Festivals, Showcasing and More, May 15 (TONIGHT) Online

Session 9 - Festivals, Showcasing, and More! with Alan Greyeyes & Cynthia Lickers-Sage

• Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. (CST)
• Virtually via Zoom

In this session, we've invited Cynthia Lickers-Sage and Alan Greyeyes to discuss the topic of "Festivals, Showcasing, and More!" In this session, Cynthia and Alan will be sharing insight into the various musical opportunities available to Indigenous musicians. 

A short portion of the presentation will be used to discussion funding outlets for these opportunities. Towards the end of the session, we will engage in discussion and open the panel to any questions attendees may have regarding the topic.

For more information on IMP, reach out to IMP Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar.

Full bios on our website!

Open Jam Session for IMS set for May 24

Join us in hosting our first Open Jam Session for the Indigenous Music Series!

• Date: Saturday, May 24, 10 p.m.
• Location: Amigos Cantina, 806 Dufferin Ave, Saskatoon SK
• Time: 10 p.m. - 1:15 a.m.

Hosted by Eekwol, who will be opening the night with a short performance, the event will feature members of the Indigenous Music Series performing at an Open Jam Session! To round out the evening, Big Tones will also be performing!

To register for the Open Jam Session, you can reach out to SaskMusic's IMP Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar.

Submit to SaskMusic's Summer Concert Series TODAY

SaskMusic and Bushwakkers Brewpub Regina are planning a series of multi-artist concerts this summer and we'd like you to apply!

We have three initial dates planned in Regina but we may be working with other partners as well, so you'll see an option for 'other dates' if you are open for general bookings this summer.

The honorarium is $175 for the band leader and $125 for each additional musician. Those from outside Regina would be offered a mileage honorarium as well. Production/sound tech supplied.

This opportunity is intended for SaskMusic members.

For full criteria, and to apply, fill out our application here!

Regina Songwriters x SaskMusic Meetup May 28

The next meetup for Regina songwriters will be Wednesday, May 28 with a 'Writing to a Live Groove' experience. Beginning at 7pm, we'll be joined by a drummer and bassist who will perform a soundtrack of various grooves intended to inspire songwriting ideas.

At The Club (The Exchange), 7pm. Free admission; everyone welcome!

This event is supported by SaskMusic.

Saskatoon Songwriters Group Meeting: Sunday, June 1

The next meeting of the Saskatoon Songwriters Group will be June 1, with "So you have a song. Now what?" with guest presenters.

• 1 p.m. Workshop/discussion - "So you have a song. Now what?" with guest presenters
• 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Open Floor for Sharing.
• Location: Studio 12 at 9 - 1025 Boychuk Dr., Saskatoon

Everyone is welcome!

Meeting Students at Saskatchewan Career Fairs

SaskMusic was pleased to attend the Prairie South Schools 2025 'Try A Career' Expo at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company Grounds on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

We hosted a booth with a range of information and advice about how to jumpstart a career in the music industry, along with our turntable and music setup for students to try scratching records.

Over 150+ students and budding musicians gained valuable industry insight at our booth, allowing us to support the community while helping to grow Saskatchewan's next generation of musicians!

We're currently at Regina District Industry Education Council's 'Grade 9 WorkSafe Try a Career Fair' at the Balgonie Rink and Multi Plex Hall from May 13-15, 2025

If you have a career fair or classroom that you'd like us to visit please get in touch with Education & Program Manager, Ben Valiaho.

SaskMusic and artists at The Great Escape 2025

SaskMusic and two Saskatchewan artists, Dump Babes and Grimelda are attending The Great Escape Festival & Conference 2025 (TGE) in Brighton UK, May 14-17. The two artists have been invited to perform official showcases at TGE, as well as an industry showcase event in London on the way to TGE. SaskMusic will be on the ground participating in B2B meetings, roundtable discussions, and facilitating connections on behalf of the Saskatchewan music industry.

