Meet the Board
About the Board
The SaskMusic Board makes policy for and develops the strategic direction of SaskMusic. Board members are volunteers, serving on committees and often times helping present our various events and activities.
We welcome and encourage board members from all over Saskatchewan. We seek diversity and invite interest from candidates representing many different roles and musical attitudes. A call for nominations is distributed to our voting membership annually in May/June in advance of our Annual General Meeting, at which time board elections are held.
Terms are two years in length, with Directors serving a maximum of three consecutive terms. The Executive is appointed from within the Board, by the Board, following each AGM. More information on board duties can be found on our AGM page.
Andrea An (Saskatoon)
First term: June 2021-June 2023
Second term: June 2023-June 2025
Andrea is a multi-talented pop, R&B, and country artist who is known for her captivating music and creative pursuits. Starting with piano lessons at the age of six, she taught herself to play guitar as a teenager, then later ventured into photography and videography. Beyond her musical talents, Andrea is the co-owner of Nolita Studios, an award-winning recording studio, photography, and videography company. Collaborating with Jesse Weiman, she not only records at their studio but also excels in fine-tuning visuals and marketing content. Andrea has toured extensively, performing at notable festivals and events organized by the Sask. Country Music Assoc. and Vietnamese charities. Her outstanding achievements include nominations for Emerging Artist of the Year and Best Alternative Country Album, with her debut album “Bloom,” which also reached #7 on the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2022 list. Additionally, she was the sole successful candidate from Sask in the 2021 SOCAN/TD Bank Incubator for Entrepreneurship program. Andrea’s passion and commitment challenge industry norms, inspiring diverse representation in Canadian music.
Jamie Anderson (Regina)
First term: June 2022-June 2024
Jamie (she/her) is a classical musician born and raised in Regina. She holds a B. Mus in Clarinet Performance. Jamie started playing the clarinet in 2005, and has played with wind ensembles, concert bands, and orchestras, along with smaller ensemble work. She is regularly invited to work with band students at all levels throughout southern Sask. Outside of performing, Jamie has worked in arts administration for 5+ years at the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the City of Regina, and is heavily involved in the Regina Folk Festival. Jamie has volunteered for the RFF since 2012, and is the Board Secretary. Jamie’s experience as a performer has supported her knowledge in concert and festival planning, which spans from front of house, to volunteer coordination, to artistic support and everything in between. In working with mentors such as Gordon Gerrard, Music Director of the RSO, Jamie is passionate about how live music and collaboration, by exploring social relevant issues, can bring community together. Currently working in the animal welfare sector, Jamie continues to teach, support, and attend music-related events in the community. Jamie lives with her wiener dog/best friend/child, Hanna.
Brad Bellegarde (Regina)
First term: June 2021-June 2023
Second term: June 2023-June 2025
CBC Future 40 Award Winner and Neechie Gear Role Model, Brad Bellegarde aka InfoRed has been a featured artist at events such as Aboriginal Music Week in Winnipeg, Manitoba, APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live and Vancouver’s Olympic Games celebrations. Brad is a proud Nakota/Cree member of the Little Black Bear First Nation who calls Regina, SK home. A true believer that education is the new Buffalo, his work in schools gave him a unique opportunity to present his methods of education at the VIII International Conference of Intercultural Education in Indigenous Contexts in Temuco, Chile. In 2012, InfoRed performed for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during their Royal visit.
Mike Davis (North Portal)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Mike is a singer-songwriter with over 25 years of experience as a guitar player and vocalist. Mike has been working as a musician since the age of 16 when he toured the US and Bermuda with The Continentals. In recent years, Mike has been a member of the folk trio, Hook & Nail. The band’s debut album which Mike co-produced was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award. In 2019, he and his wife formed Last Birds. The duo was nominated for multiple awards in 2021 and 2022, including a Saskatchewan Music Award for Roots/Folk Artist of the Year as well as Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s Group and Alternative Country Album of the Year. His success in music can be attributed in part to his business sense. He operated his own construction company in Estevan for over 10 years.
Marian Donnelly (Regina)
First term: June 2021-June 2023
Second term: June 2023-June 2025
Marian has worked in the creative industries since 1975. Between 1976 and 1996, Marian worked as an artist manager, concert and festival producer, music publisher and tour manager in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. In 1996, she returned to Regina to work as Executive Director of SaskMusic. In 2002, she worked as Cultural Industries Consultant to the Province of Saskatchewan, and was then hired as General Manager of Globe Theatre from 2003-2005. In 2006, Marian returned to school and earned her MBA. As a consultant, she facilitated and developed strategic plans for organizations across Canada, including the Atlantic Presenters Assoc. and the Canadian Gospel Music Assoc. She wrote a municipal cultural plan for the City of Yorkton and was an associate consultant on the development of a cultural plan for Saskatoon. She also renovated a heritage building in Regina’s downtown, which opened in 2011 as the Creative City Centre, home to artist studios, a visual art gallery and small performance venue. The CCC presented 150-200 shows per year at this vibrant but intimate venue. With the pandemic lockdown, the CCC transitioned from performance venue to production studio and creating digital content for artists.
