SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase at Country Thunder 2025

SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase at Country Thunder 2025

July 11-13, 2025

by SaskMusic

July 6, 2025 in SaskMusic News

We're pleased to be partnering again this year with Country Thunder Saskatchewan for the Songwriters Showcase.

On the afternoons of July 11-13, you can find the showcase stage on the Country Thunder grounds to listen to songs and the stories behind them. Each afternoon, 4 different artists will take turns sharing their music, songwriters-in-the-round, acoustic style. (Get there early as seating is limited!)

Friday, July 11, 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Casey Stone

Casey Stone

Darryl Anderson

Darryl Anderson

Teagan Littlechief

Teagan Littlechief

Tim Hicks

Tim Hicks

 

Saturday, July 12, 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Brock Andrews

Brock Andrews

James Barker

James Barker

Jordyn Pollard

Jordyn Pollard

Teagan Littlechief

Kara Golemba

Josh Stumpf

 

 

Sunday, July 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Ali Fontaine

Ali Fontaine

Cooper Tropeau

Cooper Tropeau

Jason McCoy

Jason McCoy

JJ Lavallee

JJ Lavallee

About the Artists:

Ali Fontaine: Fontaine is a Saskatoon-based multi-award winning Anishinaabe singer/songwriter who grew up in Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. Ali's songs and voice ring authentic, with a rare ability to immediately connect with listeners. Ali is inspired by her community, who she continues to maintain a strong connection with. As a singer-songwriter and third-year law student, Ali seeks to advocate for Indigenous peoples and communities, especially Indigenous women and children.

Brock Andrews: Andrews burst onto the country music scene in 2016 with the launch of his first full length album "Eight" which spent several weeks in the Top 10 charts on iTunes. Garnering critical acclaim. Since that time, Brock has become one of the most played Saskatchewan artists on country radio across Canada with over 15,000 spins. Brock has an energetic, heartfelt approach to songwriting and performance, and he has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages across the country. Relatable storytelling, honest songwriting and high energy performances have helped to create a brand for Brock that keeps him in demand on stages across Canada.

Casey Stone: Passionate, intense and powerful are three words stated repeatedly by fans of Casey Stone's talents and performances. Let's add devoted. Casey started her music career first in church and then at age 11 with a family band. She won a national country music singing contest at 15 which brought national airplay, TV guest performances and recordings in Nashville. She has dipped from country into pop, rock, blues, roots and back to country while her love for songwriting and performing music has grown. Accolades such as nominations from the CCMAs and Geminis as well as song placements in successful TV shows have occurred while Casey has continued to perform and create with various bands and musicians. As she welcomes her 60th birthday, she's embarking on a new path - performing her original songs solo with her piano and sharing their various inspirations.

Cooper Tropeau: Cooper Tropeau is a Canadian artist hailing from the prairies of Saskatoon SK. At 23 years old, he has been captivating audiences with heartfelt melodies and powerful lyrics since he first started writing, recording, and performing in 2016. He has released a full-length album, an EP, and numerous singles, with a new full length album set to drop this summer. Cooper Tropeau’s music can be described as a blend of country, rock, and alternative influences. A songwriter and storyteller at heart, he invites listeners to share in the highs and lows of life through his songs. 

Darryl Anderson: With a voice that captures the essence of the prairies and the spirit of country living, Darryl Anderson has garnered recognition and acclaim throughout his career. His talent and dedication have earned him multiple nominations for the prestigious SCMA (Saskatchewan Country Music Association) awards, including the coveted Male Artist of the Year category. In 2024 Darryl won SCMA emerging artist of the year. In an industry where authenticity and talent shine, Darryl is a name to watch. With his roots firmly grounded in the prairies and a soaring career that continues to reach new heights, Darryl's journey through the world of Canadian country music is an inspiring tale of dedication, passion, and the power of music to connect with the heart. Follow Darryl’s music journey as he continues to captivate audiences, one note at a time, and represents the heart of Canadian country music.