On May 13, with local assistance from our export consultant/strategists Enki Music, and in partnership with music industry associations the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Music Ontario, Music BC, Manitoba Music, Music Nova Scotia, Alberta Music, Music Yukon, and Quebec Creates, we presented 14 Canadian artists on 2 stages for a pre-TGE showcase and networking event at the historic Strongroom Bar (Curtain Road, London), 4-11:30 p.m. Performers for this event included Bad Buddy, CJ Wiley, Declan O’Donovan, Dump Babes, Field Guide, Geneviève Racette, Grimelda, Leanne Hoffman, NADUH, Rich Aucoin, Sam Tudor, and The Jins.

Now, from May 14-17, we are taking part in The Great Escape in Brighton. TGE is described as “the UK’s premier new music and industry gathering, where sectors from the entire UK music industry come to network,” showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 40+ walkable venues across Brighton UK plus a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach.

Working in partnership with Canadian music industry partners CIMA, Alberta Music, M for Montreal, Manitoba Music, Music BC, MusicOntario, and SODEC under the established Canada House brand, we will be networking and representing Saskatchewan music at international meetings and events, as well as taking in international industry discussion topics during the conference. CIMA helps facilitate entry into international music markets by working closely with key personnel from the Canadian music scene and enabling international export and import opportunities. 18 Canadian artists have been selected for Canada House performances over 3 days (May 15-17) at venue The Green Door Store.

Artists performing at Canada House this year are: Bad Buddy, Billianne, CJ Wiley, Declan O’Donovan, Dump Babes, Field Guide, Geneviève Racette, Gloin, Grimelda, Malika Tirolien & Caulder Nash GeminiCrab, NADUH, Rich Aucoin, Sam Tudor, Sebastian Gaskin, The Jins, and zouz.

TGE represents SaskMusic's primary market development event for the UK market, consisting of business-to-business networking events, an industry conference with key international music topics, and artist showcases.

The Artists' U.K. Shows (local times):

Dump Babes
May 13 – Strongroom, 8:30 p.m., London UK
May 15 – Green Door Story, 12:15 p.m., (Canada House, The Great Escape), Brighton UK
May 17 – Prince Albert, 8:30 p.m., Brighton UK

Grimelda
May 15 – Three Wise Cats, 8:30 p.m., (Canada House, The Great Escape), Brighton UK
May 17 - Green Door Store, 1:35 p.m. (Canada House, The Great Escape), Brighton UK
May 21 – New Cross Inn, London UK
May 22 – The Peer Hat, Manchester UK
May 23 – Gold Lion, Bristol UK
May 24 – Fuel Rock Club, Cardiff UK
May 25 – The Bunkhouse Swansea, Swansea UK

For more information and biographies, visit our website.

Sask. artists performed at Focus Wales 2025

Saskatchewan artists Dump Babes and Ellen Froese attended and performed official showcases at the FOCUS Wales International Showcase Festival, May 8-10, 2025, in the city of Wrexham, North Wales.

FOCUS Wales took place in multiple venues across Wrexham. They are described as a festival which “…places the music industry spotlight firmly on the emerging talent that Wales has to offer the world, alongside a selection of the best new acts from across the globe.”

In its fifteenth year, the festival welcomed over 22,000 people, will showcase 250+ artists using 20 stages, and feature various industry panels, networking events, and film screenings.

Congratulations from SaskMusic to Dump Babes and Ellen Froese!

The Artists' U.K. Shows (local times)

Dump Babes:
May 8 - Wynnstay Hotel, 8 p.m. (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 9 – GlyndwrTV at BBC Wales, 1 p.m.: filmed session (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 10 – The Parish, 9:35 p.m. (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK

Ellen Froese:
May 5 - Bridge Hotel, Arklow, Ireland
May 8 - GlyndwrTV at BBC Wales, 1 p.m.: filmed session (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 8 - The Parish, 8:20 p.m. (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 9 - Breakout West Showcase at Ty Pawb, 7:15 p.m. (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 10 - The Royal Oak, 7:40 p.m. (FOCUS Wales), Wrexham UK
May 13 - The Social, London UK
May 14 - The Star Inn, Guildford UK
May 15 - Strings Bar & Venue, Newport UK
May 16 - Album Club with DevilDuck Records, Hamburg Germany

For more information and artist bios, visit our website!

