We have a crop of incredibly talented musicians, singers, songwriters and artists from right here in northwestern Ontario.
One of the things that we do very well is cheer on those around us who are committed to their artform and who are honing their craft, all while finding success.
On Oct. 9 the PI in Dryden (aka Patricia Inn Family Restaurant) will showcase a pair of live music acts that are connected to our area.
It’s a concert you won’t want to miss.
On the bill…
The Opera Blue
Kori Kameda, one half of this talented duo talks about the act…
Here’s a song sample to entice you to come out to the show…
One of the most successful and iconic Canadian alt-rock bands of the 90’s continue to take to the stage while delighting audiences all over the world with their high energy stage shows. Their setlist includes their big hits like “Superman’s Song”, “Swimming In Your Ocean”, “Afternoons & Coffee Spoons”, “God Shuffled His Feet”, “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” and of course their world-wild smash “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mm”.
I recently had the chance to speak with their front-man and head song writer Brad Roberts ahead of the band’s concerts in Atikokan, Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake.
Brad Roberts: Lead vocals, guitar
Touring & Songwriting…
With Superstardom Comes Hard Work…
A Surreal Performing Experience…
What To Expect From The Live Show…
While Brad leads the charge, together hey are a six-piece with fantastic musical talent all around!
If you’re attending a Crash Test Dummies Concert in person, expect to be up on your feet getting caught up into the atmosphere!
The band had a truly talented singer-songwriter along with them as an opening act. I strongly encourage you to give Carleton Stone a listen or better yet, see him live for yourself!
The concert I attended was a PACKED house!
It’s so awesome to see audiences supporting live music within our communities!
Hats off to all of the organizers and volunteers who make events like this possible!
If you have been a fan of Crash Test Dummies for decades, then seeing them in concert is going to remind you why you’ve always loved them. If you’re experiencing their music and their talent for the very first time, then you’ll appreciate how truly special they are.
It’s once again time to immerse ourselves in some INCREDIBLE live entertainment, right here in Northwestern Ontario!
Several long-running entertainment series have a fantastic line up of concerts to present in the coming weeks and month along with a play that think A LOT of people will be able to relate to.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend these events.
You can purchase season passports and individual tickets through the title-link for each of the series that we are covering…
With one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history, alternative rock band Crash Test Dummies are a three-time Grammy nominated and JUNO award-winning group, who soared to the top of the worldwide charts in the early 1990’s with hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song”. Opening set by singer-songwriter Carleton Stone.
Kyle McKearney is redefining Americana and Alternative Country, earning a reputation as one of Canada’s most captivating voices. Rooted in the country and bluegrass music of his childhood, Kyle’s artistry is deeply shaped by his Métis heritage, weaving soulful storytelling with gritty, roots-inspired instrumentation to create a sound that’s both authentic and genre-defying.
Award-winning pianist Sarah Hagen has performed across Canada and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, and was named Artist of the Year by Ontario Contact and the BC Touring Council. Known for her inventive playing, her projects include Women of Note, celebrating overlooked female composers, and her comedic solo show Perk up, pianist!
Critically acclaimed songwriters Julian Taylor and Logan Staats have joined forces to tour across Canada and bring you an incredible night of songs and stories. Presented in an acoustic format, the evening promises musical surprises and heartfelt storytelling. Join the award-winning recording artists as they share the stage for a powerful night of music.
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. With their captivating vocals, distinctive harmonies and extraordinary musicianship, The Barra MacNeils inject new life and energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas…one moment a rousing chorus, then a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic ballad, the next a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, which of course pulls one then another into a step-dancing revelry.
Russell deCarle, well-known as the frontman of country roots band Prairie Oyster, is no stranger to awards and accolades. His “Oyster years” were rewarded with six Juno Awards, numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, gold and platinum records and #1 singles. The truth is, though, that Prairie Oyster was always more than a “country” band, and deCarle’s warm, burnished and intimate voice has always honoured an eclectic range of songs.
Sioux Lookout – January 15th
Dryden – January 16th
Roman Clarke
Roman Clarke is described as having an infectious energy and humility with shows that feel like a celebration. A Winnipeg Free Press profile on Clarke titled “Everybody Loves Roman” praises him for his rapid musical growth, his creativity and his collaborative spirit. Known as a passionate vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, his music features a soulful blend of R&B, pop and funk.
