Brit’s Picks July 8 – 16

TD Sask Jazz Fest Continues

Thursday

Pop sensibilities take the stage this evening on the mainstage for another fully free lineup featuring acts like the raw psych-pop of Dump Babes. A sort of Saskatoon super group has formed as Sam Corbett (Sheepdogs, NUTANA), Tyson McShane (Slow Down Molasses, Portals), Luke Ryalls (Fjords), and Burk Barlow (Deep Dark Woods) have joined forces with former politician Ryan Meili to save the world… well maybe just entertain the crowd. Blue Umbrella is a passion project for these musicians and you can get a sneak peek at their upcoming album Recklessly Yours.  Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra will kick the evening off in style and give you a glimpse at the next generation of Jazz Fest musicians.

 

Plaza Performance

Not all the concerts happen on an official stage. Throughout the week there will be pop up performances in KW Nasser Plaza at River Landing to take in. These are walk up type shows where you can see artists like Afrobeats rockstar Rooky Kamiz. At lunchtime in the same spot you can check out the jazz fusion of the Gerard Weber Group.

 

Friday

The Canadian legend is back. Bruce Cockburn is an award-winning musician and poet known for his hits like Lovers in a Dangerous Time and Wondering Where the Lions Are. He’s a musician that’s inspired so many and you can see him live on the mainstage in Victoria Park. Celtic folk artist Eileen Laverty and indie-pop folk musician Royal Wood, both Saskatoon artists (Yup Royal Wood lives here now) will be on the big stage.

Bar Stars

When it comes to the Canadian music scene you’d be hard-pressed to find a band more dedicated to life on the road than Yukon Blonde. They are a favourite here. The band is making its return to Amigos Cantina with fresh tunes from its latest album Friendship & Rock n’ Roll.

 

Saturday

It’s been a minute since we’ve enjoyed the eclectic sound of Saskatoon’s Parab Poet and the Hip Hop Hippies. The group had pressed pause for nearly a decade and now they’re back to spread positivity on the final day of the festival. Also on the mainstage in Victoria Park you can catch the hip hop jazz fusion of Zhe the Free with Turtlecat and the Jazz Pirates, enjoy to the mind-bending electronica sound of The Pxrtals, and get up an jump to the accordion rock of The Whiskey Jerks.

 

Raven On

It’s the power of music to rise above lived experiences and create beautiful art. Raven Reid is a self-taught guitarist and she’s taken her displacement during the Sixties Scoop and transformed it into songs of resilience and love. You can see Reid on the lawn at the Sheraton Cavalier.

What Else Is Going On??

Too Close To Home

Thurs. – July 19

Station Arts Centre

Fresh theatre waits for you just a short drive outside of Saskatoon with Channel Theatre’s Too Close To Home. The play by Alison Lawrence follows Margaret who is enjoying retirement in a small town when her daughter arrives in the middle of a mid-life crisis with her moody teenager along for the ride. The comedy features an incredible cast of familiar faces including Saskatoon favourites Cheryl Jack and Bruce McKay. Tickets are $20 – $30.

For all the details click here.

 

The Hip Experience

Friday

Capitol Music Club

Back by popular demand The HIP Experience is coming to the Capitol Music Club. It’s a tribute band formed originally as a memorial tribute concert to Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie but has taken on a life of its own celebrating these iconic Canadian rockers. The Hip Experience is making stops across Saskatchewan before shows in Ontario throughout the summer. Tickets are $40 – $46.

To grab your tickets click here.

 

The Salt Shaker

Fri. – Sun.

Danceland at Manitou

There’s another music festival headed your way just a short drive outside of Saskatoon at Manitou Beach’s historic Danceland. The Salt Shaker will feature acts like western surf rockers The Sadies, Regina pop artist MONK, and psych country act Rifle Country Players. Tickets are $45.

Here’s a link to the full lineup and tickets.

 

Magic Men Australia

Wednesday

Broadway Theatre

Grab your girls for a night out with dancers who are sure to please. Magic Men Australia: Feel The Magic is on a world tour and making a stop at the Broadway Theatre for one night only. This show features world-famous TikTok and Instagram star Will Parfitt. This is an evening filled with incredible dancing. Tickets are $65 – $95.

Here’s a link with all the info.