Are you ready to rock out at SaskMusic's inaugural Metal Summit? 

SaskMusic is delighted to announce that you can now reserve discounted hotel rooms at our Metal Summit host hotel, which will be the Alt Hotel in Saskatoon (480 2 Ave. S, Saskatoon).

To book, contact the hotel by phone (639)-398-0250 using the Group Name: 2026 SaskMusic Delegates Room Block or use this link to book online. The block is first come, first served and may sell out, so book sooner than later! 

The Metal Summit will include various conference sessions, such as: Band Self-Management, Meet the UK and European Agents, International Export and Touring, Touring in Canada, Meet the Festivals, Royalties, Managers vs Labels, Grants for Heavy Music, Marketing and Branding, and more!

The festival component of the summit will take place on February 27-28. The conference component will take place February 28-March 1.

Registration and tickets will be announced in January, along with the schedule and lineup. In the meantime, book those hotel rooms and get ready to rock out with us in Saskatoon next year! 

Save the Date: 2026 Evolution Youth Music Summit

Are you interested in music - maybe as a musician, singer, songwriter, or aspiring producer - and want to learn more about performing and the music business? Evolution Youth Music Summit is back, this time in Saskatoon! 

SaskMusic will be offering an exciting opportunity for youth (ages 14 to 25) to learn more about the business, while meeting music-loving peers. This full-day summit will be offered on February 20 and 21, featuring daytime panels and workshops along with evening showcases. You'll be able to pick which day you want to register for. 

We'll have more information for you later this month - so mark those calendars and get ready for a great music education event in Saskatoon

SaskMusic closes 2025 with CBC Saskatchewan recap shows!

As SaskMusic closes out 2025, we sat down with CBC twice at the end of the year!

We got to introduce folks to some music that you will want to add to your playlist coming into 2026, and highlighted some up-and-coming emerging talent to keep your ears out for this year! 

Listen to SaskMusic Executive Director, Lorena Kelly chat about all things emerging on Saskatchewan Weekend with guest host Laura Sciarpelletti!

Listen along here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-205-saskatchewan-weekend/clip/16190063-emerging-saskatchewan-musicians-listen-2026

And listen to SaskMusic Education Manager, Ben Valiaho, and Program and Export Manager, Kaelen Klypak discuss some of the best musicians working in Saskatchewan right now on Blue Sky with Nichole Huck!

Listen along here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-189-blue-sky/clip/16189777-the-best-saskatchewan-music

Should we stay or should we go now: Saskatchewan Music Award survey!

Take our SMA survey here

Award shows are a way we can draw the attention of the general public and stakeholders to the exceptional talent in our province. Winners and nominees may see boosts in streams, show bookings, and media visibility – plus nominations are great to include in a portfolio/biography and grant applications.

We also strive to create a fun, community-centred event where artists and industry members from around the province can gather for a joyful evening of celebrating each other's successes.

In other words, award shows are economic and marketing drivers as much as cultural events.

We have presented the Saskatchewan Music Awards seven times now (including virtual versions during the pandemic). It's one of the largest events SaskMusic produces, and we feel it's time to collect feedback from our music community before moving forward with future editions.

This is your chance to let us know your candid thoughts and ideas. Take the survey when you have a few minutes as soon as possible.

Festivals, Venues, and Event Producers: We want your input! 

SaskMusic is collecting input to determine if there is sufficient interest for us to present a Live Presenter Forum in spring 2026.

This event would invite live music presenters such as festivals, venues, and other live music producers and stakeholders to discuss tips, challenges and strategies towards a common goal of supporting the presentation of live music in our province, and building community among presenters.

Based on the feedback we collect, we will move ahead (or not) and refine the topics, location and timing! 

To view sample agenda, and to give us your thoughts, please take the survey at this link

'What's in a Name' topic for Jan. 11, Saskatoon Songwriters Meeting

This Sunday, Jan.11 2026, join the Saskatoon Songwriters Group for their first meeting of 2026 at Studio 12 (9-1025 Boychuk Drive, Saskatoon, SK) at 1 p.m.! 

This month they'll be exploring what's in a name with Shelley Neumeier! They will explore different approaches to song/album titles, discussing how they can be used to draw the listener into a song and be an inspiration to lyric development. 

