A free concert with world-class entertainment is a big promise but one that will be delivered, says the head of Brandon Salutes, an organization that supports and promotes members of the military.

A regular musical tour featuring a Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) Band from a Canadian Forces base in Alberta that made a stop in Brandon once a year was postponed four years in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brandonites may remember past performances of the RCA Band at city hall during the month of November leading up to Remembrance Day as a salute to veterans.

This year, organizers decided to change the date and location, said Matt Bolley, chair of Brandon Salutes, but the reason for the concert will never change.

“We call it our Salute to Veterans concert, and it’s a way to thank our veterans who have served, whether in past wars or more recent conflicts — this is a thank you to them for what they do. And new this year, we’re having an outdoor concert, scheduled for this Sunday,” Bolley said.

The outdoor show will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Riverbank Discovery Centre’s Fusion Credit Union Stage, a venue that can hold up to 2,000 people, in the hopes of drawing an even bigger crowd than past events, added Bolley.

First to perform during Sunday’s concert will be members of Brandon’s 26th Field Regiment Pipes and Drums, followed by the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) Drum Line out of CFB Shilo.

Up to a dozen reservists with the 26th Regiment Pipes and Drums are expected to play, said Lori Truscott, CFB Shilo director of communications.

Soldiers who make up the 2 PPCLI Drum Line volunteer their time and have to work around courses and regular duties to take part but are looking forward to performing in public again and alongside the RCA Band, Truscott said.

“It’s great that we were able to get the RCA Band as the headline act because they are a world-class band — they have performed for the queen — and they’re putting on a really long set. So, even though it’s a free concert, people are going to get their money’s worth,” Truscott said.

The RCA Band from CFB Edmonton has 35 full-time musicians, many with music degrees and professional experience, but each one must complete full military training, including weapons handling and battle fitness testing.

Besides a performance at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, they were present for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017.

Brandon Salutes, the organization behind the free concert, was formed in 2004, shortly after the German military decided to leave CFB Shilo in 2000, after training its soldiers there for more than 25 years.

That’s when a committee was formed with members from the Wheat City, the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis, CFB Shilo, and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, said Bolley.

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“They all got together and determined that we needed to have a group that promoted the military in our community because we came very close to losing CFB Shilo, which is a huge economic driver in our community, not to mention what it adds to the social economic fabric of Westman,” said Bolley.

The relationship is two-fold, Bolley added.

Through Brandon Salutes, the military community can reach out to the civilian community to show their appreciation.

And while the concert is a salute to veterans, Bolley said everyone is welcome.

“If you’ve never seen any of these three military bands, it’s definitely worth it. People I’ve talked with after a performance marvel at not only how musically talented they are, but the drum line co-ordination and some of the tricks they do with their sticks. So, yeah, they should all be fantastic.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/brandonsalutes.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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