Who's In a Festive Mood?

from Come Together! Summer 2019 in YXE!

**Reconnect with your favourite old festivals or create a new tradition this summer by discovering a new one!**
Amy Thorp Photography

Members of Saskatoon band Bombargo help recreate the classic Beatles album cover for Abbey Road, which turns 50 this year.

**Look for a printed copy of the June/July 2019 issue of flow for your official Nutrien Fringe Theatre Festival program!**

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

June14–22

Saskatoon Pride Festival

**Saskatoon Pride returns for another year of events celebrating acceptance, tolerance, diversity and community!**
Tourism Saskatoon

June20–23

Long Day’s Night Music Festival

Festival passes $125; longdaysnight.ca This solstice-centred event boasts one of the most compelling musical lineups of any festival in Saskatchewan this season: the Reverend Horton Heat, Delhi to Dublin (w/ the Über Funk Orchestra), The Sadies (w/ The Garrys) and Shred Kelly. Simultaneous to the last two days of the festival is the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival: This free event brings together dozens of master kite artists and fliers whose works take to the skies in a kaleidoscope of colour and shapes. Open to the public. Swift Current, SK (3 hrs. SW on Hwy 4)

June09

Word on the Street Festival

10am–5pm; free admission This annual fair for book-lovers, publishers and authors invites the public for a day of immersive, book-worming fun. Guest authors include Riley Rossmo (DC Comics) and Grant Lawrence (“Dirty Windshields: The Best and the Worst of the Smugglers Tour Diaries”) Broadway district

Art in the Park

Noon–5pm; open to the public Artists by the dozen come out of the woodwork to fill this beautiful old park in the Caswell neighbourhood with lots of art, activities and talk of art. Ashworth Holmes Park (see p. 36; map 1, F6)

June21–30

SaskTel Saskatchwewan Jazz Festival

**The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival features a revamped format and lots of great acts, with this year's headliners and free stage performers all at the Bessborough Gardens on the TD Mainstage!**

TD Mainstage shows 7pm and tickets from $60; saskjazz.com A bit of switching up this year at Jazz Fest means fewer big names on the TD Mainstage in the Bessborough Gardens along the riverbank. Headliners will perform on the opening and closing weekends, allowing more local acts to play in the centrepiece of Saskatoon’s hallmark summertime festival. See the opposite page for a full list of free shows this year. Opening night features the upbeat rhythms of Walk Off the Earth with The Sorority and Parab Poet + The Hip-Hop Hippies, while to close it out a more relaxed mood will prevail with Jann Arden and openers Royal Wood and Theresa Sokyrka. Other major acts to follow: The Roots with The Suffers and def3 (Fri22); Lyle Lovett and His Large Band with Corb Lund and Eliza Mary Doyle (Sat23); Johnny Reid with local sweethearts Rosie & The Riveters and Sonia Reid Noble (Sat29). Note: Bike valet provided for those wishing to cycle, and all TD Mainstage events are child-friendly. On June 30 this year, a tribute to long-time local jazz pianist and showman Maurice Drouin entitled “His Favourite Songs” will go at The Bassment (204 4th Ave. N.; 8pm; $25 in advance/$35 regular). Bessborough Gardens (601 Spadina Cres. E, behind the Delta Hotels Bessborough by Marriott)

June20–23

Country at the Creek

Weekend passes $150; countryatthecreek.ca The Ness Creek site kicks off the summer with their showcase of local and regional country talent. This year’s top draws are Lisa Moen (Fri21) and Doc Walker (Sat22), with a Sunday morning Gospel Hour before the drive home.

Near Big River, SK (2.5 hrs. N off Hwy 55)

June21

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

9am–sunset (Grand Entry at 9:30am); free admission; wanuskewin.com There’s a full slate of ceremonies and activities at Wanuskewin for this annual day celebrating the country’s original inhabitants. Guided trail hikes, a tipi raising, traditional Indigenous games, dance performances, a bannock bake and more are all part of the mix, plus an evening entertainment schedule with a comedy show by legendary comic Don Burnstick and music by The Rebels. A great way to experience local Indigenous culture. Wanuskewin Heritage Park (5 min N off Wanuskewin Road)

Rock Your Roots Walk

7am pipe ceremony, 9am Grand Entry, 9:30am walk; public is welcome to attend

This walk for National Reconciliation will take place also on June 21, with a walk starting from Victoria Park (at Spadina Cres. W and Avenue F) and ending with a free lunch at the Indian & Metis Friendship Centre (168 Wall St.)

