Let’s Do Something — Jan. 23, 2025

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/01/2025 (318 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To get your event featured in a future edition of Let’s Do Something, please send an email to carthur@brandonsun.com with “Let’s Do Something” in the subject line.

TODAY

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Ag Days, an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology and equipment, concludes today at the Keystone Centre with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To learn more about the show, see a schedule of events and purchase tickets, visit agdays.com.

• Daily — The public skating oval at 2020 McGregor Ave. is open for the season. Display of lights around the skating oval will be on from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly throughout the winter. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the display. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and walk through the area to view the lights. Music will play from noon to 11 p.m. every day for the season, and there are fire pits for the public to enjoy.

• 1 p.m. — 365 Group for cancer survivors, caregivers and those who love them meets at Murray House (521 Frederick St.) at 1 p.m. Please call Larry at 204-728-0221 or Anne at 204-728-9958 to register or for more information.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Brandon Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday at The Town Centre (800 Rosser Ave.), featuring fresh produce, baking, jams and jellies, pickling, crafts, beeswax candles and more. This farmers’ market runs year-round.

• 1:30 p.m. — Central Senior Dance returns for the season at Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with lunch to follow. Music by Prairie Fire. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact Pat Anderson at 204-901-1910 or Donald Livesley at 431-763-6470.

• 4:30 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services want you to join them for the grand opening of the North Hill Outdoor Rink located at the Sportsplex Track infield (30 Knowlton Dr.). Parking in the south parking lot. Public skate from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Then come celebrate Brandon’s newest ice with some hot chocolate and watch the ultimate showdown between the U9 Once Upon a Child Kings vs. the U9 Precision Toyota Jets at 6 p.m.

• 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Fraser Valley at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “The Outrun.” All seats are $6. All concession items, $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

SATURDAY

• 11 a.m. — Chess Club with the Brandon Knights Chess Club takes place at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Boards and pieces will be supplied. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required for this program.

• 2 p.m. — The Strathclair Theatre Chorus will be in concert at the Minnedosa United Church (30 Main St. South) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 1 p.m. Seating is limited.

• 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Fraser Valley at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.). Men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• 6 p.m. — I Want That Stuff (138 10th St.) is hosting a Pokemon Trivia Night at 6 p.m. Get a team together and sign up now at iwtsbrandon@gmail.com or by calling 204-717-1419. Team entry is $20. Maximum five per team.

• 6:30 p.m. — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium presents Front Room Sessions featuring JJ Voss. The WMCA Front Room Sessions are pop-up concerts where you will experience our foyer like never before. Experience live music in a casual environment, connect with friends, family and community members over our shared love of live performance. Rush limited seating. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Brandon Chamber Players, celebrating their 25th anniversary, are collaborating with the Westman choral group Konektis, directed by Virden resident Michelle Chyzyk and Brandonites Marla Fontaine and Clint McLachlan, at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.). Doors open at 7 p.m. This program includes choreographed dances, percussionists, jazz musicians, and featured soloists from the choir. The program can be found at brandonchamberplayers.ca. Tickets are $40 and are available by calling or texting 431-431-4105 or at the door. Free for students with valid student ID.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “The Outrun.” All seats are $6. All concession items $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

• 8 p.m. — Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughter as The Comedy Invasion takes over The Elkhorn Resort Spa and Conference Centre in Onanole. Showtime is 8 p.m. Featuring comedians from Canada’s Got Talent, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Edmonton Comedy Festival and the Femme Wave Festival. Tickets available now on Eventbrite or at the venues.

SUNDAY

• 11 a.m. — The Westman Wedding Expo takes place in the UCT Pavilion (entrance B) at the Keystone Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 2 p.m. — A Choral Celebration featuring the University of Regina Choir, under the direction of Dr. Melissa Morgan, and the Brandon University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Andree Dagenais, will take place at Knox United Church (451 18th St.). This concert will feature both single and double-choir works. For more information, visit brandonu.ca/music.

• 2 p.m. — Westman Jams gathers on the last Sunday of each month to play classic country music at The Fringe on Cove Road in Shilo from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. We accept donations to the Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund to help send Westman students to the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden. For more information or directions, call Midge at 204-728-5611.

