September 18, 2025

SaskMusic's Latest
 

Hi folks!

It's been a great summer, packed with live music all over the province. The shows continue in force this fall - check out our live music calendar! (And be sure to let us know about YOUR shows!)

This month SaskMusic is busy with export missions to Country Music Week in Kelowna (just ended), Reeperbahn in Germany (this week), and BreakOut West in Winnipeg (next week)! We're also getting back to high school career fairs and have been at the Treaty 4 Gathering in Fort Qu'Appelle this week.

We are getting set to present 17 Culture Days events around the province, and support the Regina and Saskatoon Songwriters group meetups. We have some Autumn concerts coming up in Regina and Saskatoon, as well as helping to present Music Day in Canada - Saskatoon. 

Plus - a major letter writing campaign is underway to support the arts in Canada.

See details on much of this below, and please give us a call (1-800-347-0676) or email if you'd like more information on anything. Talk soon!

  
 

Canadian Arts Coalition

Campaign For Culture

We are proud to join the non-partisan Canadian Arts Coalition, to fight for the arts at a time when Canada needs it most.  We believe it is important for arts’ sake as well as for the impact it can have on the mental, physical, and social well-being of Canadians, for its importance as an economic generator for our communities, and also because it is how we reflect who we are, both to other people in Canada and to the world.

The Federal Government had promised to invest in Canada’s cultural institutions during the election campaign, but now is asking those same funders to look at a devastating 15% cuts to their budgets. There are over 850,000 cultural workers across Canada, and most of them live in financial precarity.

In difficult times, we need to ensure the arts are our leaders to show us the future we can make together in Canada.

Through the Canadian Coalition for the Arts, we urge you to join the letter campaign that takes only a few seconds to make the case for smart new investment in Arts and Culture in Canada this year. Lack of investment and cuts could have economic ripples with long-lasting effects on arts industries.

The campaign's requested investment will create 69,500 new artist and FTE staff jobs spread across every riding in Canada. Millions of opportunities for Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to build meaningful connections with their communities. $5.92 in earned and private revenue. $16.32 in economic activity. The requested additional commitment of 0.06% will turn into a projected economic impact of $4.4 billion in 2025.

Please add your voice to the letter campaign ASAP: https://canadianartscoalition.com/campaign-for-culture-2025/ 

Follow the coalition on Instagram @artscoalitionca

  
 

We're hosting 17 Culture Day workshops: October 1-9

SaskMusic is pleased to present a series of FREE, all-ages music workshops as part of Culture Days in Saskatchewan.

These workshops are intended to give an overview and introduction of different topics with tips, tricks, and best practices.

Whether you are just starting out in your musical journey or an experienced artist, these workshops will have something for you!

SaskMusic's Culture Days events have been made possible in part through the support of Creative Saskatchewan, FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada's private radio broadcasters.

This year we are hosting 17 events across Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Weyburn, and Yorkton, with nine different presenters.

Check out the workshops, visit the event listing, and sign up TODAY: 

Yorkton: 

Prince Albert:

Saskatoon:

Weyburn: 

Regina:

 

  
 

BreakOut West Conference

BreakOut West Registration

BreakOut West is happening next week, September 24-28, 2025 in Winnipeg MB! Check out the conference speakers and agenda at breakoutwest.ca and register if you're planning to attend. Most of our staff will be attending, and we hope to see you there!

Afrobeats After Dark Party!
Friday September 26, 1230-2am, Public Domain (Winnipeg)

Those attending BOW, please add our event to your calendar. We'll be celebrating the addition of the Afrobeats category this year with a post-showcase party at Public Domain. Everyone is welcome to attend this free networking event. We'll provide snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and music; a licensed bar will be available.

  
 

Autumn Submissions

Autumn Concert Series Submissions 

SaskMusic is planning additional multi-artist concerts this autumn/winter. We are interested in gathering your info not only for our own presentations, but for other presenters that contact us looking for artist referrals.

By submitting you'll help us assemble a list of artists currently interested in performing,  with your bio, links, etc. Priority is given to SaskMusic members in our own booking and when providing referrals to partners.

For more information, and to submit, visit the link here.

  
 

BPES

BPES Music Show Call for Artists & Volunteers

They're back and it’s BIGGER than ever! The Black Professional and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Music Show is returning this Black History Month, and they’re looking for talented creatives and dedicated volunteers to join them.

They’re looking for: Music Producer; Musicians, Artists & Performers; Music Show Committee Volunteers; and General Volunteers. 

