Check out a variety of local and national concerts in Saskatoon this month, including orchestral, bluegrass-folk, jazz, indie-pop and rock.
The music in Saskatoon this month features so much variety, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. From orchestras to bluegrass-folk, jazz and pop bands, these local and national performers are sure to stave off the cold as fall settles in.
THE DEAD SOUTH
“It’s been over five years since our last show in Saskatchewan and we can’t wait to be back. We’ve got new music, a new stage design, and a new set list and we can’t wait to bring it for the hometown crowd,” band member Colton Crawford said.
TRUMPET TRIUMPH
The unique, energetic collaboration creates a dynamic fusion of jazz orchestra and brass band featuring vibrant rhythms, rich harmonies and unforgettable solos, with Bergeron elevating the show to new heights. Bergeron also hosts a free-admission master class earlier in the day.
“The SJO is beyond excited to be sharing the concert stage with the world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron. We are truly honoured that Wayne was willing to make the time in his very busy schedule to come to our city to share his wonderful musicianship with our community,” SJO artistic director Dean McNeill said.
“Wayne is truly a world class talent who has done some fantastic and varied things in his career, from playing in Maynard Ferguson’s band to performing on many notable TV and Hollywood film soundtracks and so much more.”
HAWKSLEY WORKMAN
In 25 years, Workman has recorded 17 solo albums in his genre-defying style. Featuring themes ranging from weather to love and heartbreak to tales of end-times and heartfelt hymns to small-town Canada, his songs have gained him a following of loyal fans around the world.
“Saskatoon is such a welcoming place for me. It always feels like I’m playing to an elevated and thoughtful audience, and I’ve loved working with the creative folks at the Broadway Theatre over these many years,” Workman said.
“I remember early in my career an agent saying that touring bands can skip over Saskatchewan and I cringed at the thought. I’m so glad I never took that advice because it’s a great province full of music lovers and Saskatoon is always a highlight for us.”
SASKATOON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
In a celebration of Canadian excellence and Indigenous people, works by Saskatoon’s Wayne Toews and Canada’s Jean Coulthard and John Estacio will round out the show, which will blend orchestral arrangements, poetry, spoken word, rap and hip-hop beats.
“(Controlled burn is) a really fiery piece about cultural practice lost. There’s definitely an electronic part to the piece. Starts out with the spark of a forest fire. I emulate nature sounds within my work,” Derksen said of her featured piece.
“I’m including the water bombers coming in. When doing my consultations with Amy Cardinal, Indigenous fire specialist with Parks Canada, she made it really clear that traditionally these burns weren’t a frightening experience. They were celebrated, it was a safe and happy process. Now it’s the sound of military, water bombers — it’s a threat. The controlled burns were part of controlling the forest fire situation — they brought hope to the community.”
ARKELLS
Widely considered one of the most passionate, exuberant and in-demand live bands working today, Arkells build awareness and personal community experiences at their shows.
“On our last tour, Saskatoon wasn’t on the schedule until we added a last minute surprise show at the Capitol. It sold out immediately and there were a couple hundred sweaty people in there, singing their hearts out. It was a highlight of the tour. This time, everyone is invited out. And dress up, because it’s Halloween,” lead singer Max Kerman said.
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