2025 Indigenous Songwriters Retreat Applications open, deadline July 25

Taking place in Saskatoon and Wanuskewin, August 15-17, 2025

Presented by SaskMusic, with support from Creative Saskatchewan and guidance from SaskMusic’s Indigenous Advisory.

SaskMusic is delighted to announce the return of the Indigenous Songwriters Retreat for 2025!

Over the course of a weekend—set in the sacred site and gathering place of Wanuskewin—20-25 Indigenous songwriters will develop stronger songwriting skills, gain co-writing experience, learn music industry tips, build a network of peers to potentially collaborate with in the future, and gain valuable inspiration to apply to your musical career and artistic work.

SaskMusic will cover all costs of the participants, including gas allowances for those travelling to get to Saskatoon, accommodations, and meals.

Through this submission process, 20-25 Indigenous songwriters will be selected to participate in this all-expenses-paid creative retreat. If there are more than 25 eligible applicants, an independent jury will select the participants.

All genders and musical genres are invited to apply.

For more information or to apply, visit our website before 5 p.m. on July 25, 2025! 

SaskMusic presents the SaskJazz Jam TONIGHT, July 10!

SaskMusic is proud to present the SaskJazz Jam tonight at The Bassment, starting at 8 p.m. during the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival!

Featuring local musician and educator Emmett Fortosky along with Mo Lefever and Eric Platz as they lead an exciting festival jazz jam!

There is no charge to attend and/or perform at the jam and we welcome singers and instrumentalists of all ages and levels to make an effort to develop their jazz “chops”.

Blackrose Whiskey Club Summer Showcase Series

SaskMusic is proud to be partnering with Lighthouse Productions and Black Rose Whiskey Club for their Summer Showcase Series!

The first of two summer shows is set for Friday, July 11 at 9 p.m. The event is 19+ with NO COVER! The showcase will feature Yeoman, Halle Ponton, and Endless Retirement. 

The next show in the Summer Showcase Series is set for Friday, August 8 and features Meenahmo, Cupid's Heart, and Apollo Cruz!

SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase at Country Thunder 2025

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

On the afternoons of July 11-13, 2025 you can find the showcase stage on the Country Thunder grounds to listen to songs and the stories behind them. Each afternoon, four different artists (five on Saturday), will take turns sharing their music, songwriters-in-the-round, acoustic style. (Get there early as seating is limited!)

The performers include: Ali Fontaine, Brock Andrews, Casey Stone, Cooper Tropeau, Darryl Anderson, James Barker, Jason McCoy, Josh Stumpf, JJ Lavallee, Jordyn Pollard, Kara Golemba, Teagan Littlechief, and Tim Hicks!

For full performer biographies, visit our website.

Sweet Summer Courtyard Concert set for July 17!

SaskMusic is excited to present a FREE, all-ages special courtyard concert in the interor courtyard at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre on July 17, 2025!

Join us and hear performances from Evan Baxter and Kara Golemba. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m.

Due to the intimate size of the courtyard, you can reserve a seat by visiting this ticket form.

Please only reserve a seat if you plan to attend. Any reserved spots unoccupied at 7 p.m. will be released. 

This is an outdoor show in an enclosed courtyard within the Centre. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors. You are welcome to bring a non-alcoholic beverage of your own to consume, as beverage service will not be offered at the show.

For more information, and/or to read full artist performer bios, visit our website!

Sweet Summer Concert Series #2 - Hip Hop Night!

We're presenting a FREE, all-ages show at the Exchange - Regina!

Join us for four great Sask artists. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts 8 p.m. Featuring 6figguh, Roem, Braided Waves and Yellowsky!

For more information, and/or full artist bios, visit our website today!

Sweet Summer Concert Series #3 

SaskMusic continues our Sweet Summer concert series with a FREE show at Bushwakker on July 22, 2025!

Join us for four great artists and great food and drink! This is a licensed venue (no minors). Featuring Emily Dubois, Matt Remenda Ensemble, Mary Liv and Glenn Sutter!

For more information, and/or full artist bios, visit our website today!

SaskMusic responds to Regina Public School band cuts

SaskMusic is deeply disappointed to learn of Regina Public Schools’ recent decision to approve significant cuts to the band program in their 2025-26 budget, as confirmed by the Stop Defunding Band in Regina Public Schools Facebook group, the media, and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA).

While we understand the challenges of accessing funding, we cannot accept a decision made without transparent consultation or a clear understanding of the profound and far-reaching benefits of music education.

Since the cuts were originally reported in May, SaskMusic has consistently highlighted the essential link between music education and academic, emotional, and social development for youth in the classroom.

