October 2, 2025

SaskMusic's Latest

 

A busy fall continues!

Check out our Culture Days series, on now! It's been great to see you out at our first presentations.

If you've thought about submitting to the JUNOs, the early bird is October 4, so get on it! We are offering a bursary based on the early bird rate too! (Let's get that Sask representation happening!)

Scroll way down for showcase submission deadlines for Focus Wales, The Great Escape, Key Change, JUNOfest, NXNE, and more! Some of these are events that we will be helping to present and support Sask. artists at - but you have to apply if you want to be considered. We are always happy to chat about how to become export-ready if you are curious or mystified about showcasing!

We'll have a table at the Scott Collegiate "Post Graduation Career Fair" on October 8 in Regina (give us a shout if you want us to come to your school!).

And, we'll have staff heading to check out the Folk Music Ontario Conference, October 15-19 in Ottawa.

We are pleased to be supporting a number of cultural events this month, including:

OSAC ShowcaseEach year, the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils' Showcase brings together a community of arts professionals who create, present, and tour performances to audiences across Saskatchewan. Showcase brings together the OSAC Membership along with performing and visual artists, artist managers and booking agents, representatives from performing arts presenting organizations, and administrators from service or other arts organizations. Congrats to all the showcasing artists selected, including SK's Amanda Hagel, Last Birds, Raven Reid, and Johner Brothers.

 

Afro TribesAfro Tribes Festival, Oct. 11 in Regina
featuring live music, cultural dance and performances, food & drinks and more, celebrating African culture & community.



 

artnowThe 10th edition of Art Now (October 2-5 in Regina) features two shows in one location. SaskGalleries has partnered with the Saskatchewan Craft Council to bring you the biggest fine art experience in Saskatchewan.⁠

The Opening Night Reception October 2 features music by "Pile of Bows, appetizers and door prizes.
From October 3-5, enjoy artist-talks, hands-on workshops, live music, artist demonstrations, and much more! Admission is by donation.⁠
⁠⁠International Trade Centre, REAL District, Regina.

 

Andrea Menard SIMAThe 3rd Annual Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards - October 11 at the EA Rawlinson Centre, Prince Albert. Special guests include Andrea Menard and Charlie Major. Tickets on sale now. Congratulations to all the nominees!

 
 

Culture Days all

Culture Days Music Workshops Have Begun! Through October 9

SaskMusic is pleased to present a series of FREE, all-ages music workshops as part of Culture Days in Saskatchewan. These are intended to give an overview and introduction to different topics with tips, tricks, and best practices.

Check out the upcoming workshops, learn about and register for one or more by clicking! Everyone welcome. Coming up:

Yorkton: 

Prince Albert:

Saskatoon:

Weyburn: 

Regina:

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

 
 

JUNO Nominations

JUNO Submissions Open Now

SaskMusic offering bursaries

The 2026 JUNO Awards Submissions Presented by TD Bank Group are open until November 7 at 1am SK. 

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

Sask Music bursary deadline: midnight November 10, 2025

Making a JUNO Awards nomination submission this year? We can 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.

 
 

Calling songwriters!

SaskMusic is currently seeking input regarding what topics YOU would like to see explored during this year's 2025-26 season of the Regina Songwriters' Group meetings. The meetups happen in Regina but most also offer the option to participate by Zoom.

We'd also like to hear your suggestions as to who you might want to see us bring in as a Special Guest!

Deadline to submit feedback is October 15, 2025!

Complete the survey here.

 
 

Saskatoon Songwriters

Saskatoon Songwriters Group meets October 5

The Saskatoon Songwriters Group will be meeting this Sunday, October 5 from 3-4 pm, at Studio 12, 9-1025 Boychuk Dr., hosted by Shelley Neumeier.

The theme of this meeting will be 'Song Scramble.' Choose three things: Object/Places/Emotion; for someone else to write a song on your picks. 

For more information, visit their Facebook page here. Proudly supported by SaskMusic.

 
 

Regina Songwriters

Next Regina Songwriters, October 19

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.

 
 

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.

 
 

Features

NEW RELEASES Wanted

We feature Saskatchewan new releases - singles, videos and albums on our social media and playlists. Learn more here!

