Packed lineup at Saskatchewan’s Jazz Festival this weekend

Saskatoon’s Victoria Park will be full of music this weekend.

Shannon Josdal, executive director of the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, said the ticketed lineup kicked off on Thursday, bringing almost 3,000 people to the park to watch performances from musicians like the Beaches and Amanda Marshall.

“We had a humongous crowd, a great night, a great party. All of our vendors were busy,” Josdal said. “The vibe was to die for.”

On Friday, Josdal said Blackie and the Rodeo Kings with Daniel Lanois, and Terra Lightfoot will perform, and the night will close with a performance from Serena Ryder. Fred Penner will also make an appearance.

Going into the weekend, artists like St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Johnnyswim, Charley Crockett, Begonia and Margo Price can be found on the main stage.

Josdal said there are also free pop-up programs happening throughout the city, including music by some of the province’s jazz ensembles at Persephone Theatre.

She said there will also be two shows at The Bassment jazz club on Friday and Monday, and both shows are admission by donation.

Josdal said the festival has already seen a bigger turnout than last year, and numbers are starting to return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Seeing crowds enjoy live music again has really done my heart good,” she said.

More information on tickets and performances can be found on the festival’s website.