Sask. artist to perform a Victory Pool Showcase in Germany

Saskatchewan artist Ellen Froese will be attending to perform an exclusive showcase in Germany, hosted by Victory Pool and sponsored by SaskMusic.

Crossroads at Hebebühne will provide Victory Pool artists with an opportunity to connect with the German Music Industry in a more intimate setting, following Focus Wales 2025 earlier in May and prior to Reeperbahn in September.

Congratulations from SaskMusic to Ellen Froese!

Showcase Details:
May 20 – Crossroads at Hebebühne, 7- 11 p.m., Hamburg Germany.

Artist biography: Ellen Froese is what you'd call a “prolific artist”; committed, too. She's amassed a resolutely solid body of work and, with a variety of projects, achieved more than some many years her senior. For Each Flower Growing, Froese's fourth full-length, produced in collaboration with the Sheepdogs' Sam Corbett, is her most accomplished statement to date, drawing on her established sound as a folk & country-based singer/songwriter while incorporating a wider frame of reference in the rich production, supple instrumentation, and overall sonic soundworld.

In 2023 she toured with fellow Saskatchewan legends The Deep Dark Woods, followed by a prestigious writing retreat at The Banff Centre in January 2024. Shortly thereafter she toured cross country with The Sheepdogs and has recently showcased internationally at Viva Sounds (Sweden) Focus Wales (Wales), The Great Escape (UK). Notable recent notable domestic performances at Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Mariposa Festival, and Yellowknife’s Snowking’s Winter Festival.

About Victory Pool:

Victory Pool is a dynamic and forward-thinking artist management company, record label, and music consulting firm, headquartered in Toronto, ON. Victory Pool was born out of a shared passion for music and a profound commitment to nurturing artistic talent, with a combined wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the music industry, they set out to create a company that empowers artists and helps them make waves in the constantly evolving music landscape.

How were the artists selected?
The Victory Pool showcase is organized by Victory Pool who select the participating artists.

Kara Golemba Participating in Music PEI Canadian Songwriter Challenge

Kara Golemba has been selected by Music PEI as the Saskatchewan songwriter representative in this year's Canadian Songwriter Sessions. She'll be matched with PEI songwriter Ben Kunder, working under producer Steph Copeland at Hillsound Studio.

In its eleventh year, the Canadian Songwriter Sessions (formerly known as the Canadian Songwriter Challenge) is a component of Music PEI's Canadian Song Conference. The project matches artists from PEI with artists from partner provinces across Canada, to collaborate and co-write under the mentorship of a prominent Canadian producer. Each pair of artists writes and records two songs in demo form, first meeting for co-writing sessions online and then meeting in person in Charlottetown PEI during the Song Conference, May 28-30/2025. After the songwriting and recording process is completed, each pair of songwriters will have an opportunity to present their songs in Listening Sessions of industry delegates recruited for the CSC, including music supervisors, sync agents, labels, publishers, and other industry professionals.

SaskMusic is a partner province and sponsor of the Sask spot in this year's Canadian Songwriter Sessions. Additional provincial partners this year are Music BC, Music Nova Scotia, Music New Brunswick and Manitoba Music.

How was the artist selected?

SaskMusic distributed the call by Music PEI for submissions earlier in this year. Music PEI collected submissions and then juried to select the songwriter who would represent Sask.

To learn more about the conference, visit Music PEI's website!

SaskMusic supporting young Saskatchewan musicians at INSPIRE 2025

SaskMusic was delighted to support INSPIRE 2025, passion2action’s flagship youth empowerment event dedicated to introducing Saskatchewan youth to inspiring local role models.

This year, SaskMusic sponsored two youth musicians, Isaiah Artavia and Itohan Agbator, who both performed at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina on Thursday, May 8!

