Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn | Benito was bustling on Canada Day with a full day of activities for all ages to enjoy. To start the festivities, the Benito Volunteer Firefighter’s hosted a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice were served to approximately 420 people with all money raised going to the CZ Miller Trust [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Music filled the air on June 16, 2019 as the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School presented their year end concert at the Festival Stage in the Swan River Legion Park. The concert featured the Grade 9 band and Senior band along with a number of selections from the Toronto-Niagara Falls Tour Band. [...]

Submitted by: Glenda Turton Day 1: Late on May 14, 2019, thirty-five SVRSS band students, 6 chaperones and band directors Glenda Turton and Mark Matejka boarded a bus bound for the Winnipeg airport. By noon on the 15th of May, they were already landing at Pearson International Airport in Toronto; the beginning of an 8 [...]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On June 01, 2019, Durban held a dance to celebrate their 89th anniversary of the community hall. The Zayshley Band from the Yorkton area supplied the great music which everyone enjoyed and kept the dance floor busy and a fun time was held by all. Thanks to all the volunteers [...]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | We had a lovely Show on the afternoon of May 4, 2019. Great art, good food and great company. The exhibitors were: Naomi Nemez, Shirley Nemez, Peyton Nemez, Martyn Snell, Wilma Barkman, Mary Jane Eichler, Barb L’Abbe, Julie Kooistra, Beth Braun, Lydia Neufeld, Obi Okonkwo and Renate Wille The visitors [...]

Pictured above: Julie Kooistra, Director/Founder Former SVSD Band Instruction/Music Specialist Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Just last Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the Swan Valley Community Band performed their 25th Spring Concert “Spring into Blossoms”, under the direction of Julie Kooistra. The group welcomed guest performances from the Benito Grade 7/8 Band led by Brad Slepicka, [...]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | More than seven squares of enthusiastic square dancers descended on the Durban Hall on Saturday, April 27 to help the Swan Valley Hoedowners celebrate the conclusion of the square dance season. Caller Linda Gilchrist kept the dancers hopping to the lively music and interesting square dance moves. The afternoon festivities [...]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Dancers held their Annual Dessert Concert on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the SVRSS. The dancers performed to a packed house, and the crowd sure appreciated the talent that was shown through the night! The evening started with Les Rolsky and Bill Macooh playing music as guests made [...]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the afternoon of Sunday, April 7, 2019 approximately 60 people enjoyed over an hour of inspiring Christian songs and music at the Annual Spring Music Program held at the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church. Music and singing was presented by a number of people from the community, including members [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dancers performed for a full house on April 7th, 2019 as they highlighted their 37 years of dancing. Different regions of the dance in the Ukraine, including Poltava, Bukovyna, Volyn and Transcarpathia were recognized for their authentic dance steps, choreography and costumes. After the singing of the [...]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | Bowsman United Church held two performances on March 30 and 31, 2019 of the Cantata “The Tale of the Three Trees” and song of Praise and Prayer from around the world. During the Cantata, the audience was welcomed to open themselves up to the message of the dreams of the [...]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | Photos by: Jennifer Paige Photography On March 20, 2019, the Swan School of Dance treated a large crowd to their year end recital entitled “Road Trip”. The dancers showed off their skills in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Jazz, and the audience was taken on a journey from New York, [...]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church Our 8th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on Saturday February 2, 2019. In spite of the snow storm that was raging outside, inside was filled with love and laughter. Julie Nahnybida catered a lovely meal followed by a delicious dessert. Our Entertainers kept things lively and [...]

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | Pictures by: Jessica Kovachik | It was a cold one, but that didn’t stop the activity from happening at the Cowan Community Centre on Saturday, January 26, 2019. There at the Community Centre, a Winter Blues Dance was held featuring a new band to the area, Country Reign, that came [...]

Submitted by: Glenda Turton, Pictures by Shauna Klekta | It may have been the coldest weekend of the winter, but the SVRSS was hot with music by the Dirty Catfish Brass Band on Sunday. The Dirty Catfish Brass Band is an eight-member band based in Winnipeg, MB. They all have University level music degrees from [...]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a great performance at their Malanka Concert held at the SVRSS on January 14, 2019. Family and friends were treated to a performance from each dance group, starting with the youngest, and always adorable Sadochuk’s group (above). The Malanka Concert was a chance [...]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | It was a clear, cold evening. The coldest if all 2018. This brought the attendance down for the Bellsite’s New Years Eve Dance. The smaller than normal group of followers for the band “Midnight Run” didn’t slow the band down, they provided a superb variety of dance music to keep [...]

