a vibrant celebration of music, dance, food, and interactive cultural experiences from the many different groups who took part.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman will be hosting their annual haunted house event at Livingstone Outdoor -(1610 Byng Avenue, Brandon) in 2024.  This event is a significant fundraiser for the organization, with all proceeds going to support local child and youth programs. The haunted house will feature a variety of scares, ranging from classic horrors to modern frights, designed to keep attendees on edge. This event is part of the organization's broader mission to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the potential in young people. Dates and Times:October 17-19 and October 23-26, 20246:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission:12 and Over: $1012 and Under: $7