Uzochi Ifeanyiukachu (Regina)
First term: June 2022-June 2024
Meet Zochi, a captivating singer-songwriter hailing from Regina, with roots tracing back to Nigeria. Her music journey takes pride in embracing the rich fusion of Afro soul within the vibrant Hip-Hop culture. As a black LGBTQ2S+ artist, Zochi stands tall as a beacon of representation and empowerment, using her artistry as a potent voice to redefine what it means to be black, queer, confident, and artistic. Through her soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Zochi weaves narratives that resonate deeply, touching on themes of identity, love, and resilience. With each performance, she invites her audience into a realm of self-discovery and acceptance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who experience her music. Zochi’s artistic journey continues to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of human experiences, bridging gaps and creating harmony with her powerful voice and message.
(Updated August 2023)
Walter Jeworski (Regina)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Walter is a Music Production & Engineering graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. With experience at the renowned MSR Studios in NYC, he has worked on sessions with GRAMMY award-winning artists. He currently resides in his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, where he engineers, mixes and masters records for clients both local and international including Marina Satti, The Atlanta Opera, TOVA, Samurai Champs, Jeffery Straker, and more.
Shannon Josdal (Saskatoon)
First term: June 2019-June 2021
Second term: June 2021-June 2023
Past President (a non-voting, advisory position): June 2023-June 2025
Shannon is an entertainment buyer, venue manager, and music educator with over ten years’ experience in the creative industries. Originally from Regina, she is a graduate of the Don Wright Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario and the Integrated Musical Theatre program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Shannon has worked with venues of all sizes throughout the province, as well as artists ranging from up-and-comers to international headliners. As a music educator, she has taught students ranging in age from 4 - adult in both private and classroom settings. She brings to the Board a wealth of experience in entertainment contracts, negotiation, event planning, budget management, and audience engagement.
Jackie Kroczynski (North Battleford)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Jackie is a multitalented artist originally hailing from Saskatoon, known for her lifelong passion for music and storytelling. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) and has showcased her musical talents as both a performer and conductor in Concert and Jazz Bands across Western Canada and Europe. Her newest album, She’s A Story was released on March 8, 2023. Jackie has served on the board for Saskatchewan Music Educators Association and has been a Councillor for the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation. Jackie currently serves as a board member for The Scene (formerly the Battlefords Jazz Society). She has been a teacher writer for the new SK. Band 10,20,30 curriculum and wrote the Arts Ed 20 Virtual Course for Living Sky School Division. Currently based in North Battleford, Jackie’s creativity has allowed her to travel many places, including a recent showcase at Your Roots Are Showing in Ireland with her husband Tom Kroczynski. Jackie is grateful for the support that she has received from FACTOR, Canada Council for the Arts, SK Arts and Creative Saskatchewan.
Photo credit: Nicole Romanoff
Dale McArthur (Regina)
First term: June 2018-June 2020
Second term: June 2020-June 2022
Third term: June 2022-June 2024
Dale is from White Bear First Nations. He comes with twenty years of local and professional industry experience. Dale’s focus is on opening doors for Indigenous Artists and assisting where possible with providing support. Dale also has training in Audio Mastering from Berklee College of Music and offers services to emerging artists. Dale has previously served on the Board and worked to form the first Indigenous Advisory. He continues his dedication to the arts community and Indigenous focus.
Erik Mehlsen (Regina)
First term: June 2023-June 2025
Erik Mehlsen is a songwriter, performer, label-owner, gear-hauler, theory-teacher, merch-seller, what-it-takes jack of all trades who has tried nearly every music-related job at least once. With several hundred performances and festivals across Europe, USA, UK, and Canada, a number of JUNO and WCMA awards, four published books, a songwriting app, and a diverse publishing catalogue, Erik has quietly amassed an impressive music resume. Spending less time touring in recent years has meant his focus has shifted more to mentorship, label work, and music production. He currently runs Sharp 5 Records, is a partner in Wrist Shot Records and Books, teaches private lessons, and has spent several stints teaching in remote communities in Saskatchewan's north.
Orion Paradis (Regina)
First term: June 2018-June 2020
Second term: June 2020-June 2022
Third term: June 2022-June 2024
Orion is a Saskatchewan music producer who works out of his own recording studio. As a producer & engineer, Orion is very active in Sask’s local community of bands, recording with artists such as Ava Wild, Beach Body, Zochi, Natural Sympathies, The Wonts, Wolf Willow, Megan Nash, Library Voices, The Dead South, Kacy & Clayton, Etienne Fletcher & The Extroverts. Orion has a lot of knowledge of the music business in Saskatchewan - from creating albums, to performing heavily remixed DJ sets, to production work for dance and theatre companies, he has navigated a wide swath of musical exploration and events – experience which is shared with the SaskMusic board since Orion was elected in 2018. Some career highlights include: 2020 - Gold Certification Canada & USA (The Dead South “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company”); 2019 Juno Nomination - Contemporary Roots Album of the Year (Megan Nash – Seeker); 2018 - #1 Stingray Satellite Radio (Etienne Fletcher - Cherie Cheri); 2017 SaskMusic #1 Album (Megan Nash – Seeker), 2016 Nominated Recording of the Year WCMA (Library Voices - Lovish), 2013 CBC #1 National Song of the Summer (Indigo Joseph - Others).
Katie Sahlu (Regina)
First term: June 2022-June 2024
Katie is a Canadian Hot 100 songwriter with an honours diploma in Entertainment Business Management from Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production. She has worked with various recording labels and agencies while based in Toronto. She has served as a JUNO Awards judge and has been a FACTOR Juror for a number of years. With a focus on urban music, she enjoys dedicating time to consult with artists to help with grants, marketing, songwriting/beat selection, etc. and has recently relocated back to her home province of Saskatchewan.