Submitted by: Darlene Kruk | The Pelly Coffee House held a very successful supper & entertainment evening on Saturday. Supper at 6.00 pm consisted of smokies,sauerkraut and perogies. 25 entertainers and musicians provided the entertainment and a potluck lunch followed. Draws were made for door prizes,50/50′s and lastly a raffle. 1st raffle of a TV [...]

Revival Group Submitted by: Phil Friesen The Swan Valley Fine Arts Christmas Carol Festival took place on December 2, 2018. A variety of groups and individuals presented musical selections in celebration of the Christmas season. Junior Choir Brad Slepicka Just for Joy Temple Baptist Church Choir Brenna Smith, Lana Edmonds, Brad Slepicka

Submitted Story | Sunday December 9th, 2018 ”Christmas Afternoon” at the Harley House was the scene of a crowded room of happy faces. This log house was a wonderful setting for a musical afternoon. Visitors gathered to hear the “Highly Strung” ukulele group perform a variety of Christmas tunes. The ukulele players have been taking [...]

Pictured above: SVRSS Senior Jazz Combo: Nick Baskier, Olivia Chmelowski, Jessica Kovachik, Aurora Rusk, Emma Stevens, Jillian Thelander, Justyna Vandepoele Submitted by: 2019 SVRSS Band Trip Fundraising Committee The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) presented their annual Christmas Concert, Suites & Treats, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 under the direction of Glenda Turton. The [...]

Pictured above: Sitting L-R: Bev Leach, Linda Mcrae, Donna Jorundson, Christina Danyluk, Karen Kosolowsky Standing 1st row: Brenda Hunt, Julie Kooistra, Glenda Horochuk, Jayne Leadbeater, Lorraine Malcolm, Kim Kosokowky, Leigh Hunt Standing 2nd : Cheryl Dahl, Stephanie Jersak, Phyl Friesen, Maureen Bowles, David Gnida, Cindy Bobick, Rick Houle, Jessica Kovacik, Brian Dormer Standing with Tuba: [...]

Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk | The Christmas Coffee House that was put on by the Minitonas Metis Local on December 8, 2018 was a fun and entertaining evening. There was about 100 people in attendance, with performances from musicians and singers from all around the Swan Valley and beyond. Our youngest performer on the stage [...]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller | Madge Lake Bible Camp Christmas Production/ Dessert Theater was a huge success.The first performance which happened Sunday morning saw the auditorium at Community Bible Fellowship filled to 90% capacity. For the evening performance it was standing room only. A big thank you to all who attended and supported this event. [...]

Submitted by: Nicola Davies Have you ever considered inviting musicians into your living room to play a concert? Living Room Live is setting out to offer just that, connecting new and experienced hosts with classical musicians for cosy house concerts. House concerts have been around for years, and you may be surprised to learn just [...]

Pictured above: Just for Joy Singers – Back Row: Linda Fried, Melody Hunt, Margaret Nemez, Lisa Eisner, Darlene McKibben, Tobey Thiessen, Kelly Burick, Alicia Friesen, Katharina Rinsdorf, Middle Row: Lydia Neufeld, Rita Thiessen, Peggy Kalynuk, Front Row: Cheryl Dahl, Rachel Eisner, Evelyn Bredin, Missing: Grace Jersak Submitted by: Darlene McKibbon | The Just for Joy [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Folk Festival took place at the curling rink on June 15 an 16, 2018. Walking into the Folk Fest was a feast for the senses. People were able to taste and smell a variety of dishes from many cultural backgrounds. Booths were decorated with traditional items from their host [...]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 5th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held on June 8,9,10, 2018. This seemed to be a good choice of weekend. People attending and bands thought it worked well. Of course we know that others couldn’t come because of various other events and commitments, but I’m sure that would be [...]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk | The SVRSS Gym was filled with laughter from the audience and cackles and screams from the stages during the SVRSS Drama Production of Snow White this past weekend! This traditional fairytale was brought to life under the dedicated and creative direction of Director Michelle Baudin the very talented cast and [...]