Songwriters and artists of all skill levels are welcome to attend these FREE sessions on various topics to assist in developing your songwriting chops.

And mark those too, because the following meeting will be Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Mark your calendars and stay posted for more information!

Jan. 25, 2026 Regina Songwriters Group Meetup

And definitely don't forget to sign up for our January 25, 7pm virtual session with the amazing Begonia! Everyone is welcome for this free, interactive presentation.

In 'Finding Your Creative Voice in a Changing Industry', Begonia will speak about her 20+ years in the industry and how she maintains her creative spark.

Click here to register.

Also, if you attended any of our fall 2025 Regina Songwriter Events (Sept. - Dec., 2025), please take a few minutes and share your feedback in this short survey!

Fill out the survey here.

The workshop will emphasize songwriting, covering topics such as cultivating your own original sound and voice, developing your artistic brand, collaborating with other writers and musicians, and maintaining a self-compassionate creative practice in an ever-changing industry.

Expect stories from Begonia’s journey, from her early days to the making of her latest album, Fantasy Life.

Begonia is the stage name of Winnipeg entertainer Alexa Dirks, who launched her solo career in 2017 with the EP "Lady in Mind," featuring the #1 CBC Radio single "Juniper." Her critically-acclaimed full-length albums "Fear" (2019) and "Powder Blue" (2023) have earned her two JUNO Award nominations and two Polaris Music Prize nominations. Begonia followed up with a three-song EP, “Open Swim” (2024) which received remarkable response across streaming platforms and radio.

Recognized by NPR as an "Artist You Need to Know," Begonia is celebrated by her core fans for her powerful live performances, which Noisey describes as “obliterating the misery from this world one live performance at a time." Her captivating stage presence has opened doors for her to perform at clubs, theatres, and festivals globally, connecting with audiences worldwide. Her newest full-length release “Fantasy Life” made its debut October 2025, via Birthday Cake Records.

Early Bird tickets for Love Jazz 2026 are now on sale

Love Jazz 2026, Afro Tribes Festival's annual Black History Month celebration, will take place on February 14, 2026 at the Delta Hotel, Regina.

This year’s event will feature:

• Live soulful jazz performances
• Comedy
• A delicious 3-course meal
• A warm atmosphere of culture, connection, and celebration

In keeping with tradition, Love Jazz 2026 will also focus on:

•     Raising awareness for Youth Mental Health
•     Supporting Hurricane Melissa rebuild efforts

Early Bird ticket pricing is available for a limited time and will increase in January once Afro Tribes Festival assess confirmed sponsorship and financial support.

Get these tickets at their best rate! 

Learn more, and grab your ticket here.

Sask. band performing official showcase Ireland Folk Conference

Northern Air has been chosen for an official showcase at Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland's folk conference! They will join a slate of fourteen Canadian musicians performing between Feb. 14-17, 2026. 

Congratulations to Northern Air!

Early Bird Deadline approaching for BreakOut West! 

Make sure you get your submissions in for BreakOut West 2026 in Victoria, BC! 

Submissions for the festival are open to artists of all genres from all Western provinces and Territories, as well as Nunavut Territory.

BreakOut West is a music industry showcase, designed to match export-ready artists based in Western Canada with industry professionals at their level. Artists are selected based on their goals, recent experience, and the likelihood of which they would find concrete business at the BreakOut West conference.

WCMA recommends that submitting artists meet at least two, but ideally all four of FACTOR’s criteria for export readiness. 

BreakOut West is a juried showcase festival that takes many details into consideration. These may include; diversity of genre, language, gender and cultural identity. The festival also strives to represent all Wesern Canadian Music Alliance geographic regions. Gender-non-conforming artists, Indigenous artists, and artists of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Early Bird Deadline: January 14, 2026
• Final Deadline: February 4, 2026

For more information, and to apply, visit their website here.

Artists selected for this event may be eligible to apply for showcase support through funding agencies. SaskMusic anticipates being available to provide pre-event coaching and on-the-ground support for this event.

Folk Canada Conference showcase submissions open!

Apply to showcase at the Folk Canada Conference to get your music in front of Festivals, Venues, Concert Presenters, Radio DJs, Labels, Agents, Managers, Music Supervisors, and Talent Buyers from across the country and beyond!