June22

Summer Solstice Party feat. DJ Questlove

**DJ Questlove of The Roots will headline the Remai Modern's Summer Solstice Party along with local acts DJ Charly Hustle and singer/songwriter Denise Valle.**

8pm; tickets $27/members $15; remaimodern.org Acclaimed musician, drummer and co-founder of Grammy Award-winning hip hop artists The Roots, Questlove (aka Ahmir Khalib Thompson) will light up this party along the riverbank on the longest day of the year. Opening sets by Charly Hustle and Denise Valle.

Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E;)

July01

Saskatchewan Roughriders

5pm; tickets from $27; riderville.com The Green & White start the season vs. the Toronto Argonauts on Canada Day, so get in the car, make a stop for a drink at the Elephant Bar & Grill in Aylesbury along the way, and be ready to bleed green for the home team! For added fun this year, bands from Big Sugar to Bombargo and beyond will rock the place at halftime! Call it a “Good time guarantee”. Other early home games: July 6 vs. Calgary Stampeders (8pm); July 20 vs. B.C. Lions (5pm); Aug. 1 vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7:30pm). Mosaic Stadium (Regina, SK)

festival fun

July02–25

Theatre in the Park

Evenings 7pm, Sun matinees 1pm; open to the public; sumtheatre.com “The Young Ones” is the story this year for this celebrated open-air theatre, which brings togther kids of all ages to enjoy simple, positive but thought-provoking themes. Audience participation strongly encouraged. Starts at Chief Darcy Bear Park (Eastlake Ave. and 11th St. E)

July03–Aug18

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

Multi-talented theatre professional Anita Smith directs one of the two comedies of The Bard being presented this year at the city's signature Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan festival, this year celebrating 35 years of great summer theatre!
Courtesy image

Evening shows 7:30pm, Sun matinees 1pm; tickets from $22; shakespearesask.com For a 35th year, the Bard will have two of his plays performed under the big tent along the South Saskatchewan River at this signature prairie festival by presenting sponsor Nutrien. This year the schedule features two comedies: a fantastical rendition of As You Like It (presented by Cameco) and The Comedy of Errors (presented by SaskTel), done in the hillbilly style of “Duck Dynasty”. Festival gates open at 5pm before each show for “Boryski’s and the Bard”: BBQ treats and cold drinks on a truly riverside patio. Check the festival website for details on various special events such as the Medieval Feasts, the Building Bridges Cultural Evening and Chefs on the Saskatchewan. Festival site along Spadina Crescent East (see p. 36; map 2, A8)

July13–14

Nutrien Delisle Rodeo

Sat events from 3pm, Sun from 1pm; weekend passes $25; on Facebook This true rodeo (sanctioned by the Canadian Cowboy Association) rounds up 10 events over two days with only a select number of participants competing in each category, among them barrel racing, bronc riding, steer wrestling and even mutton busting! Delisle, SK (30 min. SW on Hwy 7)

July18–21

Ness Creek Music Festival

Weekend passes $160/$180 at the gate; nesscreekmusicfestival.com One of the province’s signature festivals owing to its serene location on a creek in the boreal forest and the communal nature at its heart. Ness Creek this year features such big local names as Bombargo, Lord Byrun and Denise Valle, plus rising national talents Daniel Romano, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Terra Lightfoot. During the afternoons, take in one of their many musical workshops to learn about drumming, songwriting and more, or visit the Art Market for some really neat stuff. Also be sure to check their handy website before heading out, particularly for any neophytes to this fun-filled frolic (which some have dubbed the Woodstock of the Boreal Forest): The First Timer’s Guide to Ness has everything you could possibly need to know about camping up north. So, leave the glitter and other nasty stuff at home, but bring bug spray, a re-fillable water bottle, a nice sleeping bag, a good tent and an even better flashlight. Near Big River, SK (2.5 hrs. N off Hwy 55)

July26–28

Dog Patch Music Festival

Weekend passes $100 in advance/$130 at the gate; dogpatchmusicfest.com Way, way up in the northern wilds of Saskatchewan is this homegrown country, roots and folk music festival that promotes local talent, family get-togethers and “Keeping it Real!” in the great outdoors. Expect folksy goodness from The Dirt Rich Band, Jaydee Bixby, River’s Edge, Rugged Little Thing and New Dawn Drum Group among others. Whelan, SK (2 hrs. N of North Battleford off Hwy 26)