 
 

Final call for Black Music Advisory interest

SaskMusic is currently seeking interested individuals to participate on our new Black Music Advisory Committee (BMAC), dedicated to uplifting and empowering the Black/African music community in Saskatchewan.

The committee will play a crucial role in guiding, advising, and supporting SaskMusic as we continue to better understand and meet the needs of Black (or those of African descent) artists, creators, and professionals in the province’s music industry.

Specifically, the committee will be consulted on various strategies, initiatives, and programs that ensure meaningful inclusion, representation, and support for Black musicians and artists in Saskatchewan, in an advisory capacity.

The deadline to express your interest is Friday, October 3, 2025.

If you are motivated to contribute your voice and help direct our organization toward a more equitable future, please visit the form.

 
 

SaskMusic attends BreakOut West 2025 in Winnipeg

SaskMusic was delighted to attend BreakOut West this year in Winnipeg from September 24-28, 2025. 

BreakOut West is an annual music event that includes an immersive, music development conference, and music festival hosted by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.

This year, eight Saskatchewan artists had official showcases at various venues in the city. Those included Big Tones, Connor Cassidy, Dead Ex Girlfriends, Gil & Wil, MELDODNA, Ponteix, Raven Reid, and The North Sound.

This year, SaskMusic was represented by five staff members, including Kaelen Klypak, Ben Valiaho, Miguel Fenrich, Rooky Jegede, and Denny Blackstar, who engaged with conference sessions, artists showcases, and the music community at large on behalf of Saskatchewan's music community. 

For more information about SaskMusic's export program that assists Saskatchewan artists in reaching new markets, visit our website.

 
 

Canadian Arts Coalition

SaskMusic supports 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

 

Workshops

 

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

 
 

F.A.M.E. - Foundations & Acceleration for Management Excellence - Deadline Oct 3

October 3, 2025

Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB) has determined there is a pipeline deficiency for Black music managers to export-level programs. Welcome to F.A.M.E. | Foundations & Acceleration for Management Excellence - a Black Music Managers program created fo...

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SaskMusic's Latest

 

Ponteix

Sask. Artists Pick up Three WCMAs

Saskatchewan artists Ponteix, Katie Tupper, and Dump Babes took home awards at this year's Western Canadian Music Awards in Winnipeg at BreakOut West on September 25, 2025.

Congratulations:

  • Ponteix for Francophone Artist of the Year
  • Katie Tupper for R&B Artist of the Year
  • Dump Babes for Recording of the Year

 

 
 

Natural Sympathies

Natural Sympathies takes stage at POP Montreal

The POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging and celebrated artistic talents from around the world.

This year, Saskatchewan's Natural Sympathies took the stage on September 27. Congratulations! For more information about their band, visit their website!

 
 

Shannon Josdal

Shannon Josdal elected to CLMA's Board of Directors

The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) celebrated its 11th year at its Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2025.

The AGM included the election of the 2025-26 Board of Directors. This year, Shannon Josdal, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Jazz Festival in Saskatoon and Past President of SaskMusic was elected to the Board of Directors. Congrats Shannon! 

For more information about the CLMA, visit their website here.

 
 

Make it Music

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, 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.

 
 

Canada Council for the Arts portal reopens

The Canada Council is pleased to share that the portal is accepting applications for the following additional programs:

  • Explore and Create: Artistic Creation
  • Arts Across Canada and Abroad: Micro-grants and Translation
  • Supporting Artistic Practice: Sector Support, Innovation and Development, and Composite Activities

Applications for these funding opportunities can be submitted through the Canada Council’s updated funding portal.

Visit the Updates to Funding Opportunities and Portal web page to view the full list of components now accepting applications.

 
 

Professional Development Opportunity: Black Canadian Music Manager Incubator Program

Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB) is proud to launch F.A.M.E. (Foundations & Acceleration for Management Excellence) — a brand new, free national incubator program designed to empower and equip Black Canadian music artist managers with the tools, kn...

Deadline: October 3, 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

 
 

Mentorship Opportunity: Women in Music Canada National Mentorship Program 2025

WIM Canada is excited to announce the launch of their national mentorship program!

The program is dedicated to connecting trans, non-binary and 2-spirit professionals from all different skill sets.