Congratulations to Isaiah and Itohan on their performances!

Kathleen Edwards Songwriter's Talk a Success in Regina

SaskMusic is pleased to share that Kathleen Edward's recent A Songwriter's Talk at The Exchange in Regina was a success!

Featuring Kathleen Edwards, a multiple JUNO nominee renowned for her songwriting chops, she shared some stories, some inspiration, some tips, and a lot of perspective on the art and business of being a songwriter, for art-makers at all stages.  

The April 30 event was was very well attended. She shared several songs, and gave candid and informative talk about her journey.

To see her upcoming tour dates, visit her website.

Break The Silence: Weekend Music Production Intensive

May 16, 2025

Join Men of the North and Nigel Bell for Break The Silence: Weekend Music Production Intensive from May 16-18, 2025 in at 719B La Ronge Ave., La Ronge SK.

The workshop series begins at 5 p.m.

This three-day workshop series, designed to use music ...

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Sing! Music Business Summit - Virtual

May 26, 2025

The SING! Music Business Summit presents free seminars on a variety of topics related to the music industry.

Sessions include:

Social Media 3.0 with Jim Norris -  Monday, May 26, 11:30am - FREE
This seminar looks at the ever-changing landscape o...

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How to Get A Publishing Deal

May 29, 2025

In this Webinar, You will learn how to:

1. Develop Your Skills:

Refine your songwriting abilities by experimenting with different genres, styles, and techniques. Focus on writing unique, memorable melodies and lyrics. 

2. Network and Build Rel...

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Songs in The Garden: A Songwriting Workshop

June 7, 2025

Immerse Yourself in Music and Creativity with Songs in The Garden: a Songwriting Workshop (SITG)!

Join us on June 7th, 2025, for a transformative songwriting workshop led by Saskatchewan music icons Earl Pereira, Karissa LaBrash (Hoffart), and Justi...

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Applications for Producer Entrepreneur Bootcamp

Producer Entrepreneur is a professional development workshop intended to help emerging, mid-level producers, and self-producing artists who also produce for others, build their businesses.

This FREE two-day program will take place in London, Canada’...

Deadline: May 12, 2025

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Scholarship Opportunity - The Jill Mack Memorial Scholarship

Are you interested in becoming an audio engineer?

Jill Mack was a beloved musician, recording artist, producer, and one of only three professional women audio engineers in Saskatchewan. Her dream was to create a space in Saskatchewan where women and...

Deadline: May 15, 2025

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Songwriting Opportunity: The American Songwriter Lyric Contest 2025

For 31 years, the American Songwriter Lyric Contest has helped thousands of songwriters become involved in our community. Established in 1984, America Songwriter magazine sponsors six (6) contests per year that run in conjunction with each issue publis...

Deadline: May 15, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity - CIMA Canada House at Americana Music Festival 2025

September 9-13, 2025 (Nashville, TN) Deadline: May 16, 2025 Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AMA2025CIMA

CIMA is returning to Nashville this September for the 2025 edition of the Americana Music Festival & Conference! We’re excited to announ...

Deadline: May 16, 2025

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SHOWCASE AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: Canada House at Reeperbahn 2025

Call for Submissions: Canada House at Reeperbahn 2025

CIMA will be heading back to Germany for Reeperbahn 2025. We'll once again be hosting Canada House and presenting showcases. This is a fantastic opportunity to access the 4th largest worldwide mu...

Deadline: May 16, 2025

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Artist opportunity - Pine Needle Mountain Bike & Music Festival 2025

Calling all Prince Albert and Saskatchewan based musicians!

Pine Needle Mountain Bike & Music Festival is taking applications for performers at the festival on June 8 2025. This is an awesome day of mountain biking, live music and food at the 2025 P...

Deadline: May 20, 2025

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Sweet Summer Concert Series in Regina

SaskMusic and Bushwakkers Brewpub Regina are planning a series of multi-artist concerts this summer and we'd like you to apply!

