As one of my musician friends puts it, “It’s Christmas in June!” Every year the Summer in Saskatoon kicks off with music in every nook and cranny of the city. The Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival is back and this year it celebrates 30 years. There are so many shows to choose from I thought I’d narrow it down a bit and for your convenience, I’ve included videos so you can hear the acts. There truly is something for everyone so head out there and dance your pants off!

 

POP PRIORITIES

Metric           Saturday      Bessborough Gardens       $65-$75

The Toronto rock band last filled the gardens in 2013 and now it’s back with a new album called Pagans in Vegas. Metric is currently touring North America. I think it really says something that the group was willing to give up an arena possibility here in Saskatoon to be part of the jazz festival.

 

Flat Black Plastic                Saturday        The Capitol

A little lower key than 3500 people in the gardens is another party happening just down the street. Flat Black Plastic is a show of dance music featuring local DJ’s The Gaff and Charly Hustle along with Parab Poet and the Hip Hop Hippies. This is funk, dance and it’s going to be an awesome party.

 

 

ALL THAT JAZZ

Marianne Trudel Quartet         Tuesday         The Bassment $25-$30

If you’re looking for traditional, original jazz this one’s for you. Marianne Trudel is a pianist, composer improviser of jazz and she’s teaming up with trumpeter Ingrid Jensen for a show of original work. Their sound is very accessible, and likeable jazz.

 

 

Oliver Jones              Wednesday           Broadway Theatre   $55-$65

He was there in the beginning and now Canada’s own Oliver Jones is back to celebrate the festival’s 30^th Anniversary. The pianist has brought a special show to the festival this year as he’s paying tribute to jazz great Oscar Peterson. It’s been rumoured that this is his retirement tour so get down to the Broadway Theatre for your chance to see our own jazz legend.

 

 

SINGIN’ DEM BLUES

Tedeschi Trucks Band           Sunday        Bessborough Gardens         $50-$60

It was the blues stars aligning when Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks joined forces. The real life couple has a larger than life sound. You can check out this 12-piece blues machine in the Gardens on Sunday night. It’s one that will get you up out of your seat and dancing the night away.

 

 

EXPERIMENTAL FUN

Hiromi: The Trio Project                 Sunday           Broadway Theatre   $50-$60

This show is a great opportunity if you’re looking to broaden your musical tastes. Japanese pianist/composer Hiromi Uehara has teamed up with bassist Anthony Jackson(Paul Simon, Chick Corea) & drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who) to present a show that is straight-forward jazz. There will be improv, soloing and these musicians always pushing musical boundaries.