Folk Canada is Canada's largest annual conference devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community.

The conference offers training, showcasing, and networking opportunities for artists and music industry professionals in Canada and the international Folk community, with customized programming for folks at any stage of their career, from emerging to export-ready.

• Deadline to apply: January 30, 2026

For more information, and to apply, visit me website.

Artists selected for this event may be eligible to apply for showcase support through funding agencies. SaskMusic anticipates being available to provide pre-event coaching and on-the-ground support for this event.

Creative Saskatchewan Filmmakers grant deadline approaching

This grant supports emerging Saskatchewan filmmakers with mentorship and production funds to produce content under 10 minutes intended to build the filmmakers’ professional portfolio, and this grant includes funding for music videos!

Music Videos:

• For musicians, the program’s objective is to promote an upcoming single through the production of a music video.
• For filmmakers (director or producer, or an individual acting as both), the program’s objective is to create capacity development opportunities, as selected applicants will gain experience managing production and working with clients.
• Both parties (musicians and filmmakers) will have a completed music video to add to their professional portfolio. However, the musicians will maintain ownership of the finished project.
• A letter of support for the project from the musician must be included in the application. Musicians must be a signatory on the funding agreement should a grant be awarded.

Filmmakers will be paired with a mentor throughout the production process who will advise and work with the teams to finalize video treatment (shot list or storyboard etc.), production budget, production schedule, production agreements, rough cut, and fine cut.

Creative Saskatchewan may provide up to 100% of the approved budget to a maximum of $7,500 for a music video.

• Deadline: January 21, 2026

For more information and application deadlines, visit their website.

Festival Opportunity - Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival 2026

Performer applications for the 2026 Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival are available on the website.

"If you are a musician or band interested in participating in the best free family event of the summer," the festival notes, so apply soon!

Please ...

Deadline: January 11, 2026

READ MORE

Electronic Festival Opportunity - Future Forest 2026

Future Forest is more than a festival—it’s a living, breathing art experiment in which music, creativity, and nature merge to create something unforgettable.

Future Forest began in 2012 as a celebration of rhythm, music, and nature, originally launc...

Deadline: January 11, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Beaumont Music Festival 2026

The festival is a 100% volunteer-managed and volunteer-staffed, not-for-profit organization with a deep commitment to the local music scene, which supports and nurtures the music community in Edmonton, throughout Alberta, and across Canada.

For more...

Deadline: January 15, 2026

READ MORE

International Songwriting Competition

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual songwriting and music contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters, musicians, bands, and solo performers are invited to participate. It doesn't matter whether you perform or write songs for a living or do it as a hobby – ISC is open to everyone. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting contests and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

Deadline: January 15, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity: Tiny Lights Festival 2026

The Tiny Lights Festival is an intimate and curated music and arts event held annually in the small, mountain town of Ymir, British Columbia. Hosted by the non-profit Renascence Arts and Sustainability Society, the festival features a diverse mix of mu...

Deadline: January 15, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Salt Shaker 2026

Since 2018, the Salt Shaker Festival is an annual weekend music festival at Manitou Beach, SK. 

A music festival is being held on July 10–12, 2026, at Little Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan, and the Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club's "Shakers Without B...

Deadline: January 15, 2026

READ MORE

Performance Opportunity: On Cue - Femme Fest 2026 Call for Proposals

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, On Cue Performance Hub will once again host Femme Fest, taking place from March 6–8, 2026. The festival spotlights and celebrates female-identifying and gender-diverse performing artists, sh...

Deadline: January 15, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Stanfest) 2026

Stanfest curates a mix of established and emerging folk artists from across Canada and beyond.

The Stan Rogers Folk Festival takes place in the beautiful seaside community of Canso, which is located Guysborough County. Canso is the most easterly poi...

Deadline: January 20, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Liverpool SoundCity 2026

Ed Sheeran. Grimes. Christine & the Queens. What do all of these acts have in common?

These artists - and thousands of others - have submitted to us through our Apply To Play programme.

Over 19 editions of Sound City, we've showcased more than 3,...

Deadline: January 20, 2026

READ MORE

Residency Opportunity: Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026

Jazz & Sonic Arts is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to explore new directions in their practice and advance their creative potential through collaboration, research, and ...

