Its no secret, I love the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, I always have. The idea that you can run around downtown Saskatoon at anytime in the evening and experience live music is magical. While most of the hype and accolades go to the big names, Ms. Lauren Hill, Metric and City and Colour, there’s a small army of other musicians that are busier than you can imagine.

Exhibit ‘A’ – Graham Tilsley

 

These players, like Tilsley, go where ever they are needed. Like a musical superman they swoop in if someone gets sick, they form the backbone of many local groups and often they are the soundtrack behind those fancy parties before and after the main stage shows.

As Tilsley explains in his Facebook post above, “It’s work but it’s worth it because I get to collaborate with some really outstanding musicians!”

 

“It’s work but it’s worth it because I get to collaborate with some really outstanding musicians!”

I dare people who think it’s all just fun and parties to try and keep pace with these guys. Remember, they’re not going to one show and sleeping it off. They have to keep pace for the full 10 days.

 

Exhibit ‘B’ – Sheldon Corbett

 

Big or small, Sheldon Corbett plays them all. This saxophonist plays just about every genre and every venue at the festival. His family knows that if they want to see him over the 10 days, then they better come and see a show. “I don’t think to far in advance. I just take one day at a time,” says Corbett when asked how he keeps up this kind of pace.

So while it’s fantastic that you jump at the chance to check out the main stage, I encourage you to go and explore the pocket parks, the restaurants, the free stage. This is where you’ll find my festival heros ready to save to world one song at a time. Clap a little louder, will ya?