We have three initial dates planned in Regina but we may be working with other partners as well, so you'll see an option ...

Deadline: May 23, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity: M POUR MONTRÉAL // M FOR MONTREAL 2025

After a successful 19th edition, M for Montreal is back to celebrate its 20th anniversary from November 19 to 22. This is a year not to be missed since we will be back in style!

With the renewal of Billboard Canada as presenter of the Pro section of...

Deadline: May 26, 2025

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IMO Leadership Program - October 6-10 Residency

The Indigenous Music Office (IMO Leadership Program) is a five-day residency taking place in Toronto from October 6-10, 2025 for up to 20 Indigenous people working in the music industry. Participants will sharpen their business skills by listening to e...

Deadline: May 29, 2025

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Songwriting Opportunity - The 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition

Since 1995, the USA Songwriting Competition®, "the world's leading international songwriting event," has been honoring songwriters, composers, bands, and recording artists. This is open to all, regardless of nationality or country origin.

Winners ar...

Deadline: May 30, 2025

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Busary Application - The Jess Moskaluke Youth Award by the SCMA

CALLING SASKATCHEWAN EMERGING COUNTRY ARTISTS AGED 13-20….

The Jess Moskaluke Youth Award is designed to support emerging country music artists in Saskatchewan aged 13-20. This $1,500 bursary award & consultation session encourages young artists to ...

Deadline: May 30, 2025

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OHSOTO'KINO Indigenous Music Incubator

OHSOTO’KINO Indigenous Music Incubator is a five-day intensive artist development program for emerging Indigenous artists in Canada. Each year, four to six Indigenous artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC) to lear...

Deadline: May 31, 2025

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Awards Opportunity - Young Canadian Songwriters Awards 2025

Are you a songwriter aged 21 or under? The Young Canadian Songwriters Awards are now open for applications.

Submit your original music of any genre for a chance to win one of five $5,000 prizes or one of five $1,000 prizes and get recognized by lead...

Deadline: June 1, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity: Folk Alliance International 2026 Official Showcase Application

Official Showcases at FAI present the best talent that folk music has to offer: from cutting-edge sounds to rich musical traditions. Official Showcase Artists are selected by a jury of international experts. From hundreds of applicants, 160 are chosen ...

Deadline: June 6, 2025

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Funding Opportunity: Creative Kids

Creative Kids helps Saskatchewan children participate in art, music, dance, theatre, and a variety of cultural activities.

What Does Creative Kids Cover?

Creative Kids may provide up to $750 per child for their activity. Funding resets every June...

Deadline: August 13, 2025

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A Siren's Tale - Gil & Wil's Debut Release

Prairie Femme Country duo, Gil & Wil, have released their debut EP A Siren's Tale - a four-track folklore-inspired project that tells the tale of the "Cowboy of the Sea."

The story is one that has been told as a cautionary warning for decades, but G...

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Over 200,000 Canadians stand up for music education in Canada

Today, Monday, May 5, more than 200,000 Canadians joined forces in over 600 locations for Music Monday, a nationwide celebration organized by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. This year’s highlight was a massive sing-along of Triumph’s anthe...

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Creative Saskatchewan grants for music sector open for applications

Calling all Saskatchewan musicians! Creative Saskatchewan’s grants for the music sector are officially open.

Tour Support Grant

This grant supports commercially viable touring opportunities for eligible Saskatchewan musicians touring in Canada an...

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Mini Saskatoon 2025 Contemplative Arts Festival set for May 24

Grosvenor Park United Church is pleased to announce that the fourth Contemplative Arts Festival of Saskatoon will be held on May 24, 2025. 

Following a successful four-day events in 2019, 2023 and 2024, the church will once again sponsor a time of a...

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Canadiana / alt-country duo APRIL MOON stir up some prairie magic with their new EP 'Forgiveness Juice'

Born and raised on the wide-open prairies of Saskatchewan, APRIL MOON — unstoppable duo Jaime April and Jason Moon — are bottling up quirky, boot-stompin’ vibes and serving them with a wink on their new EP, Forgiveness Juice. 

