UofS DRAMA DEPT. 75th   

Now – June 19           

Online

You don’t need to look any further than our local arts scene to see how much of an impact the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Drama. Today’s leaders are graduates of the program like Will Brooks, Skye Brandon and Crispi Lord all pushing the boundaries as mentors and directors, Jeff Rogstad, supporting performances through media. Some have gone onto Hollywood like celebrated actor Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy) and writer/producer Gregory Nelson (Orphan Black). The university became the first drama department in the British Commonwealth to grant degrees in 1945. The plan was to celebrate the milestone last year, but it was put on hold because of the pandemic. Now, they have a two-week calendar of events to mark the occasion. Virtual reunions, photo presentations and a performance of Kevin Kerr’s Unity (1918), directed by Brandon will all be presented online. Tickets are $10 – $20. Many events outside that performance are free but you still need to register to gain access.

For a full calendar of events, follow this link.

 

Dancer Mitchell Larsen is just one of the performers you can see around the campfire at Fireside Stories II in Meacham. (Ken Greenhorn Photography)

FIRESIDE STORIES II

Now – June 6

Dancing Sky Theatre – Meacham

There’s nothing like personal stories told around a campfire on a warm spring evening and you still have one weekend left to take in the show. Dancing Sky Theatre took performance back to its origins last Fall with Fireside Stories and the show quickly sold out in Meacham and Saskatoon. With COVID-19 rules still in place, the team decided it was a great time to welcome an audience back to its outdoor amphitheatre for the sequel. Fireside Stories II is a show filled with stories told in the traditional way but also through dance, clowning, poetry and music. Tickets are $10 so enjoy the drive out to the country, snuggle up with your loved ones and get your butt to Meacham.

Here’s the link for all the details.

 

FRONT PORCH SESSIONS         

Thursday – 6pm                   

Facebook Live                 

Toronto songstress Emily Clair is one of the artists taking part in the Front Porch Live sessions streaming online Thursday night. The country music company has been gathering artists to chat about their music and perform in on online, songwriters’ circle format for the fans. This online show was created to give Canadian musicians a little extra boost after the 2021 summer festival scene was cancelled. You’ll hear the stories behind the songs and check out new and emerging talent. This Thursday Mike Robins, Brian John Harwood and Josh Ross will be joining Clair for the show. The performance is free.

To get in on this live stream concert, click here.

 

NUTRIEN CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL     

Sat. – Tues.               

Online (Website, social media)      

What a great weekend for playtime with the kids. The Nutrien Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan has four days of fun lined up to take in at home. From story time with drag stars Fay and Fluffy to dancing and celebrating the great outdoors with Takeshi and his insect hands, there are plenty of options. Music and cultural performances, workshops and circus arts and the best part, if you miss the live performance, all the events will be available online until Tuesday. There’s also a four-day scavenger hunt for the whole family where you can have a chance to win prizes.

To log in for all the fun, follow this link.

 

STRATA FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC  

Fri. – Sun.     

Online & In-Person

It’s a celebration of fresh, local classical composition and it’s coming your way via the Strata Festival of New Music this weekend. Friday night will feature Music for the Lowest Instruments, a performance that highlights the instruments that are usually playing the supporting role. Spencer Krips is one of the three composers who’s works will feature instruments like bass trombone, bass saxophone and tuba. Tickets for that online show are $12. Saturday night’s show is the finale of the Student Composer Symposium. Pieces will feature, classical, jazz and singer-songwriter compositions. Sunday there will be a limited seating for an in-person performance at the Remai Modern called See to Sound to See.  This show is a call and response where musicians responded to visual art and artists responded to music to create pieces in turn. Tickets for that performance are $12.

To find out all the details, here’s the link.

COMING UP…

Saskatoon Pride / Facebook

SASKATOON PRIDE FESTIVAL           

June 12 – 19              

Various Venues & Online

Still Here, Still Queer that’s the theme for the 2021 Saskatoon Pride Festival. Of course, with gathering restrictions in place, things like the annual Pride Parade have been turned into virtual events but there are some unique in person options as well. Saturday June 12, there’s going to be a live Drive-In drag show in the parking lot of the Saskatoon Inn. Tickets are $17 for that event. Friday June 18, there will be a Drive-In showing of Hairspray. Most of the events are free and you can take part online including the Wes Funk Memorial Pride Latté and the Virtual Pride Parade.

Follow this link for the full calendar of Pride events in Saskatoon.