• 2 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “The Outrun.” All seats are $6. All concession items $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

MONDAY

• 10 a.m. — Come and join us for line dancing at Seniors For Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 1: easy beginner, no experience, Mondays 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.; Level 2: advanced, some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology, Mondays or Wednesdays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $3.50; non-members, $4.50. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 1:15 p.m. — East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre (corner of Victoria Avenue East and Park Street, north entrance) until 4 p.m. Like to play cards? Then please join us. For details, contact Marlene at 204-727-3539.

• 6:30 p.m. — UCT Bingo takes place every Monday at 205 College Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m., with early-bird start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 7:10 p.m. Canteen available. Proceeds stay in Brandon for needs in the community.

• 7 p.m. — Women in Harmony rehearses on Mondays at Trinity United Church in Brandon (1515 Sixth St.). If you would like to check out a rehearsal to see if singing barbershop music with a dynamic and welcoming group of women is for you, join us Mondays at 7 p.m. For more info, call Naomi at 204-724-5152 or email womeninharmony1975@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

• 10:30 a.m. — Join us at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) for a concert with Beppie at 10:30 a.m. Stephanie Nhan, aka Beppie, a double Juno nominee, has been rocking the children’s music scene since 2017 with her electrifying multi-genre sound. There is no cost to attend, but signup is required. To sign up, call 204-727-6648 or email programs@wmrl.ca or visit our downtown branch.

• 11:45 a.m. — The Rotary Club of Brandon No. 1344 meets regularly the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Canad Inns Brandon. For more information, contact Don at 204-729-7188.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Brandon University School of Music pro series presents BU New Music Festival (BUNMF) 2025 Sonic Innovations of Manitoba Concert No. 1 at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Celebrating Orjan Sandred and Gordon Fitzell. Tickets: Adults $20; BU and Conservatory of Music students, no charge. Available at the door.

WEDNESDAY

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — The Brandon Embroiderers meet weekly to share their love of needlework, learn new skills and stitch together. All levels and abilities are welcome to attend. Call Dianne at 204-725-1445 or Darlene at 204-727-1624 for more information.

• 1:30 p.m. — Come and join us for line dancing at Seniors For Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 2: advanced; some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology. Mondays or Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $3.50; non-members, $4.50. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Red Deer Rebels at Westoba Place. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• 7:30 p.m. — Pro Series: Brandon University New Music Festival (BUNMF) Sounds New Concert No. 2, is a collaboration with BU New Music Ensemble (BUNME) the eXperimental Improv Ensemble (XIE) from the University of Manitoba. The concert takes place at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall.

AT THE CLUBS

(Note: Information subject to change after print deadline.)

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — It’s Open Mic Night on Friday at The Lady! Join us from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Text Dallas to sign up at 204-761-1835.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — Black Lights takes to the stage at The 40 this weekend.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — 8 Track Shuffle entertains at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday with some country/rock music. Live and always free.

• Georgie’s Lounge at the Keystone Motor Inn (1050 18th St.) — Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, there is karaoke in Georgie’s Lounge.

• Section 6 Brew Company (1126 Princess Ave.) — Section 6 will be hosting an open reception on Saturday for the art exhibit “Winter’s Veil,” at 7 p.m. Come meet Justin and get lost in the calm serenity of his beautiful snowflake photographs. Desserts are provided and children are welcome.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — We are still partying for Ag Days on Thursday with the Sean Taylor Band. Doors open at 8 p.m.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Come celebrate our light guy’s birthday on Friday with DJ Patelli.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free Music Fridays features Bruce Dunlop with some Celtic tunes and east coast inspired music at 6 p.m.