July31–Aug10

Nutrien Fringe Theatre Festival

**Street performers, fringe theatre performers and artists abound at Saskatchewan's biggest street fair, the 30th annual Nutrien Fringe Theatre Festival in Saskatoon's Broadway district.**
Courtesy image

Ticketed shows $15; 25thstreettheatre.org You can always expect views on an alternative universe thanks to this classic Fringe festival (now in its 30th year), which features a range of acts (comedy, Vaudeville, storytelling, drama, magic, dance, etc.) from across Saskatchewan, Canada, the US and the world. Can you catch all 33 plays during the 10 days of the festival? You can always try! See the official program in the centre of this issue of flow magazine for the full schedule. Not into sitting down for a show? Check out one of the ever-popular busking circles and the amazing acts to be found there, peruse the range of local art vendors on the street, or just dig into one of the many food trucks on site, then tuck in and people watch to your heart’s content at this, the largest street fair in the province! Broadway district

Aug09–11

Regina Folk Festival

Weekend passes $155; reginafolkfestival.com

Arguably the best way to experience the province’s capital city, RFF involves three days of folk, rock, funk, country and many other kinds of music in leafy, expansive Victoria Park. This is year 50 for this beloved music showcase, which has multiple mainstage acts each night: (Fri) The Dead South, Bahamas, A Tribe Called Red; (Sat) Ruth B, Blind Boys of Alabama, Colter Wall; (Sun) H’Sao, Charlotte Day Wilson, Blue Rodeo. While away the afternoons at workshops (read: jam sessions) that bring eclectic groupings of these same performers, allowing fans to get right up close and dance or lay back on the grass and soak it all in. Lots of stuff for the kids to do too (i.e., not just face painting)! Victoria Park (at Regina; 2.5 hrs. S on Hwy 11)

Aug15–17

Folkfest

Thu/Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 3pm–midnight; passports $16 (12 and under free); saskatoonfolkfest.com What started 40 years ago as a response to the province’s 75th jubilee has grown into Saskatoon’s favourite ethnic festival. “Rediscover Memories” is this year’s theme, implying an opportunity to reconnect with whatever it is you’ve been missing: Comfort food? Entertainment? A bit of shopping? There’s something at each at the nearly two dozen pavilions. And, as ever, consider taking the bus rather than drive: Saskatoon Transit offers free transportation between all pavilions for those with a valid 2019 Folkfest passport. Various venues citywide, incl. Prairieland Park (503 Ruth St.)

Bombin’ with Bombargo

Saskatoon rock band Bombargo prides themselves on their “Goodtime Guarantee™”, which is made up of their infectious energy, powerful lyrics, and soul meets indie-rock sound. Members Nathan Thoen (vocals), Spencer Chilliak (guitar), Matthew Levi Folkersen (keyboards/guitar), Connor Newton (saxophone), Anthony Thoen (guitar), Niall Cubbon (drums) and Samuel Lee Folkersen (guitar) not only put on a killer show with great energy and chilling harmonies, but you can also see how passionate they are about music on their faces when performing.

Be sure to check them out online (bombargo.com), and at numerous events and venues this summer: June 29: Bombargo w/ Carter & The Capitals, Kaye & Co (8pm; tickets $20 in advance/$25 at the door). At Capitol Music Club (244 1st Ave. N) July 5–6: Napatak Ramble (see p. 12 for details) July 18–21: Ness Creek Music Festival (see p. 23 for details) Sept. 1: Bombargo half-time performance (during the Labour Day Classic vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers; game time 1pm; tickets from $37). At Mosaic Stadium (Regina, SK)

Aug30–31

Nutrien Fireworks Festival

**Fireworks light up the skies over the riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River during Labour Day weekend!**
Tourism Saskatoon

9:30pm start time; open to the pubic

It’s thunder and light from the skies to wow even the hardest to impress festivalgoers. Gather along the riverbank on either side of the South Saskatchewan River in the city centre and wonder at the sight of this spectacular international fireworks event. Got earplugs? Bring them. Hungry? Food trucks will be there. Note: Broadway Bridge will be closed this year for the festival as it’s the launch site. River Landing (see p. 36; map 2, F3–5)

This article is from:

Come Together! Summer 2019 in YXE!