COHORT 3 - OPEN NOW

Sign-ups Open: September ...

Deadline: October 15, 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

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Youth Opportunity - Black Leadership & Mentorship Program by BPES – Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan)

Are you a Black youth or young adult in Saskatchewan passionate about arts, culture, or leadership?

We invite you to join the Black Leadership & Mentorship Program — a free hybrid program designed to empower the next generation of leaders through:

...

Deadline: October 20, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Broadcast Dialogue – Canadian Radio Awards 2026

For over 30 years, Broadcast Dialogue has served as Canada’s trusted source for broadcast industry insight, connection, and recognition. Founded by radio veteran Howard Christensen, the publication was born from a deep understanding of the industry’s i...

Deadline: October 27, 2025

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Performance Opportunity: Black History Month Saskatchewan 2026 by BPES

The BPES Music Show is back and it’s bigger than ever! Join us on February 7, 2026, during Black History Month, for an unforgettable night of music, creativity, and community celebration at Lakeview Church.

We’re currently seeking passionate individ...

Deadline: October 30, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Festival Opportunity - HI-Light Festival 2026

Hi-Light 2026 will be happening from April 8th to the 12th, 2026, in Edmonton, AB.

Some notes about the festival are as follows - 

  • All Ages Welcome
  • All Genre's Welcome
  • YES, You can submit if you have played the festival before
  • YES, You c...

Deadline: October 31, 2025

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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

 
 

Festival Opportunity - Ottawa Jazz Festival

Artist Applications are now open for Ottawa Jazz Festival 2026!

Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025, the Ottawa Jazz Festival’s programming continues to be a trailblazer in the complexities and explorations of jazz.

Get ready for an unforget...

Deadline: November 1, 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

 
 

Showcase Opportunity : Canada House at The Great Escape 2026

Application form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIMATGE26

CIMA will be returning to The Great Escape in Brighton, UK in May 2026! We will be hosting Canada House showcases on site and providing business opportunities for participating Canadian comp...

Deadline: November 10, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Education and Mentorship Opportunity: Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026

The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme (TLP) is a six-month training for women and gender-diverse individuals ready to lead change in the music industry. 

This programme equips future leaders with the tools to drive diversity, inclusion, equity a...

Deadline: November 15, 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

 
 

Song Contest: Great American Song contest 2025

The Great American Song Contest™ is a uniquely designed songwriting competition that offers these very opportunities — and benefits every songwriter, lyricist and composer who participates. Win prizes, get heard, gain feedback from industry professiona...

Deadline: November 20, 2025

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Award Opportunity: 2026 Women in Music Canada Honours

The 4th annual Women in Music Canada Honours are now live!

The Honours are designed to celebrate and uplift Canadian women, innovators, and creators across all genres who have achieved exceptional success in their field during the year of eligibilit...

Deadline: November 28, 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

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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

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Showcase opportunity - 2026 JUNOFest

For two jam-packed nights, JUNOfest will take over Hamilton’s most iconic stages and hidden gems featuring live music from every genre, coast to coast.

Ready to be part of Hamilton’s next big music moment? Whether you're a solo act or a full band, t...

Deadline: December 19, 2025

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SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY: NXNE Music Festival 2026 in Toronto!

NXNE is Canada’s most important discovery music festival, presenting thousands of essential emerging artists, often just before they break, from across Canada and around the world - since 1995. And applications to play the festival are now open.

Fro...

Deadline: December 31, 2025

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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

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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

 

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.

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Cultural Careers

 

The Community Arts Mentorship Program (CAMP) is a non-profit in Saskatchewan dedicated to procuring arts experiences, mentorship, and training opportunities in remote and under-served communities across the province.

They are currently seeking a Programming Assistant to assist with program coordination, grant reporting, financial management, charitable status, and various other tasks related to running a non-profit.

Join the team at Community Arts Mentorship Program in bringing arts experiences and programming to under-resourced communities in Saskatchewan, and help make the work a better place! Wage $25-$30/hr depending on experience, 10 hrs/week.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2025. 

For more information, visit their website.


To view more openings in cultural work, please view:

 
 
 

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Email: info@saskmusic.org
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