The event will be at Lakeview Church in Saskatoon on February 7, 7-10:30pm.

Be part of the movement to celebrate Black excellence through music and creativity. Follow at www.instagram.com/theBPES and stay tuned for updates!

Apply here. 

  
 

SaskMusic Requesting Feedback for Funders

SaskMusic has the opportunity to provide artist and industry feedback to Creative Saskatchewan and The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR Canada), including desired program changes, accessibility challenges, and general concerns.

Whether or not you have already expressed feedback directly to these funding agencies, we'd like to hear from you. We will compile, gather more information if necessary, and take this feedback forward on your behalf. 

If you wish, your feedback can be passed along anonymously. 

Please send comments to miguel@saskmusic.org with the subject "Grant Feedback", providing as many specific details as possible, by September 30, 2025.

SaskMusic does not provide grants to artists or music industry workers, but we represent the music sector to Creative Saskatchewan, and are the regional representatives of FACTOR. 

  
 

Saskatoon Music Day in Canada Artists: Tickets on Sale!

Saskatoon, are you ready? Music Day in Canada will roll into town on Saturday, September 27, 2025 and will take place at Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.) 

Doors open 8 pm, show starts at 9 pm., with artists Halle Ponton, Vikki Minor, and The Steadies! Guest host/artist is Zhe the Free.

This event is part of a series of 11 shows happening across Canada on September 27, in a nationwide celebration of Canadian music! The Saskatchewan event is proudly supported by SaskMusic. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit their website!

We recognize additional event sponsors Creative Saskatchewan, Sherwood Chevrolet, Stingray Music, Remai Modern, VR Matrix, and Long & McQuade.

  
 

Regina Songwriters Group Meetup September 21 

September means back to school for many, and we’re getting back to songwriting with our first Regina Songwriters Group of the season! Join us as we chat through ways to get back into songwriting after taking a break and work through some alphabet-themed songwriting prompts.

  • Date: Sunday, September 21
  • Time: 7-9 p.m.
  • Location: In person at the SaskMusic Office (1831 College Ave, 3rd floor) and via Zoom. (Please enter through West Side parking lot door. A staff member will be at the West Doors to let you in and provide further direction.)

Following the discussion, we'll have a song share - bring your latest pieces or those that you'd like feedback on to share with the group. 

Bring your pen/paper, writing devices, and your guitar or main instrument if you wish to participate in the song share portion. Mics, DIs and a keyboard will be available. .

Free to attend and songwriters of all skill levels are welcome!

No registration required for in person attendance. To attend on Zoom, register here.

The Regina Songwriters Group exists to develop the craft of songwriting and provide a peer network of songwriters, lyricists, composers and beatmakers. Meetings are held monthly with additional songwriting exercises, resources and information shared on socials.

The rest of the meetup dates for the season have been set! Mark your calendars, and keep your eyes turned to SaskMusic's social media and this bi-weekly E-release to see announcements on topics and special guests as they're made! 

SaskMusic's Facebook and Instagram can be found at these links.

  

Workshops
 

To find upcoming workshops as they are added, visit our website here!

  

SaskMusic's Latest
 

CCMA Jake Vaadeland

Sask. artist Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys win CCMA! 

SaskMusic would like to extend a huge congratulations to Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys on winning the Canadian Country Music Association Award for Alternative Country Album of the Year (One More Dollar To Go) last weekend in Kelowna, BC!

Jake also performed at the SiriusXM Top of the Country Finale Concert and at the CCMA Music Industry Gala Dinner & Awards.

This is a second major award this year for Jake, who picked up a 2025 JUNO Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year (Retro Man ... More and More Expanded Edition).

To see Jake live in person, visit his website and find a show near you!

Also, congratulations again to Jess Moskaluke who was a double nominee for Female Artist of the Year and Video of the Year ("Life for Me"), and Jess' creative team Connor Scheffler and Andrew Parry who were nominated for her single "Life for Me".

  
 

Lancelot Knight representing Saskatchewan at Mundial Montreal

Mundial Montreal has been inviting talent and sounds from around the world to Montreal each November for the past 15, and this year Sask. musician Lancelot Knight has been selected for an official showcase! Congratulations Lancelot!

To learn more about Mundial, and to see official showcase times and locations as they're announced, visit their website!

  
 

Early bird pricing available for CIMA's Make it Music Conference

Early bird pricing is now available for CIMA's Make it Music 2025 conference set for November 4-5/ 2025 in Toronto. 