JJ Lavallee: Lavallee is a Métis Country Singer/Song Writer/Fiddler from St. Ambroise MB who calls Saskatoon SK home. His music blends the soulful melodies of country music with the spirited rhythms of traditional Métis sounds. Raised in a musically gifted family, JJ draws inspiration from his heritage, crafting songs that resonate with themes of resilience, love, and belonging. His performances are a vibrant celebration of culture, often featuring heartfelt storytelling and an undeniable connection to his audience. His 2023 album Rebirth is a testament to his artistic journey, with tracks like “Young Man”, “Good Metis Man” and “Take me Home” offering reflections on renewal and perseverance. All 3 songs charted in the top 10 and “Young Man” went to number 1 on the National Indigenous Music Countdown and MBC radio. This album, paired with his captivating live performances, earned him Male Artist of the Year at the 2023 Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards and two honors at the 2024 Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards: Country Artist of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year. He was a finalist for the Sask Music Country Artist and Contemporay Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2025

Jordyn Pollard: Born in the land of the living skies and wide-open spaces of Lloydminster SK, it’s no surprise Jordyn Pollard is becoming a bright light in the country-pop scene across Canada. Imbued on the prairie ethos of hard work, humility and independence, she’s bringing a fresh take on the female country sound we know and love with catchy hooks and sharp vocals to match. An 11 time Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) nominee, 2020 SCMA Emerging Artist of the Year winner, 2024 SCMA Humanitarian of the Year winner and 3X SaskMusic Country Artist of the Year nominee, Pollard is proving to be an up-and-comer with her Billboard charting hits and upbeat live performances. Her new album “Upside of Being” down was released earlier this year, produced by Juno award winning producer, Bart McKay.

Josh Stumpf: Stumpf brings a raw, soulful energy to his music, captivating audiences with its authenticity and emotion. Drawing influence from a wide range of styles – outlaw country, '80s two-step, and country rock to name a few – Stumpf’s voice and songwriting continue to uphold a sound that is uniquely his own. A skilled multi-genre writer, Stumpf has already made his mark in the music scene by winning the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year award at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, as well as, through dynamic performances and as the co-founder of the Sunset Country Music Festival, a small but mighty Saskatchewan-based grassroots festival that raises funds to give back to the community. First introduced to listeners in 2023 with his debut single, “Drink Me a Lullaby,” Stumpf celebrated his signing with MDM Recordings Inc. last year, and his debut single with the label, “Highway Money,” is out now.

Kara Golemba: Golemba's most recent release, a full length album entitled "Keep These Stories Safe" has a self-confidence woven through its themes and tones. She uses her craft to distill her life experiences in ways that awaken the listener to their own vulnerabilities. With production sensibilities reminiscent of Susan Tedeschi or Brandi Carlile, Golemba holds her listeners with both a powerfully dynamic voice and a hooky guitar. The Proudly Saskatchewan Showcase winner received a nomination from The Saskatchewan Music Awards 2022 for Roots Artist of the year and "Keep These Stories Safe" was declared one of the Top 10 albums at the Saskatchewan Music awards in 2023.

Teagan Littlechief: Teagan Littlechief is a powerhouse country rock artist from Saskatchewan, renowned for her dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence. With over two decades in the music industry, she has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 SCMA Female Artist of the Year, three time SCMA Indigenous Artist of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024), and the 2025 SaskMusic Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year. Notably, she made history as the first Indigenous woman to win SCMA Female Artist of the Year, further solidifying her influence in Canadian country music.

Celebrated for her exceptional vocal range, Teagan has achieved two #1 singles on the Official Indigenous Music Countdown and continues to captivate audiences with her signature blend of country, rock, and pop influences. She gained national recognition for her performance of the Canadian national anthem in Cree, English, and French at the 109th Grey Cup.

Teagan has shared the stage with prominent artists such as George Canyon and Emerson Drive and has been recognized with multiple industry nominations, including the SaskMusic Awards. As a trailblazer for Indigenous musicians, her dedication to her craft and ability to connect with audiences have established her as a standout artist in the Canadian country music scene.

How were the artists for this stage selected?

For our collaboration with Country Thunder, CT organizers and SaskMusic collaborated to curate and contribute artist selections for the lineup. (SaskMusic posted a call for submissions to our members to help us locate interested artists.) The lineups reflect a mix of emerging and established songwriters.

 

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