• Black Wheat Brewing (402 10th St.) — Don’t miss the Raw Bar Oyster pop-up on Saturday. Book your reservations now and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience. Three seatings available at 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, original home of Brandon’s first mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Artifacts include a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century furnishings, First World War memorabilia. Exhibit “Who’s In That Photo? Discovering Brandon’s Polish Roots in Photography,” on loan from Ottawa genealogist Frank Cedar, features 58 reproduced photos on immigration to Canada and the Prairies in the late 1800s. It focuses on Polish families that came from a small village in southeast Poland called Kazcyce to settle in Brandon and Melville, Sask. On display until April 30. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (September to June). Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors and youth (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children), $13; children under five free. For more info, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first since 1907. The AGSM boasts two exhibition spaces, an art school and gift shop that supports more than 60 local Manitoba artists. Opening reception for two new Main Gallery exhibitions takes place on Thursday at 7 p.m. “Barrier, Breach, Scaffold,” is a collection of work pulled out of the vault of Manitoba Art Council’s collection housed in Brandon at the AGSM. “The WOW and the WHY” is a partnership with Manitoba Aurora and Astronomy that blends the miraculous beauty of the northern lights with scientific and traditional knowledge. In the Kayes Community Gallery: “The Eternal Question,” an exhibition with Brandon local artist Tara Leach, on display until Feb. 12. Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed on Sunday and Monday. Entry to the gallery inside The Town Centre parkade in the northeast corner. Free admission. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave. Please use 11th Street door) — Open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment by calling 204-717-4579. Visit our websites: 26fdregmuseum.ca or 12mbdragoons.com.

• Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St., Unit 101) — Attractions include the Brandon History Hall, Manitoba Telephone History, the BJ Hales Natural History Collection, and rotating exhibits celebrating Brandon’s roots. Guided visits are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Phone 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during the Second World War. The museum has a number of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircraft, various aircraft engines and parts, all courtesy of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. The CATPM at the Brandon Municipal Airport has closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring of 2025 from 1-4 p.m. (weather permitting). For more information, call the museum at 204-727-2444 or visit us on Facebook.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — We opened our new temporary exhibit, marking the 110th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The main features of the exhibit include a trench wall, First World War artillery and two machine-gun pits. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; children under 6, free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council’s gallery is in the Heritage Home for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.; closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling 204-554-0023. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook, @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; closed on weekends.

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — Museum house was built in 1888 by James F. Frame, a hardware and lumber merchant and prominent citizen in the community. The main house depicts how a family in the Victorian era would have lived. There are also two additional annexes and a coach house available for viewing. Currently closed for the season. Tours by appointment only by emailing virdenpioneermuseum@wcgwave.ca or calling 204-748-1659.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Jan. 30 — Expressions Concert Series presents Orontes Guitars, a presentation of Prairie Debut at Tanner’s Crossing School (90 Armitage Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. This is an uplifting blend of baroque, flamenco and blues-inspired classical guitar. Tickets are $20 plus fees and available at the Minnedosa Library or on Eventbrite.ca.

• Jan. 30–Feb. 2 — The Dakota Nation Winterfest 2025 Celebration will be held at the Keystone Centre presented by Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Featuring hockey, basketball, volleyball and pool tournaments, moccasin games, Texas Hold’em, Monster Bingo and much more. This year’s event will also play host to the Keystone Junior Hockey Leagues All-Star game on Feb. 1. Indigenous Concert Showcase takes place on Feb. 1 featuring Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, Rebecca Strong and the Roadside Prophets in the Amphitheatre at 1 p.m.

• Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Calgary at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 31, men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.; Feb. 1, men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• Jan. 31 — Parkinsons Social Group meets for lunch and socializing at 11:30 a.m. at Aaltos Restaurant in the Canad Inns. This is open to people with Parkinsons, care partners, family and friends. For more information, call Valerie at 204-761-6196.

• Feb. 1 — The Westman Drama Ministries presents Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh Kids” at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) with showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. These shows are rush seating with doors opening 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. The show is geared to the whole family and is approximately 40 minutes long. Baking and drinks will be sold before the show and during the intermission in the lobby. Tickets at buytickets.at/westmandramaminitries.

• Feb. 4 — Habitat For Humanity’s Brandon chapter presents Designer Bag Bingo 2025 at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 3 (560 13th St. East). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. Cash bar available. Ten games of bingo for $50; 50/50 draw; raffle tickets. Each bingo prize will be a designer bag. Register online to reserve your tickets by searching “Designer Bag Bingo February 2025 — CanadaHelps.”

