Jazzy Gems      Friday – July 1

Various Venues

You just can’t deny that one of the biggest events of the year in Saskatoon kicks off this weekend. The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival is back for 10 action packed days of music all over the spectrum. From traditional jazz to psychedelic punk and everything in between. Here are a few shows to take in this weekend.

 

Punktastic          Friday

Bessborough Gardens

You may recognize the song above from the Mitsubishi commercial. It’s just further reason that you should give the jazz festival opener a shot, even if the groups psychedelic, punk, rock titles scare you off. The truth is this is going to be a heck of a show with the production, costumes, giant inflatables and tons of confetti. This concert is going to kick the festival off with a bang and you’ll want to be there. Tickets are $70.

 

Fresh Locals         Various Venues

 

Kyle Krysa & Distant Conversation

If you’re looking for tried and true jazz with a little bit of an edge, you’re going to want to check out Saskatoon drumming phenom Kyle Krysa & Distant Conversation.He’s been hitting the skins for 20 years and studied at Grant MacEwan University. Krysa’s music blends his own natural talents with electronic beats and jazz roots. This is a great way to push those musical traditions and experience something a little avant-garde. You can catch Krysa Friday afternoon on the Nutrien Free Stage.

Minivandal

Have trouble staying up late to hear those really cool acts? Don’t worry Minivandal is here to help. The group will be playing Drift Sidewalk Cafe & Vista Lounge on Sunday morning. It’s hard to beat a rock band that has a horn section and these will be energy infused performances. Ben Fortosky on horns has a special place on the jazz festival landscape because this young musician came up through the TD Jazz Intensive. That’s the musical mentorship program for aspiring musicians that runs alongside the festival every year. Minivandal will be opening for Brooklyn based saxophone dance band Moon Hooch at the Amigos Cantina show June 30th.

 

The Legends      Sunday

Broadway Theatre

You could argue there are several local musical legends in the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra and this weekend those musical titans along with some big name friends are hitting the stage to pay tribute to a jazz legend known world wide. The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra presents Ellington Reimagined. This is a celebration of one of the most influential composers of the 20th Century. This show will have many of Duke Ellington’s hits and the SJO isn’t messin’ around as the show will feature many guest artists including one of Ellington’s former bandmates Brad Shigeta as well as the 2018 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Recipient Ross Ulmer. Kellylee Evans will be providing the vocals on this show. Evans is sticking around in the city for a while, she headlines her own show at The Bassment June 28. Tickets are $60.

Hip Hop Hype     Sun. & Mon.

Capitol Music Club & Bessborough Gardens

Modern Hip Hop and retro vibes collide in the world of Shabazz Palaces. If you were into shows like Arrested Development or The Roots at jazz festivals past, this one’s for you. The Seattle based group defines its sound as Afro-centric sci-fi rap. There are a couple of chances to see this act. The first is on Sunday at the Capitol. Those tickets will run you $20. On Monday, Shabazz Palaces opens up for Kamasi Washington, a saxophonist whose created music with Kendrick Lamar. This is also a show that’s got a ton of buzz. Tickets for Monday night at the Gardens are $65.

 

SWITCHING GEARS….

Pride Party        Now – Sunday

Various Venues

From parties in the club to family fun and of course, the big parade; you can do it all at the 2018 Saskatoon Pride Festival. The fun continues this weekend. Friday and Saturday will be busy with the Artisan Market and Loud & Proud Main Stage featuring performances by Mo Kenney and Matthew V. Of course Saskatoon comes out in force with the big parade which starts at 1:00 p.m. next Saturday. Many of the events are free and ticketed events are $2 – $65.

Click here for the full schedule.

 

Puccini’s classic tale of tragedy, love and life is on stage now at the Remai Arts Centre. (Saskatoon Opera)

La Vie Bohéme        Thurs. & Sat.

Remai Arts Centre

It’s a story of struggle, of tragedy and love and it’s all taking musical this weekend. Audiences have been loving Saskatoon Opera’s latest production, a modern twist on Puccini’s classic La Bohéme. If you’re not familiar with the opera, you may be more in tune with the more modern musical Rent which is based on the classic tale. The story follows two lovers Rodolfo and Mimi as they fall for each other and then, through hard times, separate only to find true love as one of them faces death. The story is also one of friendship as this group of poor artists struggle to stay afloat and celebrate life. The cast features many local artists. This piece is sung in Italian but there are English surtitles to help you follow along. Tickets are going quickly and run $50 – $70.

Click here for more information.