Pictured above: 2nd/3rd Year Band Students Perform on Music Monday ValleyBiz Story | On May 7, 2018 the Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) participate in the 14th Annual Music Monday, a national event where Canadian students and industry come together to celebrate the creation of music as a community. SVSD Music Monday Mass Bands was [...]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Art Show at Little Woody Baptist church held on May 5, 2018 was great and many visitors enjoyed the art and visiting. We, who paint there on Mondays, are grateful to be using the venue. It is given to us freely and is in no way a fundraiser for [...]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater, PR & Communications | On Wednesday, 2 May 2018 in the SVRSS Cafeteria, the Swan Valley Community Band had their 24th Spring Concert, performing for over 65 people. After enjoying the Concert, everyone was treated to refreshments. With a constant membership of around 30 to 35, the Band continues to entertain, [...]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson |The Dolyna Dancers held their final Dessert Concert on April 28, 2018. It was a great evening of entertainment put on by our dancers and their talent always impresses the crowd. The night began with the traditional Pryvit to welcome guests. Hospydar for the evening was Ed Fedorchuk and he was [...]

Pictured above: SVRSS Senior Jazz Band winner of the TD Canada Trust Trophy – Senior Band Submitted by: Darleen McKibben, Photos by Terri Eggie | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held their Annual Awards Concert on April 28, 2018 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. It was an entertaining afternoon with award winners [...]

Submitted by: Lyle Malley | A great time was had by all that attended the Elvis tribute concert on April 13, 2018 at the Birch River Legion Hall. The evening started out with a few Merle Haggard songs before Elvis took the stage. It didn’t take long for people to hit the floor and dance [...]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players presented three very successful performances of the audience interactive play, “Café Murder” written by Nathan Hartswick under the direction of Denis Beaudoin on April 13, 14 and 15, 2018. Friday and Saturday night performances were dinner theatres with the audience enjoying a very delicious salad and [...]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | We had a great time this week (March 26 – March 28, 2018) with 3 Gospel concerts performed in Sapotaweyak, Barrows and Wuskwi Sipihk by Kene and Milly Jackson, from Alberta. In Barrows and Indian Birch, we also had addidtional local singers. They sang during the fundraising supper in Barrows, [...]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | The Swan School of Dance held their annual recital on Wednesday March 21, 2018 in front of a full and appreciative crowd. Dance disciplines including Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Ballet were show cased during the evening. The show concluded with a very special number featuring our Tap Teacher, Teri [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dance Club held their 36th Annual Concert on March 10, 2018. Family and friends, along with spectators from the community gathered in the Benito School Gym to enjoy the fantastic presentation put on by the dancers. The entire club kicked off the show with the Privyt – [...]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | The 7th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on February 10, 2018. The Veterans Hall was decked out in red decorations and many hearts! The entertainment was wonderful and they performed for a very appreciative crowd. The roast beef supper with all the trimmings as delicious! [...]

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on a Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10, 2018 and raised $2500 for a multi-sports pad project that will benefit the entire community of Swan River. Almost 100 people in attendance enjoyed fabulous desserts from our local Swan Valley Co-op [...]

Pictured above: Clinicians perform during the final Jazz concert. ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) Band Council held their Sixth Annual SVSD Jazz Retreat and Improvisation Workshop on January 19 – 20, 2018. Students from across the Valley worked with esteemed music educator Graydon Cramer (drums) from Brandon, Kyle Wedlake (tenor saxophone) [...]

Submitted by: Dave Statkewich | The Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Supper and Dance on January 13, 2018 at the Benito Rec Centre dance was well attended despite the cold weather. Supper was preceded by some carols in English and Ukrainian. Grace was then offered by father Warren from Kamsack. We fed approximately 200 people for [...]

Submitted by: Beth Gust, Pictures and Video by Kevin Penner | Swan Valley Museum was the venue last Saturday, December 16, 2017 for a Live Nativity Event. Valley churches organized the scenes which included a marketplace manned by local vendors showing their wares and a manger scene, complete with the Biblical characters, musicians, and live [...]

Pictured above: Crowd Favorite, Solid Rock Youth Group Tree Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The North-West Regional Library was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 5th to the 9th, 2017. It was a very festive atmosphere with decorated trees, gingerbread Houses, Christmas music, cookies and hot apple cider. Eighteen [...]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We [...]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since [...]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary [...]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety [...]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always [...]