Deadline: January 21, 2026

READ MORE

Artist Opportunity - Sound City Festival 2026

Welcome to Sound City, a grassroots festival grounded in strong foundations, meaningful connections, and a shared love of music.

Created by three UK sound system crews, the festival focuses on affordability, freedom of expression, powerful sound, an...

Deadline: January 22, 2026

READ MORE

Showcase Opportunity: Departure Festival + Conference 2026

Immerse yourself in the future of music at Departure Festival + Conference.

From electrifying live performances and showcases by rising stars and global icons to insightful industry discussions, you'll be at the forefront of the music industry. Conn...

Deadline: January 23, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Springtide Music Festival 2026

General Artist & Youth Stage Artist Submissions for Springtide 2026 are NOW OPEN!

Springtide Music Festival hosts a 3-day multi-venue event and a series of events throughout the year that showcase Canadian talent, celebrate local artists and create ...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Songwriting Opportunity - GATEBREAKERS Songcamp

Introducing GATEBREAKERS : an immersive two-day songwriting camp designed to ignite creativity, develop talent, and foster collaboration among emerging songwriters and producers.

GATEBREAKERS is more than a camp; it is a movement. Its mission is sim...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Call for Projects 2026 - Mutek Montreal

The call for projects for the 27th edition of the MUTEK Montréal Festival, taking place from August 25 to 30, 2026, is now open. This call invites digital artists, electronic musicians, and audiovisual performers to submit their projects for presentati...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Performance Opportunity: Ness Creek Music Festival 2026

The Ness Creek Music Festival offers incredible live music from Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world. Join over 3,000 people in the forest of northern Saskatchewan, be part of a tent-city community and enjoy Indie, Roots & Folk music from a...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Artist Opportunity - Northern Lights Festival Boréal 2026

Canada's longest consecutive running outdoor music festival

Northern Lights Festival Boréal is Canada’s longest-running outdoor music festival, lighting up Sudbury every summer with live music, art, and community vibes.

What started in 1972 as a ...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Showcase Opportunity - Cranium Festival 2026

As the Cranium Conference continues to shape the future of Soul/R&B, Hip-hop, and Afrobeat/Afrobeats music in Ottawa, the event looks forward to welcoming musicians, producers, and music industry professionals from across Ottawa, Canada, and around the...

Deadline: January 31, 2026

READ MORE

Arts of Celebration 2026 - Recommend an Artist for Recognition

Get ready for something extraordinary in 2026! SK Arts is honoured to present Arts of Celebration, a gathering and celebration of the diversity and contributions of Saskatchewan's artistic and cultural community. 

With the theme CONNECTION, we'll re...

Deadline: February 8, 2026

READ MORE

Lancaster Jazz Festival 2026

Artists are invited to apply to perform at Lancaster Jazz Festival 2026.

The festival welcomes both emerging and established performers and is known for championing new ideas, creative risk-taking, and diverse voices. Most of the programme is select...

Deadline: February 15, 2026

READ MORE

SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY: The Great Escape 2026

The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre and every corner of the globe. As the world’s leading festival for discovering new music, TGE offers a unique chance to showcase your talent in front of thousands of music fans, alongside 450+ emerging...

Deadline: February 15, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

Are you ready to perform on one of Canada’s most beloved festival stages? The 34th annual Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival is looking for incredible artists from all genres—folk, roots, funk, blues, rock, and beyond—to join us July 23–26, 2026.
As ...

Deadline: February 27, 2026

READ MORE

Artist Opportunity - Purple City Music Festival 2026

Purple City is a forward-thinking music festival of the future. This multi-day, multi-venue, all-ages music experience is a youth inspired arts event that is focused on the newest sounds from the global underground. Purple City prides itself in being c...

Deadline: March 1, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 2026

Saskatchewan artist applications for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival are now open. To complete the Saskatchewan artist application form CLICK HERE. 

Saskatchewan artist applications now require a video of the artist’s work. Live performance videos ar...

Deadline: March 13, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - POP Montréal International Music Festival 2026

Submissions are now open to play POP Montreal’s 25th Anniversary Edition! Happening September 23–27, 2026, for five unforgettable days of music and magic.

POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event th...