• Feb. 5 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Wenatchee Wild at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 5 — Fun and Faith host The Datenight Tour — Clean Comedy for Couples at Calvary Temple (620 34th St.) at 7 p.m. Comedians Andy Beningo and Leland Klassen supply the laughs. Plus enjoy a live game show and much more. Tickets are $20.

• Feb. 6-8 — Celebrate Westman’s diversity at the 2025 Westman Multicultural Festival taking place throughout Brandon with 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world. Each pavilion will showcase unique traditions, cuisine, culture, dance and musical performances. Opening ceremony takes place on Feb. 6 at the Ukrainian Pavilion (Ukrainian National Home, 133 Stickney Ave.) at 5:45 p.m. Pavilions open Feb. 6-8: El Salvador (North End Community Centre, 1313 Stickney Ave.); India (Salon A, Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave.). Open Feb. 7-8: Colombia (Royal Canadian Legion, 560 13th St. East); HAMI (East End Community Centre, 405 Park St.); Jamaica (Firehall Event Venue, 637 Princess Ave.); Mauritius (WIS Multiculural Centre, 403 13th St.); Nigeria (ANAF, 31 14th St.); Palestine (The Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624 13th St., Unit B); Philippines (Knox United Church, 451 18th St.); Scotland (Grand Ballroom, Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave.) Pavilions are free to attend. You can download and print the Festival Passport at GoToThePavilions.com and collect stamps for a chance to win a grand prize draw.

• Feb. 7 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 7 and 8 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Feb. 7, men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.; Feb. 8, men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• Feb. 8 — Join the Brandon Food Council for a variety of free food courses to enhance your food knowledge and skills at Knox United Church at 10:30 a.m. Today features: Indigenous Foodways. Registration is now open, and each event is free to attend, but space is limited. Register at bit.ly/brandonfoodcouncil. Next: Feb. 22 with Waste Less, Nourish More.

• Feb. 8 — Rapid City and District Wildlife Association presents its 16th annual Ice Fishing Derby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be prizes for the smallest fish and the largest Walleye. For more information, email rapidcitywildlife@gmail.com or call or text Jaimie at 204-939-1219. Registration opens at 9 a.m. with a fee of $20 per person. Kids under 15 are free.

• Feb. 9 to March 11 — The Brandon Festival of the Arts takes place at various venues across the city. The festival showcases and promotes the development of the Performing Arts community in Brandon and the surrounding area. All sessions are open to the public. Prices vary according to venue. Come and see performers of all ages in music, speech arts and dance! Visit brandonfestivalofthearts.com for a complete schedule and to download your free program.

• Feb. 11 — Pro Series: Faculty Night takes place at Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening with School of Music faculty performing works by Barbara York, Ravel, Jorge Montilla to name a few. Performances by Lusi Deniz, saxophone; Kerry DuWors, violin; Alexander Tselyakov, piano; Nora Wilson, tuba; Catherine Wood, clarinet; Leanne Zacharias, cello and guest pianists Teri Parker, jazz piano and Danielle Guina, piano. Tickets are $20 at the door. BU students and Conservatory of Music students attend at no charge.

• Feb. 14 and 15 — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on Saskatchewan at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Feb. 14, Women’s game at 6 p.m.; men’s at 8 p.m. On Feb. 15, women’s game at 5 p.m.; men’s game at 7 p.m.

• Feb. 14 — Banquets and Bashes presents a Comedy and Charcuterie evening featuring Big Daddy Tazz at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon) in the Canteen Building. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $80 and includes charcuterie platter, dessert and show. Cash bar and raffle tickets. For tickets, call 204-212-1649 or email info@banquetsandbashes.com.

• Feb. 14 — City of Brandon Parks and Recreation is hosting a Valentine’s Day Trivia Night at the Eagles Nest Bar and Grill (3500 Macdonald Ave.) from 7 to 9 p.m. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics including history, math, science, pop culture and literature. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Cost is $40 per team of two to four people. Register now to secure your spot at tinyurl.com/7adfhmhf.

• Feb. 15 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Moose Jaw Warriors at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 18 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Prince Albert Raiders at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

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