If you're ready to, "take your music business to the next level," you'll hear from leading voices shaping the future of music, game-changing insights, and real-world solutions.

To learn more, or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

  
 

Want to join CIMA’s Board of Directors?

Are you interested in making your voice heard? Are you an entrepreneur operating a Canadian-owned music company? Are you an advocate for a stronger, more dynamic, and equitable music industry in Canada? Then why not run for election for CIMA’s Board of Directors?

As the national music industry trade association for Canadian-owned music companies and the artists they serve, CIMA strives to encompass the sector's make-up as an inclusive organization dedicated to realizing meaningful representation among the Black, Indigenous, people of colour, disabled, women, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Be nominated or nominate yourself – If you are a CIMA member in good standing and have an A, B, or C membership, you are eligible to run and be elected for a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Directors meet 10 times yearly, taking July and August off. Directors also participate on CIMA committees and working groups throughout their term. Elections will take place during CIMA’s virtual Annual General Meeting on October 9, 2025.

The deadline for nominations and materials is September 19. If you have any questions please contact sid@cimamusic.ca.

Click here for more information and to submit.

  
 

JUNO Nominations

The 2026 JUNO Awards Submissions Open September 22 

SaskMusic will support with bursaries

The 2026 JUNO Awards Submissions Presented by TD Bank Group open September 22 and will close on November 7 at 1am SK. 

National music release dates must fall between the eligibility period of  September 1, 2024 to November 7, 2025, to be considered for nomination. For a complete list of JUNO Awards categories, eligibility rules, and voting criteria, visit The JUNO website.

Support for Sask Artists to Submit:
Deadline: midnight November 10, 2025

Making a JUNO Awards nomination submission this year? SaskMusic wants to help!

We will accept applications from artists and music industry professionals currently residing in SK to have the cost of one CARAS voting membership, plus 50% of the costs of up to two category nomination submissions at early bird rates for the 2025 JUNO Awards, reimbursed to a total eligible maximum reimbursement of $185 plus taxes per applicant/artist.

As the CARAS representative of Saskatchewan, SaskMusic encourages those submitting for JUNO nominations to obtain a CARAS membership so that you can fully participate in the awards process (plus, CARAS offers some great member perks).

To apply for a bursary you must join CARAS or already be a CARAS member before you submit for nominations (in order to receive the CARAS member discount for your submissions). A CARAS annual membership is $85 plus tax. All bursary requests must be accompanied by the receipt/proof of submission provided by CARAS. SaskMusic reserves the right to request proof of current residency in SK.

The JUNO deadline for discounted early-bird submissions: October 4, 2025 1AM (This is the rate we are covering 50% of)
Final deadline: November 7, 2025 1AM

Example of bursary request
CARAS Membership $85 (new or renewal) - fully covered
First category submission $55 (at early bird member rate) - covered at 50%
Second category submission $55 (at early bird, member rate) - covered at 50%
Your total cost would be $195 plus tax
Your bursary request can be up to $140 plus taxes

We anticipate being able to support most qualified applications to this program, but we reserve the right to reject any application or close bursary submissions early if we reach our capacity threshold. Applicants can expect a response to their application and reimbursement, if approved, within 4 weeks of our application deadline.

Record companies/labels/managers submitting on behalf of Saskatchewan-based artists they represent may also apply to this fund.

Please note: Bursaries are not available for the cost of a CARAS membership only - you must be submitting a nomination to be eligible.

The bursary application form is available here. 

  
 

JUNO Judge

Call for 2026 JUNO Award Judges

Do you work in the Canadian music industry?

Help shape the biggest night in Canadian music. Apply now to be a judge for The 55th Annual JUNO Awards and play a direct role in selecting this year’s nominees and winners.

Applications are open until October 31, 2025.

  
 

Creative Sask. funding deadlines approach for September

This month, Creative Saskatchewan has three deadlines you should be aware of! Make sure you've chatted with a Program Advisor and are putting finishing touches on those grants! 

If you wish to book a consult with a SaskMusic mentor to review your grant application, please do so ASAP!

Tour Support Grant:

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

Sound Recording Grant:

This grant supports the production of commercially-viable sound recordings for promotional use and/or commercial release.

  
 

SK Arts Independent Artist Grant deadline approaching

The Independent Artists program supports Saskatchewan artists to pursue their creative work and careers by funding creative, professional development, or research projects, and the production and/or presentation of artistic works.