Bursting with hometown...

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To add your upcoming shows to our Live Music calendar, you can email them to gigs@saskmusic.org or login to your account and submit the details directly.

• A SPRINGTIME CEILIDH WITH BILLARNEY, May 14, 2025, Bushwakkers
• Queen It’s a Kinda Magic, May 14, 2025, Casino Regina
• ART OF ATTRITION w/ Beguiler & Pythonic, May 15, 2025, Black Cat Tavern
• Queen: It's A Kinda Magic, May 15, 2025, TCU Place
• Speed w/ Whispers & Guests, May 15, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• On-line CD Release Show, Album Bruissement boréal - Marie-Véronique Bourque & Christine Tassan, May 16, 2025, Le Ministère
• Kyle McKearney - 'To the River' Western Canadian Album Release Tour, May 17, 2025, Capitol Music Club (The)
• The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others Presented by Star Entertainment, May 17, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• The Lord of The Rings & the Hobbit Presented by Star Entertainment, May 17, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• Opal In Sky, May 17, 2025, Coors Event Centre
• Into Eternity, Itchy Stitches, Augurium, Nox Umbra, Elder Colossus, May 17, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• The Dark Side of The Moon In Concert Presented by Star Entertainment, May 18, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• The Wall In Concert Presented By Star Entertainment – A 40th Anniversary Tribute To Pink Floyd’s Greatest Albums, May 18, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• Alessia Cara - Love & Hyperbole Tour, May 20, 2025, TCU Place
• Sask Songwriters Night with Carlton Larsen, Melodie Gliem, Casey Stone and Itohan Agbator, May 20, 2025, Bushwakkers
• LIFE OUT LOUD, May 21, 2025, Bushwakkers
• NEVER PLENTY / DOOM COCOON - DOOM OF PLENTY TOUR | 19+, May 21, 2025, Coors Event Centre
• Doom Cocooon, Never Plenty, Roughsleeper, May 22, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• THE NORTH SOUND, May 22, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Call Me Mildy at Revival Music Room , May 23, 2025, Revival Music Room
• Mallory Chipman w/ Sean Davis and Newton & Oli Guselle, May 23, 2025, Amigos Cantina
• GARRET MASON, May 23, 2025, Bassment (The)
• PIANO FRIDAYS: DAVID FONG, May 23, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Made In Ghana Expo 2025 Canada, May 23, 2025, Regina Performing Arts Centre
• Doctor Rocktopus, May 24, 2025, Revival Music Room
• Indigenous Music Series: Open Jam Session, May 24, 2025, Amigos Cantina
• Queen City Ladies Singer/Songwriter Showcase, May 24, 2025, Bushwakker Brew Pub
• Jack Semple Plays Lightfoot, May 24, 2025, Casino Regina
• KENNY WHEELER SYMPOSIUM LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE, May 24, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Danger Box - The Reality Tour, May 27, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Waylon Willie Cash: Outlaws & Highwaymen, May 29, 2025, Casino Regina
• The Greatest Country Music Of All Time Dance Party, May 30, 2025, G. Marconi Italian Club of Regina
• Citizen Rage, Alien To The Ignorant, Bats Out! , May 30, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Gil & Wil EP Release show with special guest Emily Dubois, May 30, 2025, Artesian on 13th
• THE PIANOMEN: DAVID FONG, DON GRIFFITH, KIM SALKELD, & PAUL SUCHAN , May 31, 2025, Bassment (The)
• JEFFERY STRAKER, June 5, 2025, Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture
• DARREL BURKO & THE B# ORCHESTRA ALBUM RELEASE , June 5, 2025, Bassment (The)
• ELIZA MARY DOYLE , June 6, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Festival Fransaskois, June 6, 2025, Kiwanis Memorial Park South
• 1st Annual Biggar Old Time Music Festival, June 6, 2025, Community Hall & Jubilee Stadium