It’s that beautiful time of the year in Saskatoon where our streets are filled with music. From the Bessborough Gardens to the Broadway Theatre and every little club and park in between, the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival has something for everyone. Here are my picks for your musical enjoyment.

 

Pop Pleasures

Amanda Marshall       Friday

Bessborough Gardens

She was one of the first shows to sell out for this year’s festival and you can’t deny the pull of Amanda Marshall’s music. Her deep and powerful voice brought us hits like Dark Horse and Believe in You and her music defined the 90s Canadian music scene. Marshall has been a bit of an enigma lately, taking a 10 year hiatus, but the songstress is back working on a new album and plays a few shows a year. Although tickets have officially sold out, you may still get lucky on social media  or try looking for a few businesses in town that are holding contests. Try this link to see if someone has an extra they’re looking to part with. Tickets are $55.

 

Serena Ryder        Saturday

Bessborough Gardens

If you know anything about Serena Ryder’s mainstage shows, you know she always gives it her all. Ryder hit the stage in our city at the Saskatoon Ex last year and before that she wowed the crowd at the jazz festival. Ryder has just released her 6th studio album Utopia and it’s burning up the charts with the single Got Your Number. This is a fantastic show for a big group of friends, tickets are $60.

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Jazz Jams

Kurt Rosenwinkel        Saturday

The Bassment

It you’re looking for the music this festival was based on, look no further than The Bassment this weekend. Kurt Rosenwinkel is known as one of the most influential jazz guitarists and composers of his generation. Rosenwinkel’s latest album Caipi proves his talent as he played all the instruments and took care of the vocals to boot. Rosenwinkel and his band will play this fusion of jazz and rock and roll. Tickets are $35.

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Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra            Sunday

w/ Wycliffe Gordon

Broadway Theatre

Louis Armstrong was one of the greats of the jazz world and this is a very special show paying tribute to his music. The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra is teaming up with award winning trombonist Wycliffe Gordon to present Hello Pops! A Tribute to Louis Armstrong. This show will be a wonderful night of recognizable jazz standards and highlight some of the best jazz musicians our city has to offer. Tickets are $55.

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Pushing Boundaries

Hailu Mergia Trio           Sunday

PotashCorp Club Jazz

If you’re looking for an act just off the beaten path, why not check out the stylings of Ethiopian jazz organ player Hailu Mergia. He started out in the 80s as part of the hugely influential jazz funk group Walias Band. Now with his own act, he continues to push the limits of jazz while still bringing Ethiopian flavour to the forefront. Interesting to note that while Mergia plays gigs as often as he can, his day job is as a taxi cab driver in Washington. This show is on the Free Stage so you have no excuses.

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Rock On!

Donny McCaslin Group    Monday

The Bassment

It’s one heck of a story! Music legend David Bowie always wanted to make a record with a jazz band and in January 2016, that dream was realized when Blackstar was released. Bowie teamed up with saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band to record the album. Now after his death the band is continuing the legacy of Bowie’s last work. The Donny McCaslin Group will play music from Blackstar as well as their own original compositions in this show. Tickets are $35.

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Family Friendly

Michael Franti & Spearhead    Thurs. June 29

Bessborough Gardens

There is no denying the feel good summertime vibes you get from Michael Franti and Spearhead. The band has become a regular fixture on the Bessborough Gardens stage. This is a sure bet show for the whole family. Franti’s music spreads positivity wherever it’s played from Sound of Sunshine to Say Hey, you and your kids are sure to recognize the tunes and want to dance along. Don’t be surprised if there’s a little audience participation with the kids to wrap the show. The last few I’ve been to end in an all out dance party for the kids right there on stage. Tickets are $70.

Click here for full details.