  
 

Call for Applications: MaMa Music & Convention 2025

October 15-17, 2025
Paris, France
Apply here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIMA-MaMa-25
 
This October, CIMA will be organizing a business mission to MaMa Music & Convention in Paris, France. MaMa Music & Convention is one of France's leading co...

Deadline: September 22, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Funding Opportunity - Villa Charities Young Artist Grant

Guided by Villa Charities’ vision to inspire the Italian in all of us, the Young Artist Grant was established in 2023 as a biannual fund to support emerging artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music, and film. 

Musical ...

Deadline: September 26, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Education Opportunity: Online training for Indigneous artists - art skills for success

Are you an Indigenous artist or creative interested in building skills for your arts career? This online training program will provide a space to learn in a culturally relevant space that builds your wellness bundle.

The N’we Jinan Art Skills for Su...

Deadline: September 26, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Award Opportunity - International Folk Music Awards

Nominations for the International Folk Music Awards are now open! This year all Folk Alliance Members are eligible to submit nominations for the Album, Song, and Artist of the Year categories.

In order to be eligible, submissions must be new recordi...

Deadline: October 9, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Performance Opportunity: Telemiracle 50 audition applications

Telemiracle is now accepting applications for Sask. Talent auditions, which will be held on November 1 in Regina at the Kinsmen Clubhouse and November 2 in Saskatoon at the Kinsmen Foundation. 

In-person auditions are available in Regina and Saskato...

Deadline: October 17, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Residency Opportunity: Songwriter in Residence and Producer in Residence

The Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) is excited to launch the application process for their 2026 winter residencies, which has been running for 20 years.

As the program enters its third decade, they are expanding it to include a second residency: t...

Deadline: October 17, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Showcase Opportunity : FOCUS Wales 2026

With 300+ live performances, the festival showcases the very best new talent emerging from the nation alongside established names and a selection of exciting international acts. Submissions are open to all new music artists of all genres worldwide.

Deadline: November 1, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Award Opportunity: JUNO Awards 2026

Early Bird Deadline: October 3, 2025 (11:59 PM PT / 2:59 AM ET October 4) Final Deadline: November 6, 2025 (11:59 PM PT / 2:59 AM ET November 7)

Deadline: November 6, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Award Opportunity: 22nd Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)

The 22nd Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Win a Top Prize of US$11,00...

Deadline: November 7, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

CBC Music Class Challenge 2025 fall anniversary edition

Educators from across Canada are invited to teach their students a Canadian song from this list for a chance to win MusiCounts grants for their classes. Sign up your class or community program with our registration form if you intend to enter the Chall...

Deadline: November 18, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Performance Opportunity: sākihiwē festival Call for Submissions

The sākihiwē festival is currently accepting artist updates and submissions for their 2026 programming.

First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous artists from Turtle Island and beyond are invited to submit an update or an application for the 2026 e...

Deadline: December 4, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

Songwriting Opportunity - American Songwriter 2025 Song Contest

The American Songwriter Annual Song Contest is a unique opportunity to have your songs heard by #1 artists, songwriters, and music industry executives. The contest accepts all genres of music and is open to any songwriter, artist, musician, and/or band...

Deadline: December 8, 2025

READ MORE

  
 

CAMP Sask Arts Paid Mentorship Opportunity

Application for musicians in Saskatchewan to receive paid mentorship in remote and underserved Indigenous communities as part of our ongoing mentorship program to increase the capacity of our artist residencies. 
CAMP is a non-profit in Saskatchewan d...

READ MORE

  

SaskMusic's Latest
 

We'd love you to give us a like, follow, comment, or share on our socials. We post reminders about deadlines and opportunities, in addition to sharing new Sask releases, on Instagram and Facebook, but we're probably not appearing on your feed if you haven't engaged with our posts.

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Threads | LinkedIn | Bluesky

  
   

Cultural Careers
 

BPES is seeking a Program Manager (Mentorship, Leadership & Advocacy - Black Leadership Mentorship and Training Program in Arts & Culture) to lead a multi-component initiative that combines mentorship, leadership development, workplace research, and advocacy.

The Program Manager will oversee planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation, ensuring impactful delivery for Black professionals and cultural workers across Saskatchewan.

Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025

For more information, visit their website.

To view current openings in cultural work, please view:

  
 
 

Phone: 306-347-0676. Toll-Free in Sask: 1-800-347-0676.
Email: info@saskmusic.org
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