Deadline: April 17, 2026

READ MORE

Festival Opportunity - Electric Sky Electronic Music and Arts festival 2026

Electric Sky Music & Arts Festival is an inclusive electronic music festival at the beautiful Ness Creek site in the Boreal forest of Northern Saskatchewan!

Electric Sky Music Festival is more than just a music event—it’s a celebration of creativity...

Deadline: May 1, 2026

READ MORE

Award Opportunity - Polaris Music Prize 2026

The Polaris Music Submission Portal is now open!

For the first time ever, Canadian musicians can submit their music directly to the Polaris jury for consideration. And it's all free.

Polaris is currently accepting submissions for the 2026 season ...

Deadline: May 1, 2026

READ MORE

Award Opportunity - Unsigned Only Music Awards (UO)

Submissions are officially open for the 2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards (UO).

Unsigned Only is dedicated to giving independent artists a fair shot, no matter your genre, background, or where you are in your career. Entering UO puts your music in fro...

Deadline: May 7, 2026

READ MORE

• Boston Maxwell, January 8, 2026, Hank's Tavern
• Music on the Mezzanine - Nathan Davis, January 8, 2026, Regina Public Library - Central Library
• OPEN MIC NIGHT, January 8, 2026, Coors Event Centre
• Sound Minds- Mental Health & Music Night Fundraiser, January 9, 2026, Capitol Music Club (The)
• NO COVER PIANO FRIDAY WITH IAN SINCLAIR, January 9, 2026, Bassment (The)
• Steve Miller 1968-1982 featuring Fabian Minnema, January 9, 2026, Bassment (The)
• 441: Blu Beach Band, blind commentary, Tracy Waters, Leon’s Getting Larger, January 9, 2026, Louis' Pub
• Bloom Presents - Michelle Lee-Klassen's EP Release Show, January 9, 2026, Art Bar
• Art For Change, January 9, 2026, Artesian on 13th
• Cornerstone Theatre Presents Open Mic, January 10, 2026, Carlyle Community Theatre
• The Accordion Project with Ray Penner & Ken Pizurny, January 10, 2026, Bassment (The)
• Conservatory Musical Theatre Showcase - Day 1, January 11, 2026, Darke Hall
• FLATLAND CATS, January 12, 2026, Bushwakkers
• Conservatory Musical Theatre Showcase - Day 2, January 12, 2026, Darke Hall
• BRADFORD, January 14, 2026, Bushwakkers
• Classic Albums Live Performs Led Zeppelin "II", January 14, 2026, Casino Regina
• Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra Presents: Kashmir, January 14, 2026, TCU Place
• Conservatory Musical Theatre Showcase - Day 3, January 14, 2026, Darke Hall
• Mason Lewis, January 15, 2026, Hank's Tavern
• Kinjo & Young, January 16, 2026, Living Sky Casino
• Men Without Hats, January 16, 2026, Casino Regina
• Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons, January 16, 2026, TCU Place
• Conservatory Musical Theatre Showcase - Day 4, January 16, 2026, Darke Hall
• Jack Semple's B.B. King Tribute, January 16, 2026, Bassment (The)
• DEFUNK: PRESENTED BY BLKOUT ENTERTAINMENT, January 17, 2026, Coors Event Centre
• Kieran Gardner & The Blucher Boys, January 17, 2026, Capitol Music Club (The)
• Honky Tonk Man Show, January 17, 2026, Broadway Theatre
• THE RON SCOTT EXPERIENCE, January 19, 2026, Bushwakkers
• Bordergrass Alliance, January 20, 2026, Bassment (The)
• The OBGMs w/ Blind Commentary (Winterruption YXE 2026), January 21, 2026, Amigos Cantina
• Jade LeMac - It's Always At Night Tour, January 22, 2026, Louis' Pub
• Thumpasaurus w/ Jane Inc., and Fancy Diamonds (Winterruption YXE 2026), January 22, 2026, Amigos Cantina
• Torrin Staples, January 22, 2026, Hank's Tavern
• Open Mike Eagle w/ Factor Chandelier and Eekwol, January 22, 2026, Black Cat Tavern
• Fiddlyness's Shivering String Showcase, January 22, 2026, Bassment (The)
• The Last Prairie Waltz 50th Anniversary Live Concert and Screening (Winterruption YXE 2026), January 22, 2026, Broadway Theatre