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Happy Holidays!
As the year comes to a close, now is the time to gather with family, friends, and the people we care about.
Our office will be closed to the public from December 22 to January 4. Regular hours will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Be sure to enjoy the Saskatchewan Holiday Playlist
This year's playlist features 90+ holiday and winter-themed tracks released by Saskatchewan artists - some new, some throwbacks, from traditional to contemporary. Listen on:
...and check out some live shows!
As ever, the most comprehensive Live Music Listings are packed with shows around the province. If you have a show coming up we haven't got yet, email the details to us!
See the calendar
Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season and a joyful New Year!
Are you ready to rock out at SaskMusic's inaugural Metal Summit?
SaskMusic is delighted to announce that you can now reserve discounted hotel rooms at our Metal Summit host hotel, which will be the Alt Hotel in Saskatoon (480 2 Ave S, Saskatoon).
To book, contact the hotel by phone (639) 398-0250 using the Group Name: 2026 SaskMusic
Delegates Room Block or use this link to book online. The block is first come, first served and may sell out, so book sooner than later!
The Metal Summit will include various conference sessions, such as: Band Self-Management, Meet the UK and European Agents, International Export and Touring, Touring in Canada, Meet the Festivals, Royalties, Managers vs Labels, Grants for Heavy Music, Marketing and Branding, and more!
The festival component of the summit will take place on February 27-28. The conference component will take place February 28-March 1.
Registration and tickets will be announced in January, along with the schedule and lineup. In the meantime, book those hotel rooms and get ready to rock out with us in Saskatoon next year!
Save the Date: 2026 Evolution Youth Music Summit
Are you interested in music - maybe as a musician, singer, songwriter, or aspiring producer - and want to learn more about performing and the music business? Evolution Youth Music Summit is back, this time in Saskatoon!
SaskMusic will be offering an exciting opportunity for youth (ages 14 to 25) to learn more about the business, while meeting music-loving peers. This full-day summit will be offered on February 20 and 21, featuring daytime panels and workshops along with evening showcases. You'll be able to pick which day you want to register for.
We'll have more information for you in January - so mark those calendars and get ready for a great music education event in Saskatoon!
Festivals, Venues, and Event Producers: We want your input!
SaskMusic is collecting input to determine if there is sufficient interest for us to present a Live Presenter Forum in spring 2026.
This event would invite live music presenters such as festivals, venues, and other live music producers and stakeholders to discuss tips, challenges and strategies towards a common goal of supporting the presentation of live music in our province, and building community among presenters.
Based on the feedback we collect, we will move ahead (or not) and refine the topics, location and timing!
To view sample agenda, and to give us your thoughts, please take the survey at this link.
SaskMusic supporting Bandswap Regina December 28
Bandswap Regina's musician slate was filled in record time this year! SaskMusic is excited to support the event in its twelfth year.
Get your tickets for an evening of great music and many laughs - and it's all for a good cause! All proceeds from the show go to Carmichael Outreach and Girls Rock Regina.
- Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Location: The Exchange, Regina
- Time: Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm
- Tickets: $15 advance/$20 at door and available at theexchangelive.ca and Vintage Vinyl.
For more information, visit their Facebook event here!
SaskMusic supporting Bandswap Saskatoon December 20
We are also thrilled to support Bandswap Saskatoon this year, December 20 at Amigos. At the time of writing, applications were still being accepted for musicians who want to participate..
Proceeds will benefit the Jill Mack Memorial Scholarship, supporting women and non-binary individuals pursuing a career in audio engineering.
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Location: Amigos, Saskatoon
- Time: 10 pm
- Tickets: Online via Showpass
Stay tuned for sponsors, door prizes, and more swapping fun, via the event page on Facebook!
Should we stay or should we go now?
Your thoughts are wanted on the Saskatchewan Music Awards!
Take our SMA survey here
Award shows are a way we can draw the attention of the general public and stakeholders to the exceptional talent in our province. Winners and nominees may see boosts in streams, show bookings, and media visibility – plus nominations are great to include in a portfolio/biography and grant applications.
We also strive to create a fun, community-centred event where artists and industry members from around the province can gather for a joyful evening of celebrating each other's successes.
In other words, award shows are economic and marketing drivers as much as cultural events.
We have presented the Saskatchewan Music Awards seven times now (including virtual versions during the pandemic). It's one of the largest events SaskMusic produces, and we feel it's time to collect feedback from our music community before moving forward with future editions.
This is your chance to let us know your candid thoughts and ideas. Take the survey when you have a few minutes in the next few weeks, please!
2026 Regina Songwriters Group Meetups
Save the dates for upcoming meetups of Regina Songwriters!
And definitely don't forget to sign up for our January 25, 7pm virtual session with the amazing Begonia! Everyone is welcome for this free, interactive presentation.
In 'Finding Your Creative Voice in a Changing Industry', Begonia will speak about her 20+ years in the industry and how she maintains her creative spark.
Click here to register.
The workshop will emphasize songwriting, covering topics such as cultivating your own original sound and voice, developing your artistic brand, collaborating with other writers and musicians, and maintaining a self-compassionate creative practice in an ever-changing industry.
Expect stories from Begonia’s journey, from her early days to the making of her latest album, Fantasy Life.
Begonia is the stage name of Winnipeg entertainer Alexa Dirks, who launched her solo career in 2017 with the EP "Lady in Mind," featuring the #1 CBC Radio single "Juniper." Her critically-acclaimed full-length albums "Fear" (2019) and "Powder Blue" (2023) have earned her two JUNO Award nominations and two Polaris Music Prize nominations. Begonia followed up with a three-song EP, “Open Swim” (2024) which received remarkable response across streaming platforms and radio.
Recognized by NPR as an "Artist You Need to Know," Begonia is celebrated by her core fans for her powerful live performances, which Noisey describes as “obliterating the misery from this world one live performance at a time." Her captivating stage presence has opened doors for her to perform at clubs, theatres, and festivals globally, connecting with audiences worldwide. Her newest full-length release “Fantasy Life” made its debut October 2025, via Birthday Cake Records.
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