International peer-reviewed case studies show that music education in schools, among other things:

• Develops motor, listening, reading, and emotional skills
• Develops self-confidence
• Improves academic performance
• Helps students better engage with school
• Assists in fostering community pride

“Numerous studies link participation in music with improved mental health, academic performance—including in core subjects like mathematics—and the development of critical life skills,” Lorena Kelly, SaskMusic’s executive director said.

“Band also offers an inclusive, accessible space where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.”

SaskMusic is also disappointed by suggestions that a 40 per cent reduction to band teaching staffing will have no meaningful impact on the student experience. Not only is that assertion inaccurate, but it’s also dismissive of both evidence and community input.

“Once cuts are made, they are rarely reversed, and we object to music and the arts being viewed as 'optional,’” Kelly added.

Read SaskMusic's full response on our website.

SaskMusic launching social media 'Artist Tip' Campaign

SaskMusic is excited to be launching a new social media series, Artist Tips! This series will be offering crucial tips and tricks to musicians across Saskatchewan, assisting YOU in managing your music careers!

Don't forget to share these tips widely with all the musicians you know! Help spread the word with #saskmusictips!

Artist Tip #1: Make Your Upcoming Shows Easy to Find!

The list of your upcoming shows and/or tour dates should be very easy to find. Pin it to your page as a graphic, make a 'tour dates' page on your website, or add something to your LinkTree.

Your fans should be one click away from finding out where to see you play!

(P.S. Don't forget to add your show dates to our calendar too to help with Google hits!)

Follow along on social media as we release new tips!

2025 Sask. Orchestral Assn. International SAITO Conducting Workshop

July 19, 2025

Hideo Saito's analysis of conducting gestures provides the key to conducting with precision and artistry. In particular. his identification of the secondary point and ingenious use of From-point gestures are not taught elsewhere. Join the community of ...

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SCHOOL OF ROCK REGINA - Songwriting Camp

July 21, 2025

In this special 5-day music camp, students will analyze some of the greatest compositions of the last 60 years and learn how to write their own songs. Held in conjunction with the Recording camp.

Through this special 5-day songwriting camp, students...

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SCHOOL OF ROCK REGINA - Recording and Production camp

July 21, 2025

In this music camp, students will gain the core knowledge and understanding of in-studio sound recording and production. Camp will be held in conjunction with the Songwriters camp.

Want to learn what it takes to record your own music? During this 5-...

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SBA Band Camp - Regina

July 27, 2025

Registration Deadline: July 13, 2025

The camp welcomes band students of all ages who have a minimum of one (1) year of playing experience on their band instrument.

Band Camp offers comprehensive musical instruction for Woodwind, Brass and Percuss...

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Sask. artists nominated for 5th Canadian Independent Music Video Awards

Four Saskatchewan musicians are finalists for the 5th Canadian Independent Music Video Awards (CIMVA), including Big Tones, Hunter Brothers, Katelyn Lehner, and ZOCHI.

"The goal of the CIMVA's has always been to shine a light on the artistic talent Canada has to offer, and to get that art in front of as many Canadians as possible," reads and exerpt from Dropout Entertainment's website.

The awards feature garner over 450,000+ impressions, over 100,000+ votes, and receive over 1000+ video submissions.

Congratulations to the finalists!

Nominated music videos include:

• Big Tones - Open Ya Eyez
• Hunter Brothers - Train
• Katelyn Lehner - City Cowboy
• ZOCHI - Alone (Whole Again)

Further, congratulations to ZOCHI who performed live at the awards ceremony in Toronto on July 5, 2025.

CEAMA Artist in Residence Program launches with ZOCHI as first recipent

The Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) has proudly announced the official launch of the CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence Program, an initiative dedicated to artist development and industry mentorship for Canada’s most promising emerging talent.

The program kicks off in Toronto with its inaugural 2025 Artist in Residence: ZOCHI, the Nigeria-born, Saskatchewan-based Afropop trailblazer, known across the country as Canada’s Queen of Afropop.

As the 2025 CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence, ZOCHI will receive a fully funded, one-year residency and development scholarship that includes housing, marketing and publicity support, artistic development, and full-service artist management through Black Exposed Entertainment.

ZOCHI has also been officially signed to CEAMA HOUSE, a music development company — not a traditional label — built by legendary Canadian artists for the next generation of creators.

CEAMA is the first and only Canadian awards program that exclusively recognizes emerging musicians and industry professionals for their creativity, community impact, social purpose, and long-term growth, rather than commercial metrics like streams or sales. Winners are vetted by icons of Canadian music and receive their awards only after undergoing a mentorship process — ensuring each artist receives not just recognition, but real tools for success.

The CEAMA Artist in Residence program features intensive mentorship from a growing roster of legendary Canadian artists and music professionals. Current mentors include:

• Michael Williams (Founding VJ, MuchMusic)
• Solitair (Hip-Hop legend, producer)
• With partnership support from That Eric Alper Publicity, Black Music Canada, and more to be announced.