Led by Romani-Canadian musician, Candace Lacina and world-renowned keyboardist Mike Little, The Hello Darlins are some of Canada’s most in-demand professional session & touring musicians who came together to forge a distinct hybrid of country, gospel and blues. With millions of streams and three Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations, The Hello Darlins took the show on the road for 187 days in 2023, showing that the band sounds as powerful on stage as in the studio.
Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, by award-winning Canadian playwright Michael Melski, is a slashing two-hander about two lonely single parents who meet and fall in love while watching their kids play a season of minor hockey. In their section of the bleachers in an old rink, they find the best and worst in themselves reflected by the game.
Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are.
John Wort Hannam is an award-winning folk singer-songwriter from Alberta known for his heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocals. A former teacher, he has released eight albums, earning a Juno nomination and multiple folk music awards, including two for his 2023 album Long Haul.
Sioux Lookout – April 14th
Red Lake – April 15th
We are so incredibly luck to have passionate and hard-working organizers and volunteers who continue to make these entertainment series possible within our region!
Also, the community sponsors who step up year in and year out with this generosity play such an important and vital role. Thank you for support local entertainment!
About a year ago, not to far away in Winkler Manitoba, street signs started popping up mocking and individual’s fishing ability.
More and more signs have kept popping up.
People quickly figured out that the target of these signs was a man named Steve Peters, whose known nickname over the years has become “Bubba”.
Some people think that his guy’s friends, who are known to joke around with each other, are behind this. However, no one has been able to confirm who is responsible for all this.
Eventually, Steve decided to used this on going practical joke for something good.
It all started with him making a post on Facebook, pledging to donate a dollar for every like and share that he received on his post. Two close friends matched his pledge. From there the community quickly joined in, with local businesses in Winkler also stepping up to support the cause.
Donations poured in!
With $1,500 raised, Steve was able to buy fishing gear for eight children in Manitoba.
Steve has also launched a “Bubba Sucks At Fishing” t-shirt line that has brought in even more money.
And these additional funds will also be used to purchase more rods and reels, all of which “Bubba” plans to give away at the Winkler Harvest Festival parade, which takes place this coming weekend.
Steve says that it all comes down to something his dad once told him…“If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing out on life.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral took play on June 30th 2025 in Birmingham England. He died last week at the age of 76.
Thousands of fans lined the streets to watch Ozzy’s hearse make his final journey through his home city.
The procession actually began north of the city, in Aston. It passed Ozzy’s childhood home as well as the football stadium in Villa Park, where he performed that a huge farewell concert with his Black Sabbath bandmates just a few weeks ago.
As Ozzy’s hearse made its way through the city centre, on its way to his private funeral, people were leaning out of windows and climbing on top of walls and bus stops just to catch a glimpse.
People chanted his name, held up rock hand gestures and threw flowers as Ozzy’s hearse drove by. His coffin was with purple flowers spelling out his name
A local brass band, played songs ahead of the procession including “Iron Man”
The procession stopped on “Black Sabbath Bridge”, where Ozzy’s family placed roses among the hundreds of other fan tributes that have been left there.
Ozzy’s wife Sharon, understandably looked really emotional as she took everything in. Her and Ozzy’s three children Aimee, Kelly and Jack, were by her side as they laid the flowers. Kelly was even wearing a pair of her dad’s iconic sunglasses.
Sharon offered a peace sign to the crowd before they all left for that private funeral.
In an interview back in in 2011, Ozzy said he didn’t care what music was played at his funeral as long as it was “a celebration, not a mope-fest”, and the atmosphere in Birmingham seemed to keep with his wishes.
Back in 2009 James Cameron’s ground breaking fantasy film “Avatar” took the world by storm, becoming the highest grossing film of all time.
Then after a LONG wait its sequel, “Avatar: The Way Of Water” came out in 2022 and it is now the third highest crossing film of all time.
We didn’t have to wait so long for the third instalment “Avatar: Fire & Ash”. It’s going to be released this coming December.
The trailer has just dropped…
I have to admit, James Cameron is one or the best directors in the history of Hollywood. He knows how to created great movies, but Avatar seems a little too science fiction mixed with fantasy for my likely.
But then again, I LOVE Star Wars, so maybe I can find something to like about the Avatar films.
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