As a part of her mentorship, ZOCHI recently joined Michael Williams at CBC Studios Toronto, where she observed a live national interview about the legacy of Sly Stone — gaining first-hand media training and insight into interview techniques from legends.

ZOCHI, who is also the 2025 CEAMA Afrobeats Award recipient and an official CEAMA Ambassador, recently performed at NXNE 2025 and joined the Saskatchewan leg of Jully Black’s “Songs & Stories Tour.” She will also open for Sean Jones' “Revival” Tour on July 30 at Palais Royale, Toronto. Her new single, “Beside Me,” a heartfelt track inspired by her journey as a Black queer woman living her truth, will be released on June 20 during Pride Month.

Also featured as a CEAMA Ambassador and 2025 Award Recipient is Saskatchewan Hip-Hop icon Pimpton, winner of CEAMA’s Hip-Hop category. Looking ahead, CEAMA is exploring introducing public voting in 2026 to increase inclusivity and community engagement.

CEAMA HOUSE is also a presenting sponsor of Sean Jones’ “Revival: The Ultimate Summer Escape Tour”, running July 16, July 30, August 13 & 27 at Palais Royale, Toronto, alongside partners SOCAN and a roster of JUNO-winning artists and emerging guests.

Follow CEAMA and ZOCHI’s journey as they continue to shape the sound — and soul — of Canada’s next generation of music. 

Read more on our website.

Artbridge Newcomer Artist survey looking for respondents

The Artbridge Newcomer Artists Research Project aims to gather information to better empower newcomer artists to Canada, living in Saskatchewan by bridging connections between newcomer artists, arts organizations, and immigration organizations.

The first step in developing resources and furthering opportunities for newcomer artists is hearing from you!

Fill out the Survey before August 1, 2025 and be entered to win cash prizes for sharing your time and expertise. Responses to the Artbridge Survey will be accepted on an ongoing basis, until the project’s response goals are met.

Fill our the survey on CAFAC's website.

The CLMA seeking recommendations for Board of Directors election.

CLMA board members are champions of all live music activity across Canada and possess a keen interest in creating the conditions for concerts to thrive–through advocacy, policy and business development, and research.

Candidates must be:

• An active CLMA member (non-members would be required to join the association in advance of the slate being finalized)
• A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• A least eighteen years of age
• Self-recommendations are acceptable

The CLMA seeks qualified and passionate candidates, especially with demonstrated proficiency in the following:

• Legal
• Not-for-profit festival leadership/mgmt
• Independent venue leadership/mgmt

The Board of Directors further seeks qualified candidates who may be:

• Individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC)
• Women and gender-diverse individuals
• Those located both in and outside of the Greater Toronto Area, with specific interest in territories, Prairie provinces, and Maritime provinces

If you or someone you know would make a strong addition to the CLMA Board and are eligible for consideration, visit their website.

(Please be aware that making a recommendation does not guarantee the recommended individuals a spot on the slate.)

Music-based research projects wants to hear from YOU!

Dr. Kirsten Robertson and Dr. Todd Green from Brock University, in collaboration with the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), are conducting a research project focusing on work experiences in the Canadian music industry.

They are examining how technological changes, including Artificial Intelligence, are affecting how you do your work and the opportunities that are open for growing your music career. 

Your contribution will provide invaluable insight into the industry and your participation will be entirely confidential.

If you are currently working in the music industry (or have left the industry within the past five years) and are interested in contributing approximately 60-90 minutes for an interview (online or in-person), please reach out to Dr. Kirsten Robertson at krobertson@brocku.ca.

Let's collaborate to help the Canadian music industry thrive!

All eligible participants will receive a $25 gift card as a token of appreciation for their time. 

Contest & Mentorship Opportunity: RBC Emerging Musician Program

Canada's Walk of Fame has launched its 13th annual RBC Emerging Musician Program – now, in partnership with Stingray! - one of Canada's most successful programs supporting aspiring Canadian musical artists, aged 15 to 35. This is a very important initi...

Deadline: July 13, 2025

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Canada's Music Incubator (CMI): Artist Development for Western Canadian Artists

AE WEST is an extension of CMI's Artist Entrepreneur program, exclusively available to Western and Northern-based artists. Delivered in partnership with The National Music Centre at Studio Bell in Calgary over five weeks, this program provides the same...

Deadline: July 14, 2025

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Award Opportunity: The Canadian Folk Music Awards 2025

The 2026 CFMAs will take place April 9-12, 2026, in Calgary, AB This weekend will capture the true heart of the folk community, while celebrating the nominees and the category recipients.

Created in 2005, the Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrate the...

Deadline: July 15, 2025

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Festival Opportunity: VENUExVENUE 2025

VENUExVENUE Music Festival and Conference
returns for its third edition this fall,
taking place November 6–8, 2025,
in Canada's Music City — London, Ontario.

This is your chance to join 50+ artists from across the country
and beyond for three da...

Deadline: July 25, 2025

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Export Opportunity - VIVA SOUNDS 2025 (Presented by Women in Music and Music Yukon)

Viva Sounds is a club festival in Gothenburg happening on the last weekend of November 27-29th, 2025. The live program will consist of 100 shows with 70 bands/artists from all over happening in 15 venues within walking distance from each other. The fes...

Deadline: July 30, 2025

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Artist opportunity - 2025 WIM Canada Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Applications are now open for the 2025 Entrepreneur Accelerator!

Women in Music is launching the sixth annual Entrepreneur Accelerator program, focused on supporting the next wave of women and gender- diverse Canadian music industry leaders. This ye...

Deadline: July 31, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity : ETHNO USA 2025

JM International (JMI), Folk Alliance International (FAI) and the North Carolina Folk Festival announce their third year of partnership to bring the global international musical exchange program, Ethno USA, to the North Carolina Folk Festival in Greens...

Deadline: August 1, 2025

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Artist Development Opportunity - South Asian Music Accelerator (SAMA)

Applications are NOW OPEN for the South Asian Music Accelerator (SAMA), the first program of its kind in Canada created to support emerging South Asian artists, creatives, and industry professionals in music.

SAMA is a national artist development ac...

Deadline: August 15, 2025

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INDIGENOUS MUSIC RESIDENCY : Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026

This program starts online: February 2 – 6, 2026

On campus: February 9 – 28, 2026

"Toga da wôhnagabi" (Stories for the future) is a four-week hybrid Indigenous music residency that brings worldviews together from all four corners of Mother Earth....

Deadline: August 20, 2025

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AWARDS OPPORTUNITY: 2025 Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association Awards (SIMA)

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards! Whether you’re an artist ready to celebrate your own work or you know someone whose talent deserves the spotlight, we want to hear from you.

Who can nominate?
• You can nominate...

Deadline: August 22, 2025

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• Saskatchewan Nights Live!, July 11, 2025, Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture
• Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox: Magic & Moonlight Tour , July 11, 2025, TCU Place
• Mz. Muzik & BowTie Guy Visit the Melfort Library, July 11, 2025, Melfort Library
• Big Flat Folk Fest, July 11, 2025, Town of Eastend Campground
• Big Flat Folk Fest 2025, July 11, 2025, Campground Riverside Blvd
• Prairie Music Hall Festival, July 11, 2025, Dexter Hall
• Barfstock 2, July 12, 2025, Cure (The)
• WDM Summer Fun Day, July 12, 2025, Western Development Museum
• Mz. Muzik & BowTie Guy Visit the Humboldt Library, July 12, 2025, Humboldt Library
• GRR Youth Camp showcase, July 12, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• QCHC Presents: Flashback - Last Show Ever w/Phrozen, Reject, Repair, Fistfight, Criminal Mind, Modern Decay, Cross To Bear, July 12, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• HENDRICKSEN N’ SON, July 14, 2025, Bushwakkers
• The Hardcore Happy Hour presents... YEGG Pythonic Dtarantados, July 14, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• YEGG, Pythonic, Dtarantados, July 14, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Petunia and the Vipers, July 15, 2025, Amigos Cantina
• Wynonna Judd The Greatest Hits Tour, July 15, 2025, TCU Place
• MR. HOLMES, July 16, 2025, Bushwakkers
• DTNYXE Patio Series Live Music, July 17, 2025, Cathedral Social Hall YXE
• Back to Batoche Days, July 17, 2025, Batoche Festival
• Ness Creek Music Festival, July 17, 2025, Ness Creek Music Festival
• Jackie K, July 18, 2025, The Rook and Raven
• Sweet Summer Hip Hop Night with 6figguh, Roem, Braided Waves, Yellowsky, July 18, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Taya Lebel, July 19, 2025, The Patio
• LeRoy Streetdance ft Sask Steel, July 19, 2025, LeRoy Daycare
• Elev8 Music - Taking you to the next level, July 19, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Ethereal Tomb, Mile End, Smuther, Blasphemy Brigade , July 20, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• THE RON SCOTT RIO, July 21, 2025, Bushwakkers
• Sweet Summer Concert with Emily Dubois, Matt Remenda Ensemble, Mary Liv and Glenn Sutter, July 22, 2025, Bushwakkers
• THIS STORY, July 23, 2025, Bushwakkers
• Rory Allen’s Rockin’ Elvis Summer Show!, July 23, 2025, Casino Regina
• JJ Voss: Benefit Concert in support of Wounded Warrior's Week-end, July 23, 2025, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 120